General Liability Insurance for Texas Roofers: Protection from Third-Party Claims
Part of our guide to roofers insurance in Texas.
Severe hailstorms and hurricane risks in Texas make General Liability insurance crucial for roofers. You face unique risks, from damaged properties to injured clients. General Liability insurance is the foundational policy that covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. This coverage is not just a good idea; it's often required by general contractors and commercial property owners before allowing you on a project. In Texas, the risk environment is particularly harsh, with Dallas and Fort Worth being among the most hail-damaged metros in the country. The state's optional workers' compensation rules for private employers also increase the risk of uninsured injury lawsuits.
General Liability cost for roofers in Texas
Illustrative monthly general liability estimate for a small roofer operation in Texas. 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 Texas
General Liability insurance pays for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. For example, if you're working on a roof in San Antonio and accidentally drop a tool that hits a passer-by, General Liability insurance would cover the resulting medical expenses. Similarly, if your crew damages a client's property in Houston, General Liability insurance would pay for the repairs. However, General Liability insurance does not cover employee injuries, which are instead covered by Workers' Compensation insurance. It also does not cover damage to your own equipment or vehicles, which are covered by other types of insurance. Understanding what General Liability insurance covers and does not cover is crucial for Texas roofers to ensure they have the right protection in place.
Do Roofers in Texas Need General Liability?
While Texas law does not require General Liability insurance for most private employers, general contractors and commercial property owners almost universally require roofing subcontractors to carry General Liability insurance with limits matching the project scope. This is because they want to ensure that they are protected in case something goes wrong on the project. Without General Liability insurance, you may not be able to work on certain projects or with certain clients. Additionally, if you are found liable for a third-party claim and do not have General Liability insurance, you could be personally responsible for paying the damages, which could put your business and personal assets at risk. In Austin, for example, many commercial property owners require General Liability insurance as a condition of working on their properties.
A Real General Liability Claim a Roofer Could Face
A roofer in Dallas was working on a project when a strong gust of wind blew a loose roofing material off the roof and onto a nearby car, causing $10,000 in damages. The car's owner sued the roofer for the damages, and the roofer's General Liability insurance paid for the repairs. If the roofer had not had General Liability insurance, they would have been personally responsible for paying the $10,000 in damages. This claim highlights the importance of having General Liability insurance to protect against third-party property damage claims. In this scenario, the roofer's General Liability insurance paid for the damages, and the roofer avoided a significant out-of-pocket expense. The claim was settled for $10,000, and the roofer was able to continue working on the project without interruption.
What General Liability Costs for Roofers in Texas
The cost of General Liability insurance for Texas roofers varies based on factors like revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. The estimated premium for General Liability insurance in Texas is $40-$115/month. To lower your premium, you can consider increasing your deductible, reducing your coverage limits, or improving your safety record. For example, if you have a good safety record and low claims history, you may be able to qualify for a lower premium. Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts for roofers who complete safety training programs or implement certain safety protocols on their job sites. In Houston, for example, some insurance companies offer discounts for roofers who use certain types of safety equipment or follow specific safety procedures.
How to Get General Liability in Texas
To get General Liability insurance in Texas, you'll need to gather some information about your business, including your revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. You'll also need to decide on a deductible and coverage limits that make sense for your business. It's a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rate. In San Antonio, for example, you can work with a licensed insurance agent to get quotes from multiple insurance companies and find the best option for your business. Don't risk your business and personal assets by going without General Liability insurance - see your rate today and get protected for as little as $40-$115/month.
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 good safety record and low claims history, you may be able to minimize the impact of a single claim on your premium. Additionally, some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs that can help reduce the impact of a claim on your premium.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. Many insurance companies offer same-day COIs for General Liability insurance. However, you'll need to provide some information about your business and the project, including the coverage limits and deductible. You can work with a licensed insurance agent to get a same-day COI and ensure that you have the coverage you need to start working on the project.
Does a sole proprietor need General Liability?＋
Yes. Even as a sole proprietor, you still face risks from third-party claims. General Liability insurance can protect you from bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims, even if you don't have employees. In fact, many clients and general contractors require sole proprietors to carry General Liability insurance before working on a project.
What's not covered by General Liability?＋
General Liability insurance does not cover employee injuries, which are instead covered by Workers' Compensation insurance. It also does not cover damage to your own equipment or vehicles, which are covered by other types of insurance. Additionally, General Liability insurance typically does 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 penalty or fee for early cancellation. It's a good idea to review your policy and understand the terms and conditions before cancelling. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that you have alternative coverage in place to protect your business from third-party claims.
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Other coverages roofers in Texas should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Texas change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Texas Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.