Why do awning installers need insurance?
Business insurance pays for legal costs if a pedestrian is injured by an awning that collapses, or a canopy leaks and causes water damage. It also covers stolen tools, worker injuries, and data breaches. State laws, commercial leases, and contracts often require insurance coverage.
Get the right coverage
Fill out an easy online application to get quotes from carriers that specialize in your unique insurance needs.
Get peace of mind knowing you have the best insurance solutions for your awning installation business.
What types of insurance do awning installation contractors need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks faced by awning installation businesses and contractors.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers common third-party risks, such as accidental damage to a building during an awning installation. It may be required for a commercial lease, loan, or contract.
- Client bodily injuries
- Accidental damage to client property
- Products-completed operations coverage
Business owner's policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for awning installation businesses to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together.
- Customer injuries
- Damage to your building or its contents
- Business interruption coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for awning installation companies that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Legal fees from employee injuries
Commercial auto insurance
This policy covers financial losses in an accident involving an awning contractor's van or other vehicle. Most states require it for vehicles owned by a business.
- Injuries caused by your vehicle
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Vehicle vandalism and theft
Tools and equipment insurance
This policy covers an awning installer's drills, socket sets, stud finders, and other tools and equipment that travel to worksites. It's also called inland marine insurance.
- Hand tools and power tools
- Lifts and other portable equipment
- Other items that travel to jobsites
Cyber insurance
Cyber insurance helps cover the cost of a data breach or cyberattack at your awning installation business. It's sometimes called cyber liability insurance or cybersecurity insurance.
- Data breach notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Cyber incident investigations
How much does awning installation insurance cost?
An awning contractor who works independently will pay less for coverage than a larger business.
Factors that affect installation business insurance premiums include:
- Types of awnings you offer, such as retractable awnings for motorhomes
- Whether you offer regular maintenance and repair of awnings
- Value of your building and equipment
- Annual business revenue
- Policy deductibles and exclusions
- Coverage options, such as an additional insured
- Claims history
How do I get awning installer insurance?
It's easy to get insurance for your awning company or window shade store if you have your business information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Fill out our free online application.
- Compare business insurance quotes and choose a policy.
- Pay for the policy and download your certificate.
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. insurance companies to find affordable, comprehensive coverage for your awning business, whether you're a contractor or an employer.
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
FAQs about business insurance for awning installers
Review answers to common questions about awning contractor insurance.
Do awning installers need a license or certification?
In general, you don't need a special license or certification to install awnings and canopies. However, you still need to comply with local regulations, such as:
- You'll need a business license. Businesses of all types typically need to get a business license from their state, county, or city.
- Exterior business awnings require a permit. If you're installing an exterior awning for a storefront or other business, or any awning that overhangs a sidewalk, you need a permit. Other awnings may also necessitate a permit depending on their size and type, and the laws in your area.
- You may need to be a licensed contractor. In some states, you must obtain a contractor's license to install awnings, especially for larger home renovation projects. California, for example, requires a C-61 Limited Specialty contractor license for awning projects valued at $1,000 or more.
- You must comply with local zoning regulations. City ordinances, homeowner's associations (HOAs), and landlords can prohibit awnings in some areas, or may have limits on their size and lettering.
What other types of coverage are recommended for awning installation contractors?
Installation professionals often depend on the following types of coverage, in addition to those mentioned above, as part of their risk management strategy:
- Professional liability insurance: This insurance offers financial protection against accusations of professional negligence, such as a contractor who installs a new awning at the wrong address. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Commercial umbrella insurance: Umbrella insurance boosts the coverage of other policies once they reach their limit, such as general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and employer's liability insurance.
- Installation floater insurance: This policy covers awning damage or theft that occurs during installation, or while materials are in transit to a jobsite. Commercial property insurance only covers your building and the items inside it, which is why you may need additional coverage.
- Products-completed operations insurance: Typically included in general liability insurance, this coverage pays for legal costs related to your products and completed services. For example, a defective awning might break loose during a windstorm and damage a building.