Protect Your Roofing Business with General Liability Insurance in Missouri
Part of our guide to roofers insurance in Missouri.
Many Missouri roofers mistakenly believe they don't need General Liability Insurance, but the reality is that this coverage is crucial for protecting your business from third-party claims. In Missouri, general contractors and commercial property owners almost universally require roofing subcontractors to carry general liability and workers' compensation before allowing anyone on a roof. Without it, you risk being liable for costly damages or injuries. General Liability Insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims, making it a foundational policy for nearly every small business. You need this coverage to operate safely and securely in Missouri.
General Liability cost for roofers in Missouri
Illustrative monthly general liability estimate for a small roofer operation in Missouri. 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 Missouri
General Liability Insurance for roofers in Missouri covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. This means that if a client or visitor is injured on your job site, or if you accidentally damage their property, this coverage will pay for the resulting damages or medical expenses. For example, if you're working on a roof in Springfield and accidentally drop a tool that hits a passerby, General Liability Insurance will cover the medical expenses. It also covers advertising injury claims, such as if you inadvertently use a competitor's logo in your marketing materials. However, it does not cover workers' compensation claims, which are handled by a separate policy, or commercial auto claims, which are also handled separately. You can expect General Liability Insurance to cover claims like slip-and-fall accidents on your job site or damage to a client's property caused by your equipment.
Do Roofers in Missouri Need General Liability?
While Missouri law does not require General Liability Insurance for all businesses, it is often contractually required by general contractors and commercial property owners before allowing roofers on a project. In practice, this means that you will typically need to carry General Liability Insurance to work on most commercial projects in Missouri. Additionally, having this coverage can help you avoid costly lawsuits and damages if an accident occurs on your job site. Without General Liability Insurance, you risk being personally liable for damages or injuries, which could put your business and personal assets at risk. In Columbia, for example, a roofer without General Liability Insurance could be held liable for damages if they accidentally damage a client's property. You should strongly consider carrying General Liability Insurance to protect your business and comply with client requirements.
A Real General Liability Claim a Roofer Could Face
On a humid morning in Kansas City, a roofer was working on a commercial building when a strong gust of wind blew a loose roofing material off the roof, hitting a pedestrian below. The pedestrian suffered a broken arm and filed a lawsuit against the roofer, claiming negligence. The roofer's General Liability Insurance covered the medical expenses and legal fees, totaling $50,000. Without this coverage, the roofer would have been personally liable for the damages, which could have put their business at risk. In this scenario, General Liability Insurance paid for the damages and helped the roofer avoid a costly lawsuit. The insurance company handled the claim and negotiated a settlement with the pedestrian, allowing the roofer to focus on their business. The roofer was able to continue working on the project without interruption, thanks to the protection provided by their General Liability Insurance.
What General Liability Costs for Roofers in Missouri
The cost of General Liability Insurance for roofers in Missouri varies depending on factors like revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. You can expect to pay an estimated $40-$110/month for this coverage, although your actual premium may be higher or lower. In St. Louis, for example, a roofer with a high revenue and large payroll may pay more for General Liability Insurance than a smaller roofer in a rural area. Additionally, the cost of General Liability Insurance may be affected by the high risk of tornadoes and flooding in certain parts of Missouri, which can increase the likelihood of claims. By shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers, you can find the best rate for your General Liability Insurance. You may also be able to lower your premium by bundling General Liability with other policies, such as workers' compensation or commercial auto insurance.
How to Get General Liability in Missouri
To get General Liability Insurance in Missouri, you'll need to gather some information about your business, such as your revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. You should also consider the specific risks associated with your business, such as the type of roofing work you do and the locations where you work. In Springfield, for example, you may want to consider a higher coverage limit due to the high risk of tornadoes. You can then compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rate for your General Liability Insurance. Many insurance providers offer online quotes and applications, making it easy to get started. By bundling General Liability with your other core policies, you may be able to lower your total premium and get better protection for your business. Get your quote today and protect your roofing business with General Liability Insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Will my General Liability premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes. Your premium may increase after a claim, depending on the severity and frequency of claims. However, many insurance providers offer claims-free discounts or other incentives to help lower your premium. You can also consider increasing your deductible or shopping around for a better rate to offset any potential increases.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. Many insurance providers offer same-day certificates of insurance (COIs) for an additional fee. This can be helpful if you need to provide proof of insurance to a client quickly. However, be sure to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to confirm their COI issuance process and any associated fees.
Does a sole proprietor need General Liability?＋
Yes. Even as a sole proprietor, you can still be held personally liable for damages or injuries caused by your business. General Liability Insurance can help protect your personal assets and provide financial protection in the event of a claim. Additionally, many clients and contractors require sole proprietors to carry General Liability Insurance before working on a project.
What's not covered by General Liability Insurance?＋
General Liability Insurance does not cover workers' compensation claims, commercial auto claims, or intentional acts. You'll need to carry separate policies for these types of risks. For example, if you're involved in a car accident while driving for business, your commercial auto insurance will cover the damages, not your General Liability Insurance.
Can I cancel my General Liability policy at any time?＋
Yes. You can typically cancel your General Liability policy at any time, although you may be subject to a cancellation fee. However, be sure to review your policy terms and conditions before cancelling, as you may be leaving your business unprotected from potential claims. You should also consider the potential consequences of cancelling your policy, such as losing any claims-free discounts or other benefits.
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Other coverages roofers in Missouri should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Missouri change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Missouri Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.