Is your heating not working? Perhaps the air conditioner is not working well, and you’re suffering under the hot Wisconsin summer sun. You may have called a contractor and are waiting for some help. Have you taken the time to find out if this contractor is insured to protect yourself? It’s a problem you don’t want to have.
Imagine your new heating and cooling system is placed, and the worker doing it steps through a floorboard through your ceiling. The next thing you know, there is a gaping hole in your ceiling. And, the worker is hurt. Who is responsible in this situation?
Is this covered by insurance? Whose insurance has to pay for the damage to your home and the medical bills from the worker? You may be surprised by the answer.
The Company’s Insurance Coverage
In the best case scenario, the company you hired has the right commercial liability insurance and workers’ compensation in place to protect the worker and you. There are a few key things to consider here.
The Worker’s Injury
In Wisconsin, most businesses with employees must purchase workers’ compensation coverage. But, this is not necessary if it is a one-person company. This is where you may be at risk. A workers’ compensation policy provides financial coverage for the losses the worker sustains on the job. Most companies have it – and you should verify this before hiring a contractor especially if they have employees.
The Damaged Roof
When a worker or the company cause any damage to your home – in this case, your ceiling – you may be able to file a claim for coverage and repair. This would be covered under the company’s commercial liability insurance. Commercial general liability covers claims made by others when the company is responsible.
Long-Term Mistakes
In some situations, the HVAC system is installed poorly, or there is a problem with it later. Another reason to use a local reputable contractor that can stand by their work in the future – the same as your local Independent Insurance Agent. If you are having any work done to your home, be sure the company has adequate coverage for this type of risk.
What If They Do Not Have Coverage?
If the contractor you hire does not have coverage, the worker could sue you for the damages to his or her body from the accident. This is because the worker was on your property when he or she was hurt. Though laws are limited and circumstances change, your home’s liability insurance may have to cover the losses here.
For this reason, it is very important to speak to your home insurance agent before you handle any home remodeling or renovation project. The higher the value of this change is, the more important it is for you to be sure you have enough coverage in place to proetect yourself and others. Our goal is to help you to do this. When you call your home insurance agent at Leonard Insurance, we’ll verify you have enough coverage for a case like this.
Let Us Help You Verify Your Contractors, Too
Be sure to ask the contractor to see the Certificate of Insurance for the business. It is not enough to go off the word of the provider. You need to see the information here. When you call Leonard Insurance, our team would be happy to verify the coverage your contractor has to be sure it is enough to protect you. We can also help you to update your current policy to be sure you have proper protection in the worst case.
