Why do shutter installers need insurance?
Business insurance covers costs if defective hurricane shutters cause water damage during a storm, or if a company vehicle is involved in an accident. It can also pay for stolen tools, worker injuries, and data breaches. State laws, leases, and contracts often require insurance coverage.
Get the right coverage
Fill out an easy online application to get quotes from insurance companies that specialize in your unique needs.
Get peace of mind knowing your coverage matches the risks of your shutter installation business.
What types of insurance do shutter installation contractors need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks faced by window shutter installation companies and contractors.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers common third-party risks, such as accidental damage to a window while installing storm shutters. It may be required for a 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 shutter 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 shutter 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 shutter 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 shutter installer's drills, tape measures, ladders, 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 shutter 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 shutter installation insurance cost?
A contractor who installs roll-down shutters or storm panels independently can expect lower insurance premiums than a larger business.
Factors that affect installation business insurance costs include:
- Services you offer, such as installation of shutters, windows, siding, or garage doors
- Whether you work in a hurricane-prone area
- Value of your building and equipment
- Annual business revenue
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Insurance claims history
How do I get shutter installer insurance?
It's easy to get insurance for your shutter installation company 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 can help you find insurance discounts and the right types of coverage for your shutter business or window shade store, whether your goal is hurricane protection or enhancing the appearance of your clients' homes.
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FAQs about business insurance for shutter installers
Review answers to common questions about shutter installation insurance.
Do shutter installers need a license or certification?
In general, you don't need a special license or certification to install shutters. However, you still need to comply with local laws and 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.
- Some projects may require a permit. If a shutter installation is part of a larger renovation project, such as installing windows, you may need a permit. Additionally, most cities and counties in Florida require a building permit for shutter installation, due to the risk of severe weather during hurricane season.
- In some states, you may need a contractor's license. Some states require a contractor's license to install shutters. California, for example, requires a C-61 Limited Specialty contractor license for window covering projects valued at $1,000 or more.
- Other local regulations can affect your work. City ordinances and homeowner's associations (HOAs) can regulate storm protection shutters in some areas, or may have limits on their style and size.
Because the specifics depend on the type of work you do and your location, you'll need to do a little research to make sure you're in compliance with local building codes, safety standards, and regulations.
What other types of coverage are recommended for shutter installation contractors?
Professional installers 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 fails to install the impact-resistant Bahama shutters specified by a homeowner. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Business income coverage: Also called business interruption insurance, this policy covers financial losses if fire damage or storm damage forces your business to close temporarily. You can typically add it to your commercial property insurance or BOP.
- 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 shutter 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 accordion shutter might break loose in extreme weather and damage a car.