Protect Your Roofing Business with General Liability Insurance in Hawaii
Part of our guide to roofers insurance in Hawaii.
A roofer in Kailua recently faced a $100,000 claim for damaging a client's property. General Liability Insurance would have covered this claim. You need General Liability to protect your business from third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. General Liability is the foundational policy nearly every small business needs, including roofers in Hawaii. Without it, you risk financial devastation. General Liability Insurance covers claims that your business is liable for, such as a client slipping on a roof or a passerby being hit by a falling object.
General Liability cost for roofers in Hawaii
Illustrative monthly general liability estimate for a small roofer operation in Hawaii. 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 Roofers in Hawaii
General Liability Insurance pays for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. For example, if you accidentally damage a client's property while working on their roof, General Liability will cover the cost of repairs. It also covers claims for slip-and-fall accidents or other injuries that occur on your job site. However, General Liability does not cover damage to your own equipment or vehicles, which is typically covered by a separate policy. Additionally, it does not cover workers' compensation claims, which are covered by a separate policy. You need to understand what General Liability covers and what it does not to ensure you have the right protection for your business.
Do Roofers in Hawaii Need General Liability?
General contractors and commercial property owners in Hawaii almost universally require roofing subcontractors to carry General Liability Insurance, along with workers' compensation, before allowing them to work on a project. This is because General Liability protects the client or property owner from potential claims arising from your work. Without General Liability, you may not be able to secure contracts or work with certain clients. Furthermore, if you are found liable for a claim and do not have General Liability Insurance, you could be held personally responsible, which could put your business and personal assets at risk. In Hilo, for example, a roofer without General Liability might struggle to find clients willing to take on that risk.
A Real General Liability Claim a Roofer Could Face
A roofer in Kapolei was working on a client's roof when a tool fell and damaged the client's car. The client sued the roofer for $50,000 in damages. The roofer had General Liability Insurance, which covered the cost of the claim. If the roofer did not have General Liability, they would have been personally responsible for the damages, which could have put their business at risk. The claim was settled for $40,000, which was paid by the General Liability Insurance policy. The roofer was able to continue working without interruption, thanks to the protection of their General Liability Insurance.
What General Liability Costs for Roofers in Hawaii
The cost of General Liability Insurance for roofers in Hawaii varies depending on several factors, including business size, revenue, and claims history. On average, premiums range from $45-$125 per month. However, this cost can be affected by the unique risks associated with roofing in Hawaii, such as volcanic activity and lava flow risk on the Big Island, and tropical storm and hurricane exposure during Pacific storm season. Additionally, the high cost of replacement materials and labor due to island supply chain constraints can also impact the cost of General Liability Insurance. By understanding these factors and shopping around for quotes, you can find a General Liability Insurance policy that fits your budget and provides the protection you need for your business.
How to Get General Liability in Hawaii
To get General Liability Insurance in Hawaii, you should start by gathering information about your business, including your revenue, payroll, and claims history. You should also consider the level of coverage you need, as well as the deductible and premium costs. It's a good idea to shop around for quotes from different insurance providers to compare prices and coverage options. In Honolulu, for example, you may be able to find a General Liability Insurance policy that meets your needs and budget. By bundling General Liability with your other core policies, such as workers' compensation and commercial auto, you may be able to lower your total premium costs. Get your quote today and protect your roofing business from unexpected claims.
Frequently asked questions
Will my General Liability premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes. Your premium may increase after a claim. However, the amount of the increase will depend on the severity of the claim and your overall claims history. If you have a history of frequent or severe claims, your premium may increase more significantly. On the other hand, if you have a clean claims history, your premium may not increase as much. It's also worth noting that some insurance providers offer premium discounts for businesses with good safety records or those that implement risk-reducing measures.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. Many insurance providers offer same-day COI issuance for General Liability Insurance. However, this may depend on the complexity of your policy and the speed of the underwriting process. Some providers may also offer online portals or mobile apps that allow you to generate a COI instantly. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to confirm their COI issuance process and timeline.
Does a sole proprietor need General Liability?＋
Yes. Even as a sole proprietor, you still need General Liability Insurance to protect your business from third-party claims. As a sole proprietor, you are personally responsible for any claims that arise from your business activities, which means your personal assets could be at risk if you are found liable. General Liability Insurance can help protect your personal assets and provide financial protection for your business in the event of a claim.
What's not covered by General Liability?＋
General Liability does not cover damage to your own equipment or vehicles, which is typically covered by a separate policy. It also does not cover workers' compensation claims, which are covered by a separate policy. Additionally, General Liability may not cover intentional acts or criminal behavior, such as theft or vandalism.
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 cancellation fee or penalty. Additionally, you should consider the potential risks of canceling your policy, such as leaving your business unprotected from third-party claims.
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Other coverages roofers in Hawaii should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Hawaii change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Hawaii Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.