Questions California Contractors Insurance Agents Should Ask Contracting Professionals

By Vincent Madden

A strong economy is always good news for the construction industry. People feel more confident and are more apt to spend their money on home purchases and renovations. This in turn, encourages newcomers to the industry and gives experienced professionals the confidence to expand. Each one of these people is going to need to be insured. That provides plenty of opportunity for California Contractors Insurance Agents to grow their client bases.

To insure a contractor properly, the agent must understand the nature of the contractor's business. Handymen usually do general repairs for homeowners and small businesses. They may work as independent maintenance men. You should ask a potential handyman client exactly what he does. The answer to this question will help determine if he needs general liability, contractor's coverage, inland marine, or builder's risk insurance.

The carpentry field is growing in today's economy. This can be a risky business. Most carpenters, whether they are framers or finishers, are independent and self-employed. You should ask these clients if they work exclusively out of their shops or work on job sites. Depending on their answers, you may decide the best coverage would be general liability, property, commercial auto, inland marine, contractor's equipment, and builder's risk.

Plumbing is also a quickly growing industry. This field is somewhat unusual because it is fairly stable. You need to know if the plumber works on boilers. If he does, he may be able to get covered through the carriers. Some plumbers have storefronts that include showrooms. You should ask if this is the case with your client. If customers have access to a showroom, there is always a possibility of third-party lawsuits.

Not everybody thinks about window washers when they are considering contracting businesses, but they are potentially great clients. Window washers are always needed. In a good economy, with commercial building on the rise, they are more in demand than ever. You need to know what type of structures your window washer client services. Servicing high rises and residential properties are two very different businesses. Good suggestions for this client might be commercial auto, equipment, and general liability. Workers' comp is necessary if the client has employees.

Electrical installers are not in a field that is growing rapidly. Consumers have become accustomed to replacing damaged electronics rather than having them repaired. Technology has made electrical equipment more reliable and less in need of regular repair. If you have an installer as a client, you need to know if that person owns his business. If so, he will need a business owner's policy.

The general contracting business is one that is on the upswing. To find a general contractor the right coverage, you need to know exactly what kind of work he does. Most are involved in all aspects of construction. If he works on large commercial projects, he may need an umbrella liability policy. If he has employees, he must have workers' compensation coverage.

The construction industry, and other related industries, can be great sources of business. Contractors have to have insurance. As an agent, it's your job to make sure they have the right kind.

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