Plumbers Insurance
As a plumber, even small mistakes can lead to costly liabilities. Plumbers Insurance is essential to protect your business from unexpected expenses and legal risks, and may be required by law, such as workers’ compensation. Platforms like Eagle Nation help you compare quotes for affordable, tailored coverage.
Choose the right coverage from trusted insurance providers.
Why is Insurance Important for Plumbers?
As a plumber, I’ve seen how even a small mistake, like soldering a pipe near a leaky water heater, can turn into a big liability. If an employee suffers an injury while fixing something under a sink, or a customer decides to sue over damage, the costs can stack up fast. That’s why having the right insurance coverage is essential for plumbers.
It helps recover from losses, and some policies, such as workers’ comp, are even required by law. To save money, I always compare customized quotes from top insurance companies.
I use Eagle Nation’s easy online application. Just fill out a few details to get free advice from a licensed insurance agent, with a clear chart showing the best options and even a dollar sign to guide you toward the most affordable plan.
What Types of Business Insurance Do Plumbers Need?
Plumbers face various risks in their daily operations, and having the right business insurance is essential for protecting against those risks. The most common types of insurance for plumbers include:
Business owner’s policy
This policy conveniently bundles commercial property and general liability insurance into one cost-effective plan for dealers. A BOP is ideal for securing auto shop insurance and shielding businesses from financial losses.
Under this plan
Customer injuries
Damaged customer vehicles
Damaged business property
Commercial auto insurance
A policy designed for dealers and repair shops helps pay for property damage and medical bills after an accident. It is required in many states for businesses that own cars.
Under this plan
Car accident repair costs
Vandalism and theft
Weather damage
General liability insurance
This policy covers basic liabilities for auto service businesses, protecting against dealer risks like customer injury at a repair shop. To maximize savings, businesses can bundle it with property insurance or a business owner’s policy for broader coverage.
Under this plan
Customer injuries at a repair shop
Accidental vehicle damage
Slander and advertising injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ comp is required for auto shops in almost every state to cover employee injuries and related costs. It protects both employees and sole proprietors by handling work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
Under this plan
Employee medical expenses
Partial wage reimbursement
Lawsuits
Tools and Equipment Protection Plan
Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance helps protect your construction gear no matter where you go. This policy keeps your tools and equipment safe while you’re moving them (in transit) or using them at a jobsite. To qualify, your items usually need to be valued under $10,000.
Under this plan
Equipment less than five years old
Mobile equipment
Small toolsa
Professional Liability Protection Plan
Professional liability insurance for contractors, also known as errors and omissions insurance, protects against financial losses when a construction mistake or oversight causes a lawsuit. This policy is key for handling claims related to your work and promises made to clients.
Under this plan
Accusations of negligence
Failure to complete construction
Failure to use promised materials
How much does a plumber's insurance cost?
The cost of a plumber’s insurance depends on the size of your business. For example, a solo contractor will usually pay less in premiums than a larger plumbing company due to lower risk exposure.
Key Factors That Affect Insurance Costs:
- Services offered (e.g., residential or commercial plumbing)
- Business property and equipment used
- Business income and overall revenue
- Claims history (past filed claims can increase rates)
- Types of insurance purchased
- Coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions
How do I get insurance for plumbers?
Getting a plumber’s insurance and surety bonds is quick and simple if you have your basic company details ready, like your revenue and number of employees. You can secure coverage online in just three easy steps through Eagle Nation:
Steps to Get Plumbing Insurance:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose what fits best
- Pay and download your certificate of insurance
Eagle Nation’s licensed agents partner with top-rated U.S. insurers to provide affordable coverage tailored to your plumbing business, whether you’re a contractor, subcontractor, or employer.
Two ways to start your coverage
Quotes online
Talk to an agent
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
Common Questions About Insurance for Plumbers
Yes, most states and municipalities require plumbers to hold a license, along with certain insurance policies and surety bonds. Even in states where a plumbing license isn’t mandatory, you may still need a local license to work legally as a plumber.
Typically, to obtain a license, you will need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- 4 to 5 years of apprenticeship experience
- Then, you can take the licensing exam
Obtaining the right insurance and bonds reassures clients that they won’t be held liable for damages in case something goes wrong. It also demonstrates that you are a professional and reliable business owner.
Common requirements include:
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Surety bonds
While general liability and workers' compensation insurance provide essential protection for workplace injuries and third-party claims, they don’t cover everything. Plumbers should also consider:
- Builder’s risk insurance: This covers structures under construction and materials at the job site.
- Commercial property insurance: Protects your building and equipment against fire, theft, or storms.
- Business personal property coverage: Add this to cover tools and equipment even if you don’t have a building.
- Inland marine insurance: Covers tools and equipment while on the move or at job sites.
- Commercial umbrella insurance: Extends coverage when your other insurance limits are reached.
Professional indemnity insurance (also known as professional liability insurance) is crucial for protecting your business from errors, negligence, or mistakes that could harm your client.
Although plumbing liability insurance isn’t required by law in every state, it’s highly recommended, especially if your business provides expert advice. For example, if a plumber misdiagnoses a leak, and the customer sues for the cost of repairs, this insurance can cover legal costs and damages.
Covered claims under professional indemnity insurance include:
- Negligence
- Breach of contract
- Errors and omissions
- Breach of confidentiality
- Inaccurate advice
No matter how careful you are, human errors happen, and the legal costs of defending a lawsuit can be expensive. Professional indemnity insurance protects you from these risks.
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I was able to get the right Plumbers Insurance coverage in just minutes through Eagle Nation. The application was simple, and I got great rates for my business!