• Inland Marine Insurance
• Commercial Auto Insurance
Contractors are exposed to a number of risks simply by the work they do. Work-related errors, equipment breakdowns, damage sustained by supplies and liability suits are just some of the perils they face. Contractors insurance policies help contracting businesses in Vermont protect themselves from many of the risks they’re exposed to.
Contractors insurance is a specialized form of commercial insurance that’s written with contractors in mind. Most contractors policies are package policies, which means they have multiple individual coverages that work together to form a web of protection against risks that come with working in the contracting industry.
Most Vermont contractors can benefit from the protections offered in a contractors policy. This includes general contractors, as well as tradespeople (electricians, HVAC service providers, plumbers, etc.). Businesses in these industries generally need coverage regardless of how large or small they are, or how they’re legally structured.
While practically all contractors face risks, the risks contractors face aren’t uniform. In order to meet contractors’ varied insurance needs, the individual coverages included in contractors policies can vary. Some of the coverages that a policy might have are:
General liability insurance and contractors liability insurance typically help pay legal fees and settlements associated with covered liability lawsuits. The equipment coverages normally help protect equipment from certain causes of damage.
In most cases, contractors liability insurance and the other coverages listed don’t offer protection for employee injuries. Injuries that workers suffer are generally covered by workers compensation insurance, which most contracting businesses that have employees are required to carry.
Workers compensation insurance is normally purchased separately from a contractors policy, but an insurance agent who’s familiar with contractors policies can likely also assist with finding a workers compensation policy.
A certificate of insurance is a document that serves as proof that a contractor (or any other business) carries the insurance that’s listed. Potential clients may ask to see a certificate before hiring a contractor so that they know the contractor is properly insured.
Contractors usually receive a certificate of insurance when they get their policy’s initial paperwork. If this original certificate is lost, an insurance agent will either know how to request another certificate.
Our business was with the same trusted agent for over 20 years. Mike Bancroft offered to evaluate our policies and see if he could save us some money on both Workmen's Comp and general liability. He did, and in the process even moved us to better coverage. Mike also offers a superb quality of service. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Mike Bancroft has been great to work with. He has assisted with my Business Auto, Tool Coverage, Homeowners and all other types of insurance needs. I wouldn't be surprised if they change their name to Paige, Campbell & Bancroft soon!
Extremely prompt, personable, and professional service! Despite only needing a workers' comp policy for one employee, Paige & Campbell was very receptive and ensured to shop my policy around to ensure I received a great price that was almost half of what another broker quoted me.
Insurance companies take into account many factors when determining contractors policies’ premiums. A few of the items insurers might consider include:
This is just a sampling of the many factors insurers may look at.
Because contractors policies’ coverages vary, policies must be carefully compared to one another. Only after a detailed assessment of each available policy is completed can contactors confidently choose the option that’s best for them.
For help comparing policies, contractors in Vermont should contact an independent insurance agent who specializes in contractors insurance. An independent, specialized agent will be able to compare all available policies, and they’ll know how to accurately compare the coverages in different policies.
Barre
P.O. Box 469
297 North Main Street
Barre, VT 05641
(802) 476-6631
Bradford
P.O. Box 392
25 North Main Street
Bradford, VT
(802) 222-5222
Waitsfield
5197 Main Street, Suite 3
Waitsfield, VT 05673
(802) 496-3118
This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication.
Mike Bancroft is simply an amazing agent. When my business got burglarized, I was so upset and didn't know what to do. I contacted Mike and he was very prompt in calling me back and he put my mind at ease. He made me feel so much better and handled all of the paperwork immediately. His customer service is top notch and I highly recommend him to be your insurance agent!