Trade coverage
Material handling and moisture-related defects produce frequent but moderate property claims. Water damage from a failed shower pan or a scratched finish are the typical loss drivers.
General liability responds to two different things for your trade. The first is injury or damage caused while you are working, which for flooring and tile work is water damage to a subfloor or adjacent rooms from a failed tile shower pan or waterproofing. 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; the trade is well understood by standard carriers and loss severity is limited.
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. 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 flooring and tile is moderate.
Overwhelmingly admitted; the trade is well understood by standard carriers and loss severity is limited.
In order of how often we see them: Water damage to a subfloor or adjacent rooms from a failed tile shower pan or waterproofing; Scratches or gouges to cabinets, walls, or appliances while moving material; Moisture-related buckling or cracking of a hardwood or laminate installation.
These four come up repeatedly: Additional insured with completed operations; Waiver of subrogation; 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.
