General Liability Insurance For Handymen: Three Things You Should Know

General liability insurance can cover different types of claims and damage, depending on the type of business you run. For handymen, there are certain things your insurance policy should cover to give you the best possible level of coverage. Before you choose an insurance provider and coverage plan, use this guide to make sure you have the right policy for your business.

Completed Operations Coverage

For handymen and contractors, liability doesn't end after you've completed your work and packed up your tools. Completed operations coverage protects you and your business even after each project is completed. This type of inclusion on your policy can offer protection if someone is injured at a location you performed work at. An example of this might be someone slipping and falling on a staircase you installed in a building. Even though the work has been completed, you could potentially be held responsible for the injury. Your general liability coverage would cover the approved costs if the policy includes completed operations coverage.

Premises And Operations Coverage

Because your business takes place at different locations, you should have premises and operations coverage in your general liability policy. These two products are typically bundled together. Premises coverage protects you against injuries or damage sustained at your primary place of business, such as your workshop or business office. Operations coverage, on the other hand, follows you and your employees to customer job sites to extend the same level of protection to wherever your business is operating.

Handyman Insurance

Some handymen who work for themselves can opt for handyman insurance instead. This policy covers you and your business, but does not extend to employees or a business premises, such as an office or workshop. It is ideal if you work for yourself, whether you work the occasional odd job or you work full-time. Remember that just because you don't have anyone working for you doesn't mean that you don't need coverage. You can still be sued for damage to persons or property resulting from your work, so it is important to have coverage for all the jobs you perform as a handyman.

Your insurance carrier, like Atlantic Insurance & Benefits or a similar location, can help you to determine the right policy for your needs. If you employ a group of handymen, look for general liability insurance that covers all your employees, or look for an individual handyman policy if you work alone. Make sure that you have coverage in place before you take on a job for a customer so you can be sure your business is protected.