- What is it?
HVAC contractor insurance is commercial insurance for heating, ventilation and air conditioning companies. Policies are typically package policies, providing both property and liability coverages
- Who’s it for?
- Residential heating and air conditioning companies
- Commercial heating and air conditioning companies
- Air conditioner, heat pump and furnace retailers
- What is offered?
- General Liability Coverage
- Commercial Umbrella Coverage
- Commercial Property Coverage
HVAC Contractor Insurance in California
What is HVAC contractor insurance?
Working on furnaces and air conditioners brings some inherent risks, and it’s important to protect against risks such as theft, accidents and property damage when possible. HVAC contractor insurance can help heating and air conditioning professionals in California shield their businesses from a host of potential perils.
HVAC contractor insurance is commercial insurance for heating, ventilation and air conditioning companies. Policies are typically package policies, providing both property and liability coverages.
What businesses in California is HVAC business insurance for?
Most California businesses in the heating and air conditioning space need insurance, and HVAC business insurance is usually the best choice. Not getting a policy can be disastrous if something happens.
Some examples of businesses that commonly get HVAC business policies are:
- Residential heating and air conditioning companies
- Commercial heating and air conditioning companies
- Air conditioner, heat pump and furnace retailers
- Mini split installers and retailers
- Air duct cleaning businesses
- Self-employed HVAC technicians
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What insurance coverages do HVAC companies need in their insurance policy?
Insurance coverage needs are always situationally specific. HVAC professionals should work with an insurance agent who understands these policies well, in order to make sure they’re properly protected for their situation.
Nonetheless, there are several coverages that HVAC companies often get when purchasing an HVAC business policy:
- General Liability Coverage: Typically insures against basic accidents that cause third-party injury or property damage.
- Commercial Umbrella Coverage: Typically offers a second level of liability insurance, for large lawsuits.
- Commercial Property Coverage: Typically insures a facility, HVAC tools, equipment and supplies owned by an HVAC contractor, generally while these items are at the business’s facility (or leased location).
- Contractors Tools and Equipment Coverage: Typically insures HVAC tools and equipment, extending coverage beyond just a facility or primary location.
- Inland Marine Coverage: Typically insures HVAC tools and equipment, when they’re being transported between a business’s location and customer locations.
- Commercial Auto Coverage: Typically insures work vans and trucks owned by the HVAC business.
What type of commercial auto coverage do HVAC contractors need?
The kind of commercial auto coverage that HVAC contractors need depends largely on what vehicles their business owns. Cargo van insurance, commercial truck insurance or another commercial auto insurance policy might be the right choice. A knowledgeable insurance agent can determine which of these is the best option for a particular HVAC contractor.
Do HVAC technicians need their own insurance when doing side work?
HVAC technicians usually are covered under their employer’s insurance policy, but that coverage is typically only in effect when doing work for the employer. An employer’s policy is unlikely to cover any side jobs that a tech picks up themselves.
While it may be tempting to forgo insurance for side jobs, coverage is still generally recommended. Even a small job can cost a tech dearly if something happens, and techs are often personally liable if they haven’t set up an LLC for this side work.
In these situations, an insurance agent who specializes in HVAC business insurance can help technicians find an affordable policy that’ll give them protection.
Do HVAC technicians need their own insurance when subcontracting?
Subcontractors generally aren’t covered by a hiring business’s insurance policy in the same way that employees are. HVAC technicians who subcontract might have a couple of ways to obtain coverage, though.
First, techs may purchase their own HVAC business insurance policy. This might be the best choice if regularly subbing for different companies, or if a tech does non-subcontracted work too. It’s also the more customizable of the two options.
Second, techs might ask the hiring business to list them as an “additional insured.” Being listed as an additional insured should allow the tech to file an insurance claim against the business’s policy, if they ever need to. This doesn’t afford the same customizability, but it also typically doesn’t require techs to pay their own premiums.
A specialized insurance agent will be able to also help subcontracting HVAC techs make sure they’re properly insured.
Where can HVAC businesses and techs in California obtain HVAC contractor insurance?
For help finding HVAC contractor insurance that suits your needs well, contact the independent insurance agents at Truck Writer Insurance Services. Our California agents will work closely with you to find a policy that will keep you protected.
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