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Why do drain cleaners need insurance?
If you break a fixture or cause a leak while unclogging a drain, the result could be a lawsuit. Business insurance helps pay for legal costs if a client sues your business over an accident or mistake. It protects against fires, injuries, and auto accidents, and may be required by laws and contracts.
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With Insureon, drain cleaning contractors can get coverage fast so they can provide proof of insurance and sign contracts.
A licensed agent will help you find policies from top-rated carriers that match your risks and your budget.
What types of insurance do drain cleaners need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks faced by drain cleaning contractors and businesses.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic third-party claims, such as water damage caused by a faulty replacement pipe. It's often required for leases and contracts.
BEST FOR
- Client bodily injuries
- Accidental damage to client property
- Products-completed operations coverage
Business owner's policy
Also called a BOP, this insurance package bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. It's the most cost-effective type of insurance if you have an office.
BEST FOR
- Accidents that injure clients
- Client property damage
- Damage to your building or its contents
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for drain cleaning companies that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work-related medical bills that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from injured workers
Commercial auto insurance
This type of insurance covers legal fees and damages if a drain cleaning van is involved in an accident. Almost every state requires this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.
BEST FOR
- Property damage caused by a work vehicle
- Medical costs if another person is injured
- Vehicle vandalism and theft
Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance
This policy covers the cost of repair or replacement of drain cleaning machines, wrenches, snakes, and similar items that travel to jobsites. It's a type of inland marine insurance.
BEST FOR
- Tools valued at under $10,000
- Equipment less than five years old
- Items stored off-site
Professional liability insurance
This policy covers legal expenses when a contractor is sued for negligence, such as water damage caused by failure to shut off a pipe. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
BEST FOR
- Use of incorrect parts
- Improperly installed pipes
- Missed appointments
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does insurance cost for drain cleaning businesses?
A drain cleaning contractor who works independently will pay less for insurance coverage than a larger business.
Factors that can affect a contractor's insurance premiums include:
- Your profession, such as handyman, plumber, or general contractor
- Value of your business property and equipment
- Business size, location, and revenue
- Types of coverage purchased
- Policy limits, deductibles, and exclusions
- Coverage options, such as an additional insured
How do I get drain cleaning insurance?
It’s easy to get insurance for drain cleaning contractors if you have your business information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your company, such as revenue and number of employees. Small business owners can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare insurance quotes and choose a policy.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate.
Insureon's licensed agents work with top-rated U.S. insurance companies to find affordable insurance options for your drain cleaning business, whether you work as a contractor or hire employees.
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FAQs about business insurance for drain cleaners
Review answers to frequently asked questions about drain cleaner insurance and licensing.
Do you have to be licensed to clean drains?
Whether you need a license, permit, or certification to clean drains depends on the laws in your state and the type of work you do. In most cases, you won't need a license if you only perform simple unclogging tasks, but you'll still need a business license to operate in your area. Here are some examples:
- You might need a contractor's license. In some states, you'll need a plumber's license to do any work on plumbing systems, including drain cleaning. Your state might issue several licenses for different kinds of plumbing work, or require a license when you take on projects valued at a certain amount of money. Some cities and towns also issue their own plumbing licenses.
- A drain cleaning certification helps you win clients. Organizations like the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) and the International Institute of Sewer & Pipe Cleaning (IISPC) offer training in sewer and drain inspection, sewer and drain cleaning, septic tank pumping, and similar topics. While a certificate isn't often required, it can help you get contracts and win bids.
- You might need a high-pressure water jetting certification. Drain cleaners who use water jetting to clear blockages may need to obtain a certification from the WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA) or a similar institution before they can work in certain locations or with certain clients. As with other qualifications, this certificate can boost your company's reputation and attract clients.
- You might need a city permit. Permits are typically required for sewer line work, such as repairing or replacing a line that connects to the city sewer main.
Because legal requirements vary so much depending on where you work, make sure to research your local laws and regulations to avoid fines and other penalties.
Is drain cleaning insurance required for my business?
Yes, most drain cleaning businesses must carry insurance. Here are some examples of when business insurance is required:
- You're applying for a plumber's license. Some states require proof of general liability insurance or workers' compensation insurance as part of their plumber's licensing requirements.
- You have employees. Most states require businesses that have employees to carry workers' compensation insurance, including drain cleaning companies. It covers the cost of workplace injuries.
- Your business uses a vehicle. State laws typically require commercial auto insurance for vehicles owned by a business. All vehicles must be insured appropriately, so you might also need hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) if you drive your personal vehicle to jobsites, or if your business rents or leases a vehicle.
- You lease an office. Landlords often require proof of liability insurance when you rent an office or other commercial space.
- You sign contracts with clients. Some clients will also require proof of liability protection before they'll allow your workers on their property.
Even when it's not required, commercial insurance is recommended for every small business owner for the financial protection and peace of mind it provides in the event of a fire, theft, injury, or accident.
What other types of insurance do drain cleaning businesses need?
Contractors who work on clogged drains and similar issues can benefit from a wide range of insurance and bonds. You may want to consider these additional protections as part of your risk management strategy:
- Commercial umbrella insurance activates to provide coverage when your underlying general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or employer's liability insurance policy reaches the limit on a claim.
- Surety bonds provide a financial guarantee that your drain cleaning business will comply with regulations and fulfill the terms of its contracts. Common types of surety bonds include bid bonds, performance bonds, and fidelity bonds.
- Inland marine insurance offers protection against financial losses if an expensive drain cleaning machine or other equipment is damaged or stolen at a jobsite or in transit.