Plumbers Business Insurance: Compare Coverage and Quotes for Your Business

While you may work hard to make sure homes run smoothly by installing pipes and fixing leaks, accidents on the job can still happen, which is why plumbers' business insurance can be crucial. Even the most skilled contractors rely on plumber insurance. Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) helps plumbing businesses compare business insurance options based on the work they do, the risks they face, and the coverage they may need.

Business insurance is not one size fits all. You may need more than one type of coverage, especially when working in client homes, using tools and materials on-site, driving to jobs, and when you need proof of insurance before starting a job. Read on to learn what plumbers' business insurance can cover and why you may need it for your operation.  

Compare plumbers insurance quotes for the coverage you need

Depending on your operation type and business needs, you can choose the coverage that will work for you. Plumbing businesses can have different insurance needs depending on whether they are:

• Solo operators
• Small crews
• Subcontractors
• Larger contractors

IIA can give you a range of options that fit various business needs. In addition to coverage types, quotes can also vary. Your price can be impacted by key factors like:

• Revenue
• Payroll
• Employees
• Vehicles
• Equipment
• Claims history
• Coverage limits you choose

Luckily, IIA serves as a comparison resource, so you can evaluate multiple insurance carriers and affordable quotes, choosing the one that makes the most sense for you.  

Get a personalized estimate online today, or speak with a licensed agent for a fast, free quote!

What does plumber’s liability insurance cover?

Providing plumbing services can come with its share of risks. Unfortunately, even when you do quality work, unexpected issues may arise, and your business could be responsible for the costs. Here are some common scenarios where general liability business insurance may help plumbing contractors or business owners:

• Property damage: If you or your employee installs a pipe that bursts and it causes damage to someone’s home, you could be responsible for fixing the damage to floors, walls, or belongings. Or you might accidentally damage a wall, tile, or fixture while completing a repair. General liability may help cover these repair costs.  
• Bodily injury: If a customer slips on a floor that was wet because of our work and they get injured, you may have to pay medical expenses or legal costs. Depending on your coverage, insurance may help pay those expenses.

General liability insurance is often the main coverage of a plumber’s business insurance policy. However, many plumbers also add other types of coverage for more financial protection.

Plumbers insurance cover options beyond general liability

Plumbing businesses often need more than just one type of insurance. While general liability is often a good starting point, most plumbers combine the coverage with others to better protect their work, tools, business, and finances.  

Some common coverages plumbers often need that you can consider are:

• Commercial general liability: Can help you navigate situations where your business is responsible for injuring a customer or damaging a client’s property while working
• Commercial auto insurance: Can help pay for damages to your work vehicle during an accident, which a personal auto policy may not cover
• Tools and equipment coverage: Can help pay for damaged or stolen equipment that you use for a job
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): Bundles general liability with property coverage into a policy for added protection
• Workers’ compensation: Can help pay for medical costs and lost wages for your employees’ work-related injuries
• Professional liability (when applicable):  Can help if a client claims your work caused a problem or financial loss

Of course, the coverage you need may depend on the size of your operation. For example, a solo plumber may choose to have only general liability and tools protection, while a larger contractor with employees, multiple vehicles, and more equipment may need a broader mix of coverage. It’s important to choose the right coverage for your situation.  

Who needs plumbers' insurance?

After what’s been covered, it’s possible you are still asking yourself, ‘Do I need plumbers' insurance?’  

If you’re a contractor that provides plumbing services, you may want business insurance as these services can come with their share of risks. Depending on your coverage, business insurance may help pay for damages from a covered accident on a worksite. Some contractors or businesses that could benefit from insurance include:

• Independent contractors: Self-employed plumbers may want insurance to help pay for damages during a plumbing job.
• Subcontractors: Plumbers who work under a general contractor may benefit from insurance to help pay for damages that may occur on job sites
• Plumbing companies: Businesses that employ multiple plumbers for larger projects may benefit from business insurance.  
• Service and repair providers: Business insurance may be beneficial for companies that offer additional services, like HVAC or drainage work.
• Remodeling contractors: Remodeling businesses that perform plumbing services may want insurance that may help pay for damages from work-site accidents.  
• Installation crews: Teams responsible for installing new systems like pipes, water systems, or fixtures may want coverage if something goes wrong during a setup.

Having plumbing contractors insurance can not only help lessen financial burdens but also meet job requirements. Often, landlords, general contractors, or commercial clients may require proof of insurance before work can begin. Luckily, with IIA, you can quickly obtain a certificate of insurance (COI) after your policy is paid for and active, so you can avoid delays in your work.  

Plumbing contractors insurance for jobsite and client risks

Whether completing jobs in residential or commercial sites, or doing small repairs vs. Work requiring larger crews, plumbers can face various day-to-day exposures that can make for costly situations. For example:

• Customer homes and businesses: Working in spaces with people present may increase chances for accidental injury to others.  
• Water damage risk: Even a slightly faulty installation can lead to significant and expensive water damage.  
• Slip hazards: Working with water pipes can lead to wet floors and create dangerous conditions.
• Tools on-site: Leaving equipment out at work sites can lead to injuries, damage, or even loss if stolen.  
• Equipment transport: Moving tools and materials between or to work sites can be risky, especially when using work vehicles (which is also why commercial auto insurance is important)
• Contract requirements: Often, certain clients may require proof of business insurance before you can begin work, and if you don’t have any, it could lead to delays or financial loss.

With the daily situations plumbers face, it’s often crucial to have business insurance to help avoid financial losses or other stressful situations. Depending on the business, plumbing contractors may need higher liability insurance limits, or additional coverage or policy types, such as commercial auto insurance. Speak with an IIA agent to find out which options may work for you.  

Plumbing insurance costs: What affects your rate?

Plumbing insurance costs for a business or contractor may vary widely based on your personal profile and business type. Some of the influencing factors include:  

• Business location: Areas like urban environments with higher claim frequencies may experience higher insurance costs.  
• Years of experience: New businesses may pay more for insurance until they establish a good claims history.  
• Services performed: The type of work you do, such as basic repairs or complex installations, can impact your risk level and premium.
• Employee count: Larger companies or those with more employees may expect bigger insurance rates due to increased risk.  
• Payroll: A higher payroll can lead to higher costs, because of increased labor hours.
• Revenue: Higher revenue may mean a higher premium, as larger operations often take on bigger projects.
• Vehicles used for work: The number of vehicles, their makes, models, and use can affect insurance costs.
• Tools/equipment value: The more valuable your tools and equipment, typically the more it may cost to insure them.
• Claims history: A history of multiple claims may increase your premium.  
• Coverage limits and deductibles: Higher coverage limits may lead to increased premiums for your business.  

To find an accurate quote and get affordable plumbing business insurance options, contact Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. at 1-855-478-3705.   

What information do you need for plumbers’ insurance quotes?

While it may seem intimidating at first, it often doesn’t take much to get a quote for plumbers’ insurance. Here are the details and documents you’ll typically want on hand:

• Business name and contact information
• Services performed (repair, installation, etc.)
• Revenue
• Payroll and/or employee count
• Years in business
• Claims history
• Vehicles or tools used for work
• Requested coverage limits

Usually, the process of getting a quote is straightforward. You’ll fill out a short application with business details, review coverage options, and then make selections based on your needs. From there, you can get proof of coverage or a COI once you pay, often the same day with IIA.