Why do scaffolding contractors need insurance?
If your scaffolding collapses and causes an injury, the result could be a lawsuit. Business insurance helps pay for legal expenses, along with costly medical bills and repairs. It's often required for licenses and contracts.
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Scaffolding contractors can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from top providers.
Fill out Insureon's easy online application to get free quotes and advice from a licensed agent.
What types of insurance do I need for scaffolding?
These insurance products cover common risks in the scaffolding industry.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic third-party risks, such as a dropped tool that injures someone. It's often required for commercial leases and contracts.
- Customer property damage
- Accidental bodily injuries
- Product liability insurance
Business owner's policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for scaffolding companies to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together.
- Accidents that injure a passerby
- Property damage during installation
- Stolen or damaged business property
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for scaffolding installation businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from employee injuries
Commercial auto insurance
This policy covers accidents involving your scaffolding company's vehicle. It'll pay for medical bills, property repairs, and legal costs if your business is sued.
- Property damaged by your vehicle
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Vehicle vandalism and theft
Tools and equipment insurance
This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of a scaffolding contractor's hoists, ladders, wrenches, and other tools if they are lost, stolen, or damaged. It's also called inland marine insurance.
- Hand tools and power tools
- Heavy lifting equipment
- Other tools brought to jobsites
Professional liability insurance
A professional liability policy covers legal defense costs related to mistakes and oversights, such as a scaffolding contractor who fails to meet a deadline for a project.
- Faulty installation
- Delays and no-shows
- Failure to follow standards
How much does scaffolding insurance cost?
A scaffolding installer who works independently will pay less for insurance than a larger company.
Factors that affect the cost of installation insurance include:
- Services offered, such as scaffolding for homes or high-rises
- Business property and equipment
- Business revenue
- Types of insurance coverage purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Policy options, such as actual cash value or replacement cost coverage
- Claims history
How do I get scaffolding insurance?
It's easy to get scaffolding installation insurance if you have your company 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:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare quotes from trusted insurance companies.
- Pay for your policies and download proof of insurance.
Insureon's licensed agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance program for your scaffolding company, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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FAQs about scaffolding insurance
Review answers to frequently asked questions about insurance for scaffolding contractors.
Do scaffolding contractors need a license or permit?
State laws and local regulations typically require scaffolding contractors to have a license and permit. To obtain them, you may need to be bonded and insured.
Here are several examples of what you might need:
- Business license. To form a business, you'll need to get a business license and register with your local government.
- Contractor's license. In many states, you'll need a contractor's license to erect and dismantle scaffolding. You may need to be a certain age, pass an exam, pay a fee, and show proof of liability coverage or a bond.
- Local permits. You may need a permit from your city, county, or other municipality to install scaffolding over a certain height or in a public space.
- OSHA training. Contractors may need to earn the Competent Person: Scaffolding certification and comply with safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Even when it's not required, a license or certification can help your scaffolding business get contracts and win bids, while insurance protects against costly accidents that might otherwise lead to bankruptcy.
Is scaffolding insurance required by law?
Yes, some types of scaffolding insurance may be necessary to comply with laws or the terms of contracts. Here's when you might need insurance:
- You need a license. State licensing requirements for contractors often mandate general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance, even if you work alone.
- State laws require coverage. Almost every state mandates workers' compensation insurance for businesses with employees, sometimes even for sole proprietors in the construction industry. Similarly, most states require commercial auto insurance for vehicles owned by a business.
- Your landlord requires it. You'll typically need to show proof of liability insurance to sign a lease for an office or other commercial space.
- Your clients request it. Clients and partners may require you to be insured, so they know they'll be protected in the event of a lawsuit.
Even when it's not required, it's important to carry liability insurance to protect against unexpected financial losses from accidents and lawsuits.
Can scaffolding insurance cover damage to third-party property?
Yes, general liability insurance includes protection against accidental property damage that happens while you are installing or removing scaffolding. For instance, a piece of scaffolding could fall against a window and break it, or a worker might drop a tool and break a car's windshield.
Additionally, most general liability policies include product liability insurance, which covers any harm caused by your completed scaffolding. If a defective product collapses or breaks, then this coverage would pay for damages and legal defense costs.
What other types of coverage do scaffolding contractors need?
Scaffolding contractors often rely on other types of installation insurance as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy:
- Commercial property insurance covers your office and its contents, including computers, furniture, and equipment stored at your business address. If you don't have an office, you can buy business personal property (BPP) coverage to protect the items that belong to your business instead.
- Equipment breakdown insurance helps your business recover if a piece of critical machinery or equipment breaks down unexpectedly, such as a scissor lift used to install scaffolding.
- Business interruption insurance covers loss of income and operating expenses if your business is forced to close temporarily due to a fire or other covered property claim. It's also called business income coverage.
- Commercial umbrella insurance, similar to excess liability 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.
- Builder's risk insurance covers a structure under construction in the event of fire, theft, or vandalism. It also covers the materials at a construction site.
Our licensed insurance agents can help you find the best insurance solutions for your scaffolding work, including bonds and specialty coverages.