Plumber insurance questions, answered

Most need general liability, commercial auto, tools and equipment coverage, and workers' comp once they have employees. Many also need a license or permit bond. Commercial plumbers often add an umbrella, installation floater and performance bonds. See the full list of coverages.

It often covers damage to the customer's property caused by your work, including damage discovered after the job is finished, subject to your policy's terms. Many policies don't pay to redo the faulty work itself, and some limit mold or sewage claims. See general liability for plumbers.

Usually not. Tools and equipment are typically covered by a separate inland marine policy. See tools and equipment insurance.

"Insured" means you carry insurance that protects your business. "Bonded" means a surety has issued a bond that protects your customer or the government if you don't meet your obligations. Read how to get bonded and insured.

It depends on your payroll, revenue, type of work, vehicles, claims history, limits and state. Our cost guide walks through typical ranges by coverage.

Most likely a premium audit. Your premium was estimated at the start of the policy and recalculated from your actual payroll at the end. Uninsured subcontractors can also be charged at audit. See workers' comp audits for plumbers.

Often, yes: by classifying payroll correctly, collecting certificates from subs, adjusting deductibles, bundling where it makes sense, and keeping a clean claims record. We look for these when we shop your policy.

In many states, yes, but the rules vary widely. Some states require proof of liability insurance or a bond for a contractor license, and some leave licensing to cities. Check your state page.

Maybe. If your subs don't carry their own workers' comp, your carrier may charge you for them at audit, and some states can treat them as your employees. See 1099 subcontractors and workers' comp.

Send us the contract's insurance section. Your policy needs the right endorsements, not just a certificate. Our certificate guide explains each piece.

No. We're an independent insurance agency. Plumbing Insurance Group is a brand of The Allen Thomas Group, and we place your coverage with 12+ A-rated insurance carriers.

We're licensed in 28 states. See the full list and our license numbers.

A licensed agent responds within one business day (requests sent on a weekend are answered the following Monday). Our office hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern.

No. The form starts a conversation. Coverage is only in place once you choose a policy, the carrier accepts it and it's bound.