Trade coverage
Hand and power tool injuries plus finish work that damages adjacent surfaces drive the losses. Claims are frequent but usually moderate in severity compared with structural or fire trades.
General liability responds to two different things for your trade. The first is injury or damage caused while you are working, which for carpenter work is cutting into or removing an existing load-bearing member, causing structural damage. The second is a claim that surfaces after you have finished, known as completed operations, and it is the half of the policy most often missing from a cheap quote.
Overwhelmingly admitted. It is a small-premium artisan trade with a well-understood loss profile and little appetite for surplus lines.
These are the loss scenarios that drive claims for this trade, in the order we see them.
Each of these changes what the policy actually pays. Request them at quote stage.
General liability on its own leaves gaps that show up as denied claims rather than as missing coverage.
$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is standard for most carpenters. That is the limit, not the premium. The premium depends on your payroll, your state, your subcontractor use and your claims history, and it moves most with the hazard of the trade itself, which for carpenter is moderate.
Overwhelmingly admitted. It is a small-premium artisan trade with a well-understood loss profile and little appetite for surplus lines.
In order of how often we see them: Cutting into or removing an existing load-bearing member, causing structural damage; Sawdust, nails, or dropped tools damaging a finished floor, countertop, or fixture; Water intrusion through a window or door opening that was improperly flashed or sealed.
These four come up repeatedly: Additional insured with completed operations; Waiver of subrogation; Tools and installation floater; Per-project aggregate. Get them written into the quote rather than requested after binding, because that is where the delays come from.
Alongside general liability: Inland marine for tools; Commercial auto; Workers compensation.
Yes. Their policy defends them, not you. If your work causes damage, their carrier can pay the claim and then pursue you to recover it.
Classification and carrier appetite differ by trade, so it is worth seeing how yours compares.
Tell us your payroll, state and what your contract requires.
