General Contractors and Remodelers
Residential and light commercial builders, remodelers and handymen who hire subs and sign owner contracts.
Contractor Insurance in San Antonio
Coverage for general contractors, remodelers, roofers and specialty trades, written around the contracts you sign and the certificates your clients ask for.
Who It's For
Roofers
Roofing is one of the harder classes to place. We look at your mix of residential, commercial, repair and replacement work before we shop it.
Specialty Trades
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC, painters, flooring, concrete, fencing and landscaping companies.
Subcontractors
Trades working under a general contractor who need certificates with additional insured and waiver of subrogation wording.
What It Covers
General Liability
Pays for injury to other people and damage to their property caused by your work, including problems that show up after a job is finished.
Workers' Compensation
Covers medical bills and lost wages when an employee is hurt on the job. Texas lets most private employers choose, but many general contractors and commercial jobs require it.
Commercial Auto
Covers trucks, vans and trailers used for work. A personal auto policy can exclude a vehicle owned by your business or used mainly for jobs.
Tools and Equipment
Inland marine coverage for tools, equipment and materials at a jobsite, in transit or in your truck. General liability does not cover your own equipment.
Builder's Risk
Covers a structure while it is being built or renovated, including materials on site. Owners and lenders often require it on remodels and new builds.
Commercial Umbrella
Adds liability limits above your general liability, auto and employer's liability for contracts that ask for more than your primary policies carry.
Texas and San Antonio Details
Texas does not require general liability for most trades statewide. State licensed trades such as electricians, plumbers and air conditioning contractors carry minimum insurance requirements to keep their licenses, and many commercial, school and city projects set their own.
Workers' comp is optional for most private Texas employers. Employers who go without it, called nonsubscribers, lose several legal defenses if an injured employee sues, must file a notice with the Texas Department of Insurance each year and must tell employees in writing. Building or construction work for a government entity requires coverage.
Contracts are where most contractor coverage problems start. Before we quote, we ask for the insurance section of the contracts you sign so the policy carries the additional insured, waiver of subrogation and primary and noncontributory wording they call for.
Common Questions
Is General Liability Required for Contractors in Texas?
For most trades there is no statewide requirement. Licensed electricians, plumbers and air conditioning contractors have state insurance minimums, and most general contractors, property managers and commercial clients want proof of coverage before you start.
Do I Need Workers' Comp If I Have No Employees?
Texas does not require it, and a sole proprietor is usually not covered unless they elect coverage. Some general contractors still require a policy or an occupational accident policy from their subs, so check your contracts first.
Can You Add a General Contractor as Additional Insured?
Yes. Most contractor policies can add additional insured, waiver of subrogation and primary and noncontributory wording, either for anyone your contracts require or one name at a time. We check which one your contract calls for before we bind.
Does My General Liability Cover My Tools?
No. General liability covers damage you cause to other people's property. Your own tools and equipment need a tools and equipment (inland marine) policy.
How Do I Request a Certificate of Insurance?
Once your policy is in force, send the certificate holder's name and address through our contact form or email service@timberbrookins.com. Certificates that need special wording can take longer because the insurance company may need to add an endorsement first.
Related Coverage
Ready to Talk Coverage?
Send a request or call us to get started.