Why General Liability Insurance is a Must-Have for Ohio Roofers
Part of our guide to roofers insurance in Ohio.
As a roofer in Ohio, you're likely to encounter a situation where General Liability insurance becomes non-optional. This often happens when you're hired as a subcontractor for a large project, and the general contractor or property owner requires you to carry General Liability insurance. In fact, General Liability is typically required by clients, landlords, or contractors before allowing you on a roof. The answer to whether you need General Liability is a clear yes - without it, you risk being liable for costly claims that could put your business at risk. General Liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims, making it the foundational policy nearly every small business needs.
General Liability cost for roofers in Ohio
Illustrative monthly general liability estimate for a small roofer operation in Ohio. 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 Ohio
General Liability insurance for Ohio roofers covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. For example, if a client slips on a patch of ice at a job site in Columbus, General Liability insurance would cover the resulting medical expenses. Similarly, if a roofer accidentally damages a client's property in Cleveland, General Liability insurance would cover the cost of repairs. However, General Liability insurance does not cover worker injuries, which are instead covered by Workers' Compensation insurance, or vehicle accidents, which are covered by Commercial Auto insurance. General Liability insurance also covers advertising injury claims, such as if a roofer is sued for using a competitor's logo in an advertisement.
Do Roofers in Ohio Need General Liability?
While General Liability insurance is not legally required for Ohio roofers, it is often contractually required by clients, landlords, or contractors. In fact, general contractors and commercial property owners almost universally require roofing subcontractors to carry General Liability insurance - with limits matching the project scope - before allowing anyone on a roof. Without General Liability insurance, Ohio roofers risk being liable for costly claims that could put their business at risk. For example, if a roofer is working on a project in Cincinnati and accidentally damages a client's property, they could be held liable for the cost of repairs if they don't have General Liability insurance.
A Real General Liability Claim a Roofer Could Face
Tom, the owner of a roofing company in Toledo, was working on a project when one of his employees accidentally dropped a tool, which hit a passerby on the head. The passerby suffered a concussion and had to be taken to the hospital. Tom's General Liability insurance covered the resulting medical expenses, which totaled $10,000. If Tom hadn't had General Liability insurance, he would have been personally liable for the cost of the passerby's medical expenses, which could have put his business at risk. Instead, his General Liability insurance paid out the claim, and Tom was able to avoid a costly lawsuit.
What General Liability Costs for Roofers in Ohio
The cost of General Liability insurance for Ohio roofers varies depending on factors like revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. For example, a roofer with a high revenue and large payroll may pay more for General Liability insurance than a smaller roofer. Additionally, the cost of General Liability insurance may be higher for roofers who work in areas prone to severe weather, such as northeast Ohio, which experiences lake-effect snow and tornadoes. However, by choosing a higher deductible and working with an insurance agent to optimize coverage limits, Ohio roofers can lower their General Liability premium, which can range from $35-$105/month.
How to Get General Liability in Ohio
To get General Liability insurance in Ohio, roofers should gather information about their business, including revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. They should then compare quotes from different insurance providers and consider working with an insurance agent who can help them optimize their coverage. For example, a roofer in Columbus may want to consider a higher coverage limit to protect against potential claims. By bundling General Liability insurance with other core policies, such as Workers' Compensation and Commercial Auto insurance, Ohio roofers can often lower their total premium. Get a quote today and ensure you're protected against third-party claims.
Frequently asked questions
Will my General Liability premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes. Your premium may increase after a claim, depending on the severity of the claim and your claims history. However, some insurance providers offer claims-free discounts or other incentives to help mitigate the cost of a premium increase.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. Many insurance providers offer same-day COIs for General Liability insurance. However, this may depend on the complexity of the policy and the speed of the underwriting process. It's best to work with an insurance agent who can expedite the process and ensure you receive your COI in a timely manner. Additionally, some insurance providers may offer electronic COIs, which can be delivered via email or online portal, making it easier to get the documentation you need quickly.
Does a sole proprietor need General Liability?＋
Yes. Even as a sole proprietor, you may still be at risk for third-party claims, and General Liability insurance can provide essential protection. In fact, sole proprietors may be more vulnerable to claims because they often have fewer assets and less protection than larger businesses. General Liability insurance can help sole proprietors protect their personal assets and ensure they can continue to operate their business even in the face of a claim.
What's not covered by General Liability insurance?＋
General Liability insurance does not cover worker injuries, which are instead covered by Workers' Compensation insurance, or vehicle accidents, which are covered by Commercial Auto insurance. Additionally, General Liability insurance may not cover intentional acts, such as vandalism or theft, or professional errors, such as negligence or malpractice.
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. It's best to review your policy documents and understand the terms and conditions of your policy before canceling. Additionally, you may want to consider the potential risks of canceling your policy, such as leaving your business unprotected against third-party claims.
How do I get a quote for General Liability insurance?＋
You can get a quote for General Liability insurance by contacting an insurance agent or broker who specializes in commercial insurance. They can help you gather the necessary information and provide you with a quote from multiple insurance providers. Additionally, you can also get a quote online through an insurance provider's website or through a comparison website.
What is the typical coverage limit for General Liability insurance?＋
The typical coverage limit for General Liability insurance varies depending on the size and type of business, as well as the industry and location. However, common coverage limits for General Liability insurance range from $300,000 to $1 million per occurrence, with aggregate limits ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.
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Other coverages roofers in Ohio should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Ohio change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Ohio Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.