Plumbing Insurance from Massachusetts Specialists

Roger Keith & Sons

What is plumbing insurance? 

Operating a plumbing business presents some unavoidable risks. From car accidents to stolen tools, Massachusetts plumbers may protect themselves against a range of risks by getting plumbing insurance.

Plumbing insurance is a specialized type of commercial insurance designed for plumbers and their businesses. Policies may protect against an array of property and liability risks.

Who in Massachusetts is plumbers insurance for? 

Most plumbers in Massachusetts should have plumbers insurance. Not insuring can lead to disastrous financial consequences if there’s a major accident, disaster or other event.

For example, residential plumbers, commercial plumbers, self-employed plumbers and statewide companies might all get this type of policy. HVAC services that do plumbing usually need these coverages too, although they might look for a more expansive policy that has additional protections for HVAC work.

In some situations, certain coverages might not just be recommended but required. Almost every plumber needs some type of commercial auto coverage for their work van or truck. Commercial plumbers working on larger projects may find that their contracts require certain liability coverages.

The easiest way to get these and other important coverages is often through a plumbers policy..

What protections are included within plumbing policies? 

Plumbing policies generally offer a suite of coverage options. Depending upon a specific policy, the options can include:

• General Liability Coverage: Might guard against basic third-party injuries or property damage from common (non-auto) accidents.
• Errors and Omissions Coverage: Might guard against liabilities due to incorrect professional advice given to clients.
• Commercial Umbrella Coverage: Might protect with an additional layer of liability coverage, in case of especially costly lawsuits. 
• Commercial Property Coverage: Might protect buildings, equipment and inventory owned by the plumber or business.
• Inland Marine Coverage: Might protect equipment and inventory while in transit to or from job sites.
• Installation Floater Coverage: Might protect supplies, from the time they are purchased until they’re installed.
• Commercial Auto Coverage: Might protect company vehicles, namely vans and trucks, against both accident and non-accident-related risks.

Do plumbers policies cover gas work?

Some plumbers policies are able to provide coverage for working with gas, provided the policyholder is appropriately qualified. Not all policies include this protection.

If coverage for working on gas lines is needed, plumbers should work with an insurance agent who specializes in plumbers insurance to get the right coverage.

Do plumbers need to have workers compensation coverage? 

As mandated by Massachusetts law, most plumbing entities with employees are required to secure workers compensation coverage. This is a broad requirement of almost all employers in the state. Its purpose is largely to help ensure that workers will receive financial assistance if they suffer a covered job-related injury.

Thus, plumbing businesses with employees normally need to get this coverage. It may be included in some plumbers policies, or purchased separately. Sole proprietors without employees might not need it.

Can a single plumbers policy cover both residential and commercial work?

Policies that afford coverage for both residential and commercial work are readily available. An experienced insurance agent can confirm that a chosen plumbers policy adequately covers both.

How can plumbers obtain a certificate of insurance? 

A certificate of insurance is a document verifying that an insurance policy is in place. It might be required in order to secure certain jobs (usually commercial ones).

If a COI is needed, this is something that an experienced insurance agent can assist with. They’re regularly provided without issue, so long as coverage is indeed in place.

How much does plumbers insurance cost?

Premiums for plumbers policies are subject to variation, influenced by several factors including the range of services provided, business location, service area, business size, and claims history, among others. To obtain a precise quote, it’s advisable to consult with an independent insurance agent who can facilitate comparisons across various providers.

Where can plumbers find plumbing insurance? 

For help finding plumbing insurance in Massachusetts, contact the independent insurance agents at Roger Keith & Sons. Our team will make sure you and your business are protected well.