Why do satellite installers need insurance?
Business insurance covers medical expenses if a satellite technician falls off a ladder, or if a customer is injured by a dropped tool. It can also pay for legal costs if your truck gets into an accident, or if a roof leaks after an installation. State laws, leases, and contracts often require insurance coverage.
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What types of insurance do satellite installation contractors need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks faced by satellite installation businesses and contractors.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers common third-party risks, such as accidental damage to a roof during a satellite 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 satellite installers 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 satellite 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 a satellite 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 a contractor's drills, satellite meters, cable crimpers, and other tools and equipment brought to jobsites. It's also called inland marine insurance.
- Hand tools and power tools
- Ladders and scissor lifts
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Cyber insurance
Cyber insurance helps cover the cost of a data breach or cyberattack at your satellite 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 satellite installation insurance cost?
A satellite technician who works independently will pay less for coverage than a larger business.
Factors that affect installation business insurance premiums include:
- Professional services you offer, such as satellite dishes, telecommunications, or cable installation
- Value of your building and equipment
- Annual business revenue
- Type and amount of coverage, such as a $1 million liability insurance policy
- Coverage options, such as an additional insured
- Claims history
How do I get satellite installer insurance?
It's easy to get satellite TV installer insurance and coverage for other satellite technicians 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. 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 coverage that fits the risks of installing satellite dishes, whether you're a contractor or an employer.
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FAQs about business insurance for satellite installers
Review answers to common questions about satellite contractor insurance.
Do satellite installers need a license or certification?
In general, you don't need a license or certification to install satellite dishes. However, you'll need to comply with local laws and in some cases obtain licenses or permits. Here are some examples:
- You may need a contractor's license. In some states, you'll need a contractor's license or electrician's license for certain projects. For example, satellite installers in California who charge $1,000 or more for their work need to get a C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor license.
- You need to comply with local regulations. City ordinances, homeowner's associations (HOAs), and landlords can prohibit satellite dishes in some areas. In rare cases, you might need a building permit.
- You may need a business license. Even if your state doesn't require a business license, you likely need one to comply with the laws in your city or county.
- You need to comply with FCC regulations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates exactly where and how you can install a satellite dish.
Satellite technicians can also earn certifications through the Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association (SBCA) or the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International. Earning a trade certificate helps your business stand out from your competitors, which can help you win bids and contracts.
What other types of coverage are recommended for satellite installation contractors?
Installation professionals often depend on the following types of coverage as part of their risk management strategy, in addition to those mentioned above:
- Professional liability insurance: This insurance offers financial protection against accusations of professional negligence, such as a satellite installation 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 commercial general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and employer's liability insurance.
- Installation floater insurance: If a satellite dish is stolen or damaged at a jobsite, this property coverage will help pay for your losses. It covers materials in transit and stored off-site, which is important since commercial property insurance only covers items at a fixed business address.
- Products-completed operations insurance: Typically included in your general liability policy, this insurance covers any harm caused by a satellite dish installation. For example, it would pay for repair costs or legal bills if a customer's roof leaked after a dish was installed.