What Kind Of Insurance Does A Plumber Need?

Plumbers need business insurance — just like any other business. But, a plumbing business is not the same as any other business. The nature of the job adds in a few unique risks that you should pay close attention to when you buy insurance. 

Water Damage 

No matter how careful you are, you're almost certain to make a few mistakes during your plumbing career. Hopefully, you can just come out to redo the job. And hopefully your costs will be minor, such as paying for a little paint. However, you've probably seen firsthand the expensive structural damage that a hidden leak can cause before the homeowner finally notices something was wrong. If the leak happens in an area you worked on, you may have the homeowner and their insurance company coming after you for the repair costs. 

For this type of risk, you need a professional liability policy that covers errors and negligence in your work. Many insurance companies sell this coverage as a special plumbers liability insurance package. General business insurance policies may not protect your actual plumbing work, or they may charge higher rates to cover your plumbing work. So, be sure to read the policy if you're looking at general insurance. 

Client Injuries During Work 

Sometime, your clients might hover while you work. When they do this, they’re not just a mild nuisance. If they trip over your tools, they may blame you for creating an unsafe situation and sue you. Similarly, if you have equipment on the ground outside and someone trips over it, you may also be liable. This is where general liability insurance can help you. 

Lost And Damaged Tools 

When you're trying to get jobs done efficiently, it can be hard to safeguard all your equipment. If you leave your truck or public worksite unattended for a few minutes, a criminal has an opportunity to rob you. You may also lose equipment if you're ever in a serious accident, or if your truck catches on fire. 

An important thing to keep in mind is which insurance you think applies. If it's property insurance that comes with your building, will it apply when your equipment is in your truck? If it's property insurance that's part of your commercial auto policy, will it apply when you had your tools out on a job? You may need to purchase multiple types of business insurance to avoid gaps in coverage.