Why do framing contractors need insurance?
Falls and tool-related injuries are a daily risk when you're assembling the structure of a brand-new building. Business insurance provides financial protection if you or someone else is injured at a worksite. It also covers lawsuits related to accidental property damage or accusations of negligence. Some policies, such as workers' comp, may be required by law.
Find the right coverage
Insureon helps framing contractors find insurance that matches their unique risks. Fill out our easy online application to get quotes from top-rated providers.
A licensed agent will help you get the right coverage, giving you peace of mind and protection from out-of-pocket costs in the event of a lawsuit or accident.
What types of insurance do framing contractors need?
These insurance policies cover common risks faced by framing contractors.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic third-party risks, such as a client who trips over a beam at your worksite and suffers a bodily injury. It's often required for commercial leases and contracts.
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Accidental damage to client property
- Defamation lawsuits
Business owner's policy
A BOP bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. It's often the most cost-effective type of insurance for framing contractors who have an office.
- Accidents that injure clients
- Client property damage
- Damage to your office or its contents
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for structural framing businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work-related medical bills that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
This policy helps pay for legal fees and damages if a framing contractor's vehicle is involved in an accident. Almost every state requires this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.
- Property damage caused by a work vehicle
- Medical costs if another person is injured
- Vehicle vandalism and theft
Inland marine insurance
This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of power drills, nail guns, saws, and other tools brought to worksites. It's also called tools and equipment insurance.
- Hand tools and power tools
- Scissor lifts and scaffolding
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Professional liability insurance
A professional liability insurance policy covers legal costs when a framing contractor is sued for a professional mistake or oversight. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Accusations of negligence
- Failure to finish a project on time
- Failure to follow a blueprint
How much does insurance cost for framing businesses?
A framing contractor who works independently will pay less for insurance than a larger business.
Factors that can affect a contractor's insurance premiums include:
- Type of construction projects, such as residential or commercial
- Value of your business property and equipment
- Business size, location, and revenue
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Claims history
How do I get framer insurance?
It’s easy to get insurance coverage and surety bonds as a framing contractor 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 (COI) 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 coverage that fits your structural framing business, whether you work independently or hire employees or subcontractors.
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FAQs about business insurance for framing contractors
Review answers to frequently asked questions about contractor liability insurance and other types of business insurance.
Do framing contractors need a license or certification?
The type of work you do and the laws in your state will determine whether you need a license, permit, or certification. Here are a few examples:
- You might need a contractor's license. In some states, you'll need to get licensed to do carpentry work, including framing. Whether you need a contractor's license typically depends on the value of the projects you work on. To get licensed, you may need to have a certain amount of experience or pass an exam.
- You likely need a building permit. State laws determine when you need a building permit. In most states, any new construction will require a permit.
- Licenses and certifications help you win contracts. Even when it's not required, a license or certification can help elevate your business above the competition when trying to get a contract or win a bid. It also helps to be bonded and insured.
What other types of coverage are recommended for framing contractors?
Small business owners in the framing industry and construction industry often rely on these additional insurance policies as part of their risk management strategy:
- Surety bonds provide a financial guarantee that your business will comply with regulations and fulfill the terms of its contracts. Common types of construction bonds include bid bonds, performance bonds, and fidelity bonds.
- Installation floater insurance helps pay for financial losses if materials awaiting installation are damaged or stolen at a jobsite. It's a type of inland marine insurance.
- Builder's risk insurance, also called course of construction insurance, covers damage to a structure in progress. It helps businesses recover from fires, storms, or vandalism that lead to financial losses at a construction site.
- Commercial umbrella insurance activates to provide additional coverage when your underlying general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or employer's liability insurance policy reaches the limit on a claim.