Protect Your Plumbing Business with General Liability Insurance in Illinois
Part of our guide to plumbers insurance in Illinois.
Many plumbers in Illinois mistakenly believe they don't need General Liability Insurance, but the state's severe winters and plaintiff-friendly courts make it a necessity. General Liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims, which can devastate a small business. In Illinois, you need General Liability to protect your business from costly claims. Without it, you risk financial ruin and loss of reputation. The state's unique environment, including ice storms and flooding along the Chicago River, increases the likelihood of accidents and subsequent claims.
General Liability cost for plumbers in Illinois
Illustrative monthly general liability estimate for a small plumber operation in Illinois. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.
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What General Liability Covers for Plumbers in Illinois
General Liability Insurance for plumbers in Illinois covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. This means that if a client or visitor slips and falls on your job site, or if you accidentally damage a customer's property while working, General Liability will pay for the resulting damages. However, it does not cover damage to your own tools and equipment, which would be covered under a separate policy like Tools & Equipment Insurance. For example, if you are working on a job site in Naperville and accidentally break a customer's pipe, General Liability will cover the cost of repairs. On the other hand, if your own truck is damaged in an accident while driving to a job site, that would be covered under a Commercial Auto policy.
Do Plumbers in Illinois Need General Liability?
While General Liability Insurance is not legally required for plumbers in Illinois, it is often contractually required by clients and contractors. Most general contractors, commercial property managers, and municipal clients require plumbers to carry at least $1 million in general liability coverage before they are allowed on a job site. Additionally, many clients require the plumber to be listed as an additional insured on the certificate. Without General Liability, you risk being turned away from job sites and losing business opportunities. Furthermore, if you are found liable for an accident or damage, you could be facing costly lawsuits and financial ruin. In cities like Chicago and Aurora, the risk of accidents and subsequent claims is higher due to the severe winters and congested job sites.
A Real General Liability Claim a Plumber Could Face
Joliet Plumbing was working on a job site in Joliet when one of their employees accidentally damaged a customer's water heater, causing $10,000 in damages. The customer sued Joliet Plumbing for the cost of repairs and won. Fortunately, Joliet Plumbing had General Liability Insurance, which covered the cost of the damages and legal fees. Without General Liability, Joliet Plumbing would have had to pay out of pocket, potentially bankrupting the business. The claim was settled for $15,000, including legal fees, and Joliet Plumbing was able to continue operating without interruption.
What General Liability Costs for Plumbers in Illinois
The estimated General Liability premium for plumbers in Illinois is $40-$120/month, varying depending on factors like revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. For example, a plumber with a high revenue and large payroll may pay more for General Liability than a smaller plumbing business. Additionally, the cost of General Liability can be affected by the state's unique environment, including severe winters and flooding along the Chicago River, which can increase the likelihood of accidents and subsequent claims. To lower your premium, you can consider increasing your deductible, reducing your coverage limits, or bundling General Liability with other core policies.
How to Get General Liability in Illinois
To get General Liability Insurance in Illinois, you'll need to gather some information about your business, including your revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. You'll also want to consider what deductible and coverage limits are right for your business. It's a good idea to work with an insurance agent who understands the specific risks and challenges faced by plumbers in Illinois. They can help you compare rates and find the best policy for your business. In cities like Chicago and Naperville, it's especially important to have General Liability Insurance to protect your business from the unique risks and challenges of working in a congested and plaintiff-friendly environment. By bundling General Liability with your other core policies, you can often lower your total premium and get the protection you need to succeed. Get your quote today and start protecting your plumbing business from unexpected accidents and claims.
Frequently asked questions
Will my General Liability premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes, it may increase. The amount of the increase will depend on the severity of the claim and your claims history. However, having General Liability Insurance can still save you money in the long run by protecting you from costly lawsuits and financial ruin. Additionally, some insurance carriers offer claim forgiveness or other incentives to help mitigate the impact of a claim on your premium.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes, many insurance carriers can provide a certificate of insurance (COI) same-day or within 24 hours. Some carriers may also offer online portals or other tools to make it easier to get a COI when you need it.
Does a sole proprietor need General Liability?＋
Yes, even sole proprietors need General Liability Insurance to protect their business from third-party claims. As a sole proprietor, you are personally liable for any accidents or damages that occur on the job site, which can put your personal assets at risk. Having General Liability Insurance can help protect your business and personal assets from unexpected claims and financial ruin. Additionally, many clients require sole proprietors to have General Liability Insurance before hiring them for a job.
What's not covered by General Liability?＋
General Liability Insurance does not cover damage to your own tools and equipment, which would be covered under a separate policy like Tools & Equipment Insurance. It also does not cover workers' compensation claims, which would be covered under a Workers' Compensation policy. Additionally, General Liability does not cover professional errors or omissions, which would be covered under a Professional Liability policy.
Can I cancel my General Liability policy at any time?＋
Yes, you can typically cancel your General Liability policy at any time, but you may be subject to a penalty or fee for early cancellation. Additionally, you should consider the potential risks and consequences of not having General Liability Insurance, including the possibility of costly lawsuits and financial ruin. It's generally recommended to work with an insurance agent to find a policy that meets your needs and budget, rather than canceling and going without coverage.
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Other coverages plumbers in Illinois should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Illinois change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Illinois Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.