The US Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on workplace injuries and illness(2020), wherein a maximum of 7900 injuries were accorded to HVAC professionals. On top of that, there were 40 amputation cases, and the rate had exponentially increased by 25% from 2019 to 2020. This is just a glimpse of the dangers that this job brings to the fore and why the HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance is a necessity.
However, needing something is not good enough. It is crucial to know your specific needs and if the policies are in tandem with the same. Also, you need to know certain specific factors before you choose the same. This know-how guide will detail the specifics for you –
HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance – what workers want?
Here’s a scenario – as an HVAC worker, you deal with emergencies. But there’s a catch here. What if the client you work with creates some unexpected design that apparently looks like your fault, but it isn’t? Or, what if you sustain an injury that may threaten your future professional ability? How do you relieve yourself from the same? For this, you will require coverage under general liability insurance.
For those who are newly introduced to this domain, here’s what the HVAC workers need documented in their policy –
- Coverage from any untoward property damage on-site. This includes both on-site and off-site (say the heater gets damaged while repairing – one must consider it as part of the process).
- If the worker has a physical injury on-site, then the HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance must cover it.
- In case any untoward injury occurs to anyone in the vicinity (both a major accident or a minor issue).
- If the concerned HVAC workers get injured in any way due to the negligence of the client or due to their withholding of information, then there must be a prominent case to deal with.
- The court and advocate fees in case of a lawsuit. This includes a gamut of situations wherein – payments are made for at-site issues, financial compensation in case of on-site emergency, any other settlement offer, and funeral added to all costs if there is a fatal incident.
These are the key points that most workers wish to be elaborated on in their insurance claim (along with circumstantial issues) when they plan on buying one.
Though most of the reputed insurance providers categorically make it a point to provide these pointers, as an aware individual, you need to check out certain specifics as well. As you scroll down, you will get a checklist of the points you must tick before opting for the policy.
What to check before choosing the policy?
Here are a handful of things you must check before choosing the HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance policy –
- The range of medical payment
Technically, the coverage starts from $35 and may go up to $80-85, depending on the casualty or, in some instances, the fatality (funeral expenses included). However, you need to check the range of medical expenses (on-site, off-site, fatal injury, loss of job wage, therapy, prescriptions, and others) that it includes. Certain insurances are restricted to one or two cases; some extend to a lot more. You need to judge the same accordingly.
- The time range that the insurance covers
When the situation arises, you will need the money immediately. Therefore, you need premium insurance coverage that financially backs you up within the minimum cover range.
- Does it include compensation in case of slander?
What if you are slandered and defamed for something that technically is a PR fault or emanates from a different scenario for which you are not responsible? Ensure that the insurance coverage protects you legally and otherwise from that in terms of financial help.
How to get hold of the policy?
Assuming you are still on this page, you have a fair idea about the policies that most workers want documented in the HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance and key features that you must check before signing off on any policy. But there’s another factor at play here. How will you get hold of a policy that fits your demands? Let’s see what the experts have to say –
- Before you buy the insurance policy, check the credentials of the concerned company. There are a host of companies that may make tall claims but have yet to learn how this insurance works. Hence, get hold of this policy only after you have checked and cross-checked the specifics multiple times.
- Always read the policy in detail, ask questions, and understand the risks associated with this policy before signing the same. Connect with notable insurance professionals to comprehend this liability insurance’s key terminologies and risks.
- It is crucial that to get hold of the policy and harness the positives associated with the same; you check the policy deductible of the same. Always choose a policy with a pay-from-pocket deductible to enhance your insurance coverage.
For the unversed, the HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance starts at $39/month. Also, the HVAC workers, given their set of professional demands, can apply for a range of other insurance covers – from auto insurance and excess liability insurance to surety bonds. At times, this general liability insurance coverage acts as the umbrella coverage for the others.
A note of caution
The abovementioned section, if you have read it well, gives you a complete insight into the areas HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance covers. However, as an aware individual, you must also note down the areas where this liability insurance would not save you. Take a look at that –
- If there is an intentional injury to any person or wilful destruction of property, then this liability insurance does not cover the same.
- Also, suppose the concerned worker was injured before or is suffering from any terminal illness (or any other medical issue that has no connection with his job profile). In that case, it is not covered under the insurance limits.
Last words
Given the emergency this HVAC job brings to the forefront, having an HVAC Contractor General Liability Insurance coverage is necessary! You need to be cautious of the terms and conditions associated with the scope and exercise caution while signing off the same. Always connect with professionals before you finalize the deed.
