A plumber’s license confirms that the service provider has obtained proper training and qualifications to perform their job safely and effectively. A licensed plumber can purchase the necessary insurance for his/her business. Insurance protects both the plumber and the customer. We’ll discuss three reasons to hire an insured plumber here.
Table of Contents
1. Protection for Property Damage and Accidents
General Liability Insurance (GLI) is a basic type of business insurance policy that protects a plumber from legal claims resulting from accidents and damage that occur on the job site. For instance, if the plumber accidentally breaks a pipe and water leaks onto the homeowner’s furnishings below, GLI will cover the damage and repairs.
GLI also covers medical payments if bodily harm is caused to the customer. Let’s say a homeowner accidentally slips and falls on the water that was caused by the leak. This insurance policy will cover medical bills associated with the injury.
It will also help cover any legal fees if the client decides to sue the plumber due to the loss of wages that are incurred while the injured party is recovering from the fall. This is helpful for the plumber so he/she can respond effectively and quickly to the lawsuit.
2. Safeguards Against Injuries
You want a plumber who also carries Workers’ Compensation Insurance (WCI) for their employees. WCI provides medical, rehabilitation, and wage replacement benefits to those who have sustained injuries or illnesses while working on a job.
Plumbing work is very physical. Tradespeople can sustain muscle injuries from lifting fixtures and appliances, incur lacerations from cutting tools, or get ill from gas and sewage exposure. These are just examples of things that can happen on a job site that require medical treatment and possible loss of wages.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is mandatory in most of the United States. It is intended to cover medical bills, prescription costs, physical therapy, home health care, and more from accidents that happen at the plumber’s workplace or on the job site. This insurance coverage protects the plumber, the employees, and the customer.
3. Protects Plumber’s Belongings
Additional insurance policies that a plumber needs to carry are Commercial Property Insurance and Commercial Vehicle Insurance.
Commercial Property and Equipment Insurance protects a business location and equipment from damage due to natural disasters, vandalism, and theft. This policy covers a building or storage space as well as its contents. It also protects the contents in a van or truck. You want your plumber to have this if the truck contents that are damaged are intended for your home or office.
Commercial Auto Insurance is necessary when the plumber uses a van or truck for business purposes and is required in most states. This insurance covers accidents, injuries, and vehicle damage while using a vehicle for work. Imagine a tree branch drops on a commercial vehicle while it is parked at your job site and smashes the windshield. This policy will take care of that.
To Sum it Up
A plumber who is licensed and insured is an asset. Commercial insurance protects the plumber, the employees, and the customer. The most important policies a professional plumber should carry are General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Property, and Commercial Auto.
