From lifting heavy objects to cutting, dressing, and laying stone and brick, masonry contractors are highly susceptible to accidents on the job.
Having masonry insurance in place can help protect your business from financial losses that may result from claims and lawsuits as a result of accidents and injuries on the job.
Why Do Masonry Contractors Need Insurance?
Masonry contractors work with heavy tools and equipment in order to cut, dress, and lay stone and brick. As they work in an environment where the simplest of mistakes can lead to an accident, having masonry contractor's insurance in place is of crucial importance as it will safeguard the financial standing of the business in the unfortunate event of an accident or an injury.
For instance, while an employee cuts a big chunk of stone, it accidentally falls on their leg and breaks it. In such a case, the employee will likely sue its employer, which would be the masonry contractor, and without insurance, the business will have to pay out of pocket.
It’s also not a rare occurrence for a masonry contractor to damage their customer's property. Having masonry insurance in place will help you cover the costs associated with the client’s reimbursement for the damages.
Sometimes, a contractor’s tools or equipment are stolen or lost while moving between job sites. Having an insurance policy in place will cover all the associated expenses with your tools and equipment.
Whatever the case may be, having masonry contractor’s insurance in place will save you a tremendous amount of money and headaches in the event of an accident.
What Types of Insurance Do Masonry Contractors Need?
The type of clients you serve, the number of employees you have, the state you operate out of, and many other factors will determine the level of coverage your masonry business needs.
Below, you can read further about the most recommended insurance policies for masonry contractors.
How Much Does Masonry Contractors Insurance Cost?
When deciding on the right insurance policy for your masonry contracting business, many factors can come into play and influence the total amount you have to pay.
The average masonry contractor in the United States pays between $70 and $80 per month in general liability insurance. This policy will cover your business from any claims and lawsuits relating to bodily injuries and property damage.
For masonry contractors with employees, workers’ compensation insurance is necessary. This policy will cover hospital expenses, lost wages, physical rehabilitation, and more in the event of an accident. This insurance policy - which is a legal requirement in most states costs an average of $275 per month, totaling $3,295 per year.
Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance can help masonry contractors recover some of the losses incurred from lost, damaged, or stolen equipment. This policy costs approximately $15 per month or $180 per year.
For masonry contractors that have company vehicles, commercial auto insurance is necessary. On average, contractors in the industry pay $150 per month or $1,800 per year for it. The policy will cover your vehicles, staff, and any third party involved in case of a road accident.
Finally, professional liability insurance - also known as errors & omissions (E&O) insurance - covers legal fees arising from lawsuits made by clients. It also covers expenses related to negligence and other professional mistakes. This insurance policy will cost you around $85 per month, totaling $1,000 per year.
Typical Masonry Contractors Insurance Claims
Masonry is one of the oldest professions in history, and as with any job, they also face a certain degree of risk.
Some of the insurance claims masonry contractors make are related to injuries resulting from accidents at a construction site, property damage, and sometimes, claims and lawsuits initiated by clients because of professional mistakes.