Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Lizzy Kate
Having fire sprinkler contractor insurance is one of the most innovative and practical investments you can make for your business. It will help you protect yourself financially when disaster strikes and legally when lawsuits come your way. This business insurance will help you pay for medical bills, disability, and lost wages if one of your employees gets hurt or sick while working. This type of coverage is also a legal requirement in most states for businesses that have employees.
Workers’ Compensation
Fire sprinklers are a lifesaving system that can dramatically reduce the damage caused by a building fire. The contractors that design, fabricate, install, test, and repair them help protect people, buildings, and valuables from destruction by creating systems that detect smoke and fire to prevent a disaster from occurring.
Insurance for fire sprinkler contractors covers accidents that may occur on the jobsite. This type of insurance includes workers’ compensation, which pays for medical expenses, legal costs, and lost wages when an employee is injured while performing work.
This coverage also includes property damages coverage. When inanimate objects are harmed while working on a sprinkler system installation, this can consist of walls, doors, and even the ceiling of the building. If you cause a property damage claim, this insurance pays for repairs and related costs without requiring lengthy legal procedures or judgment awards.
General Liability
Fire sprinkler contractors are responsible for designing, installing, and repairing automated systems that detect smoke or fire. These systems are essential to the safety of a building’s occupants and contents, as they can prevent or contain a fire before it spreads too far. Accidents can still occur even with all the safety precautions taken and personnel adequately trained in installation methods. General liability is a business insurance policy that helps pay for damages your company may be responsible for. Examples include:
- Completed operations coverage safeguards you if a client believes your work brought on their injuries.
- Bodily injury claims occur when someone is hurt at your workplace or on the job site.
- Property damage that could result from using your services.
Additional add-ons: you can include umbrella or excess liability insurance in your general liability policy. These will increase the limits of your primary policy and provide you with increased financial protection for a more significant job.
Surety Bond
Most states and many clients require bonding for fire safety contractors. This type of insurance offers a financial guarantee that you will fulfill specific obligations, such as working up to the standards outlined in your license and permit. Unlike general liability, which covers property damage to third parties and lawsuits, bonding companies pay out claims based on your violation of the terms of your bond agreement. However, you will then be expected to reimburse them for the share.
There are several types of bonds, each with unique requirements and purposes. For example, bid and performance bonds are used to ensure that a contractor will enter into a contract when awarded a bid and complete a project according to the contract terms. Licensing and permit bonds guarantee compliance with local, state, or federal licensing and permit regulations. Other bonds guarantee payment of tax or financial obligations. To qualify for a surety bond, you must meet specific criteria, including credit scores, work experience, and company income.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Whether you own a small fleet of commercial vehicles or have one van that you use to haul equipment and supplies, a good business auto policy is crucial. It provides all the standard coverages in regular auto insurance policies, including liability, collision, medical payment, and uninsured motorist protection.
But it also adds comprehensive coverage. It protects your business when damages are caused by things other than wrecks. This part of your policy covers theft, floods, hail, vandalism, and fires.
Your policy can be tailored with optional coverages like hired and non-owned auto insurance, lease gap insurance, and drive-other car coverage. These are all helpful additions since they give your business extra protection when employees use personal vehicles or different types of vehicles to conduct business functions. They may get in a car accident or damage your company truck when taking it out for repairs.
Also Read: Business Continuity: Creating a Responsive Plan in The Event of a Disaster