Protect Your Roofing Business with General Liability Insurance in Washington
Part of our guide to roofers insurance in Washington.
General Liability Insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims, but it does not cover workers' compensation or commercial auto claims. You need General Liability to protect your roofing business from costly lawsuits. In Washington, general contractors and commercial property owners require roofing subcontractors to carry General Liability and workers' compensation before allowing them on a roof. This coverage is essential for any small business, especially in a state with strict labor and employment laws like Washington. You cannot afford to go without it, as the cost of a lawsuit can be devastating to your business.
General Liability cost for roofers in Washington
Illustrative monthly general liability estimate for a small roofer operation in Washington. 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 Washington
General Liability Insurance pays for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. This coverage handles claims such as a client slipping on a wet roof or a passer-by being hit by a falling tool. It also covers advertising injury claims, such as slander or libel. However, General Liability does not cover workers' compensation or commercial auto claims, which are covered by separate policies. For example, if an employee falls off a roof and gets injured, workers' compensation would cover the claim, not General Liability. You need to understand what General Liability covers and what it does not to ensure you have the right protection for your roofing business in Washington. General Liability is the foundational policy that nearly every small business needs, and it is especially important for roofers who work at heights and with heavy equipment.
Do Roofers in Washington Need General Liability?
General contractors and commercial property owners in Washington almost universally require roofing subcontractors to carry General Liability and workers' compensation before allowing them on a roof. This is because General Liability protects the client or property owner from costly lawsuits in case something goes wrong. Without General Liability, you may not be able to work on certain projects or for certain clients, which can limit your business opportunities. Additionally, Washington's strict labor and employment laws increase employer liability exposure for roofers, making General Liability even more essential. You need to have General Liability to protect your business from costly lawsuits and to comply with client and contractor requirements. In Tacoma, for example, general contractors require roofing subcontractors to carry General Liability and workers' compensation to work on commercial projects. You cannot afford to go without General Liability, as it can cost you business and expose you to costly lawsuits.
A Real General Liability Claim a Roofer Could Face
A roofing company in Spokane was working on a residential roof when a tool fell and hit a passer-by, causing serious injury. The passer-by sued the roofing company for damages, and General Liability Insurance paid for the claim. The roofing company had to pay a deductible, but General Liability covered the rest of the claim, which totaled $100,000. Without General Liability, the roofing company would have had to pay the entire claim out of pocket, which could have put them out of business. This scenario shows how General Liability can protect your business from costly lawsuits and ensure you can continue to operate even if something goes wrong. In this case, General Liability paid for the claim, and the roofing company was able to continue working on the project without interruption. The company's reputation was also protected, as the claim was handled promptly and professionally.
What General Liability Costs for Roofers in Washington
The cost of General Liability Insurance for roofers in Washington varies depending on your business size, revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. On average, General Liability Insurance costs $40-$120/month, but this can vary depending on your specific situation. For example, a small roofing company with a low revenue and no claims history may pay less for General Liability than a larger company with a higher revenue and a history of claims. You can lower your premium by increasing your deductible, improving your safety record, and reducing your coverage limits. However, you need to ensure you have enough coverage to protect your business from costly lawsuits. In Vancouver, for example, roofing companies may pay more for General Liability due to the city's strict building codes and high cost of living. You need to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rate for your business.
How to Get General Liability in Washington
To get General Liability Insurance in Washington, you need to gather information about your business, such as your revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. You then need to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rate for your business. You can work with an insurance agent or broker to help you find the right policy and navigate the application process. In Seattle, for example, you can work with a local insurance agent who specializes in General Liability Insurance for roofers. You need to ensure you have the right coverage limits and deductible to protect your business from costly lawsuits. The cost of General Liability Insurance is a small price to pay compared to the risk of a costly lawsuit, so see your rate today and get protected.
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, this increase can be mitigated by improving your safety record and reducing your claims history. You can also work with your insurance company to negotiate a better rate after a claim.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. You can get a certificate of insurance (COI) same-day for a client, but you need to work with an insurance company that offers this service. Some insurance companies may require a few days' notice to issue a COI, so you need to plan ahead. You can also work with an insurance agent or broker to help you get a COI quickly.
Does a sole proprietor need General Liability?＋
Yes. Even as a sole proprietor, you need General Liability Insurance to protect your business from costly lawsuits. As a sole proprietor, you are personally liable for business debts and claims, so General Liability can help protect your personal assets. You can work with an insurance company to find a policy that meets your needs and budget.
What is not covered by General Liability?＋
General Liability does not cover workers' compensation or commercial auto claims. It also does not cover intentional acts or criminal behavior. You need to have separate policies to cover these risks, such as workers' compensation and commercial auto insurance. You can work with an insurance agent or broker to help you find the right policies for your business.
Can I cancel my General Liability policy at any time?＋
Yes. You can cancel your General Liability policy at any time, but you need to check your policy terms and conditions to see if there are any penalties or fees for cancellation. You can work with your insurance company to cancel your policy and find a new one that meets your needs and budget.
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Other coverages roofers in Washington should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Washington change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Washington Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.