Insurance for plumbers and plumbing contractors

Describe routine service, remodeling and new construction as separate parts of the business. Identify any sewer, septic, excavation, gas-line or other specialized work and whether it is performed directly or subcontracted. Explain the types of buildings and customers you serve.

An application based only on the word plumber can leave important details unresolved. Use a few recent project descriptions to show what a normal job involves, without sharing a customer's private information.

A customer may allege that a completed repair caused damage elsewhere in a building. That allegation raises different questions from replacing an incorrectly installed part or redoing your own work. Ask the broker to explain the relevant liability coverage and exclusions for each situation.

Do not assume a customer's homeowners policy or your business property policy resolves your liability. Describe the possible loss and review the proposed policy's response. The outcome of an actual claim depends on the facts and policy wording.

Separate hand tools from higher-value diagnostic or drain equipment. Include rented machinery, trailers and materials awaiting installation. Note whether equipment is stored at your premises, left in service vehicles or kept temporarily at a project.

Ask about tools and inland marine coverage, limits for unscheduled items, valuation and theft conditions. Review work vehicles separately, including their drivers and operating area. Damage to a van and loss of equipment carried inside it can involve different coverages.

Provide revenue and payroll estimates, job duties and the states where employees work. Bring any current policies and loss information requested by the insurer. If the business uses subcontractors, explain their role and provide available documentation rather than assuming their coverage settles every responsibility.

Customer contracts may ask for specified limits, additional-insured terms or evidence of completed-operations protection. Submit the actual requirements. A certificate is a summary; endorsements and carrier review may be needed before the requested documents can be confirmed.

• Service, installation and specialized-work descriptions.
• Revenue, payroll, operating states and subcontractor use.
• Equipment values, rental arrangements and overnight storage.
• Vehicle schedule, current coverage and customer contract requirements.