Do plumbers need business insurance?

Yes. Plumbers rock blue jeans and a tool belt, not a suit and a briefcase. It doesn’t matter about the look– if you get paid for providing goods or services, then you are, in fact, a business person.

Running a business is hard work. And keeping your clients’ homes and businesses safe from water, gas and other dangers comes with a lot of risks and liabilities. It also takes time and dedication. Insurance is incredibly important because it protects what you’ve worked so hard for. Without it, your business and personal assets could be at stake.

What kinds of insurance are best for plumbers?

Plumbers visit clients’ properties all day long, which requires certain types of protection. Workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance are a great place to start.

What is workers’ compensation insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance provides protection to yourself and your employees should someone fall ill or get injured due to work-related duties.

Workers’ comp coverage includes:

  • Medical costs incurred by getting hurt or sick on the job
  • Return to work and recovery services
  • Employers liability coverage, should an employee file a lawsuit
  • Lost wage reimbursement
Work-related injuries can be very expensive. And you don’t want to be caught with the bill if something happens to you or an employee. Having workers’ compensation protects you from having to pay for hefty medical bills due to work-related injuries.

Plumber Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is a no-brainer for plumbers because it protects you from many of the risks you face when you make home and office visits for a living.

General liability policy benefits include:

  • Property damage: If you accidentally bust a pipe and cause damage to someone’s new hardwood floors, this will help.
  • Bodily injury: If someone slips in a puddle of water around your work area and sprains their wrist, general liability will cover medical costs.
  • Personal/advertising injury: If you talk poorly about a client on your lunch break and it somehow gets back to them, this coverage will help if they file a lawsuit.
  • Court costs: Legal fees and lawyers’ fees are also covered in this policy should you face a lawsuit.
$35.6 billion
Small businesses pay $35.6 billion out of pocket to settle claims each year.
890,000
That’s equal to 890,000 electric cars.

Are there additional insurance coverages plumbers should consider?

Yep, there sure are. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

  • Business auto: This coverage extends protection to vehicles owned by your business.
  • Hired & non-owned auto: If you want to make sure your company is protected against accidents involving vehicles you rent, borrow, or hire, this endorsement is a safe bet. It also protects your business against non-owned vehicles, like if an employee who uses their personal vehicle to perform work duties gets in an accident.
  • Business property: Protect your commercial property from fire, theft, natural disasters, and vandalism. If you can’t perform your work due to damages, business property also covers loss of income. Note: If you keep your work tools at home under the impression that they’re covered by your homeowners’ policy, you’re right– but only up to $500-worth of commercial property damages.
  • Inland marine: If your tools leave your business premises, you’re going to want this policy because your business property coverage typically ends after you’re more than 500 feet away from your business premises. Inland marine covers your work gear while in transit.

So, what are you waiting for?

Talk to an agent or get a quote. It’s totally free– no hidden fees and no obligation. With over 30 years of experience, we’ll compare top insurers to save you time and money.