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Contractor Insurance

As a professional tradesman, you face serious risks every day. A lot can go wrong at a job site, even with safety precautions and protections in place.

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Coverage Built Around the Work You Do

Every trade carries its own risks. A crew setting trusses 30 feet up faces different hazards than an electrician working inside an occupied office, and neither looks like a plow operator running routes at 3 a.m.

Your insurance should reflect those differences, from the limits you carry to the endorsements general contractors require before you set foot on the job.

Your coverage starts with how you work, not the name on your truck.

Structural builders need strong liability and workers comp. Mechanical and finish trades need protection for the property they work in and the workmanship they leave behind. Site and grounds contractors depend on their trucks and equipment to get paid.

We build a custom program that fits.

Building & Structural Contractors

General Contractor
Carpentry
Masonry
Concrete
Roofing
Excavation

Mechanical & Finish Trades

Electrician
Plumbing
HVAC
Drywall & Painting
Tile & Stone
Handyman

Site & Grounds Contractors

Paving & Asphalt
Landscape & Hardscape
Lawn Care
Snow Plowing
Fence Installation
Debris Removal & Restoration

We are proud members of Associated Builders and Contractors

We Won't Slow You Down

Permits, backordered supplies, scheduling issues, the weather – there are a lot of things that can hold you up. Waiting on us won’t be one of them.

We’re Johnny on the Spot with the documents you need, because we understand how important they are to your business.

Build a Culture of Safety

Does your current agent help you support and reinforce safe work practices throughout the year?

We help you build and maintain a safety-first environment. You’ll also gain access to our expansive library of materials, making it possible to provide additional safety training whenever it is needed.

Plan for the Jobs Ahead

Staying competitive means bidding bigger jobs, finding and keeping skilled crews, and meeting tougher contract requirements, often all at once.

Most insurance renewals only look backward at last year’s claims. Our RiskView365 process looks forward: we identify the risks that come with new contracts, growing payrolls, and expanding fleets and equipment, then build a Top of Stack Submission that puts your business in front of the right underwriters, so you get broader coverage and sharper pricing, not just a renewal quote.

Learn More About Our Process →

General Liability

Builders Risk

Commercial Property

Business Income

Commercial Auto

Crime

Umbrella

Cybersecurity

FAQ

What insurance does a contractor need?

Most contractors need four core coverages: general liability, workers compensation, commercial auto, and coverage for tools and equipment. Depending on your trade and contracts, you may also need builders risk, an umbrella policy, or professional liability. We build each program around the work you do, the crews you run, and the contracts you sign.

Is workers compensation required for contractors?

In most states, workers compensation is required once you have employees. The rules vary by state, and the penalties for going without coverage can be severe. Many general contractors also require proof of workers comp from their subcontractors before work begins. Our team helps you stay compliant and keep your certificates current.

How much does contractor insurance cost?

Cost depends on your trade, payroll, revenue, claims history, the number of vehicles, and the limits you carry. A roofer and a painter with the same revenue will pay very different premiums. Phelan shops your coverage across multiple carriers and uses safety programs to help keep your rates competitive year after year.

How quickly can I get a certificate of insurance?

Our clients get certificates of insurance on demand, along with 24/7 secure access to their policy documents and auto ID cards. When a general contractor or project owner needs proof of coverage before you can start, you won’t be left waiting on your agent.

Does general liability insurance cover my tools and equipment?

No. General liability covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. It does not cover your own tools, equipment, or materials. That protection comes from inland marine coverage, often called a contractor’s equipment or tools floater, which covers your gear on the job site, in transit, and in storage.

Do I need builders risk insurance?

If you’re building, renovating, or remodeling a structure, builders risk covers the project itself while it’s under construction. It protects against fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage to the building and materials on site. Contracts often spell out whether the owner or the contractor must carry it, so review them before the job starts.

How can a safety program lower my insurance costs?

Fewer accidents mean fewer claims, and fewer claims mean better rates at renewal. Our clients get access to our library of safety resources, including toolbox talks, OSHA compliance programs, and employee training materials. A documented safety culture protects your crews and makes your business more attractive to carriers.

Contractor Resources

We’re here to offer guidance to help you navigate through complicated choices when it comes to your insurance – and more.

Contractor Insurance