Contractor Insurance in Texas
Texas contractors face risks that are different from those of most businesses. From jobsite injuries and property damage to work vehicles, tools, equipment and subcontractors, the right insurance program needs to fit the way your business actually operates.
Tim James Insurance helps contractors across Texas compare coverage from multiple insurance companies. Whether you're a general contractor, roofer, welder, electrician, plumber or another skilled trade, we'll help you identify the coverage your business needs without paying for coverage it doesn't.
What Insurance Does a Texas Contractor Need?
The coverage a contractor needs depends on the work you perform, the size of your business, the vehicles and equipment you use, whether you have employees or subcontractors, and the requirements of your customers or general contractors. A Texas contractor insurance program may include:
General Liability Insurance — Helps protect your business from claims involving bodily injury, property damage and other liability arising from your operations.
Commercial Auto Insurance — Covers trucks, vans and other vehicles used in your contracting business.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance — Provides coverage for work-related employee injuries and can help contractors meet requirements imposed by customers and general contractors.
Tools & Equipment Coverage — Helps protect tools and mobile equipment that travel with you from one jobsite to another.
Commercial Property Insurance — Can cover buildings, business personal property, inventory and other property your contracting business owns.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance — Provides additional liability limits above certain underlying policies when larger limits are needed.
Surety Bonds — Some contractors may need license, permit, performance or other bonds depending on the work and contract requirements.
Contractors We Insure Across Texas
We work with contractors and skilled trades throughout Texas, including general contractors, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, welders, metal building contractors, concrete contractors, excavation contractors, landscapers, painters, remodelers, carpenters and other construction-related businesses.
Certificates of Insurance & Contractor Requirements
Contractors are often required to provide certificates of insurance before starting a job or entering a worksite. Those requirements may include specific liability limits, commercial auto coverage, workers’ compensation, additional insured status, waivers of subrogation or other endorsements.
At Tim James Insurance, we understand that a certificate isn't something you want to wait days to receive. We help our contractor clients understand insurance requirements, address certificate requests and keep their coverage aligned with the contracts and jobs they take on.
Using subcontractors? Your insurance company may have specific requirements for subcontractors, including certificates of insurance and minimum coverage limits. We can help you understand those requirements before they become a problem at audit or after a claim.
Texas Contractor Insurance FAQs
What insurance does a contractor need in Texas?
Coverage depends on the type of work you perform, your employees, vehicles, equipment and contract requirements. Many contractors carry general liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, tools and equipment coverage, commercial property and umbrella insurance.
Is general liability insurance required for contractors in Texas?
Requirements vary by trade, license and contract. Even when coverage isn't specifically required by law, customers, general contractors, property owners or project contracts may require proof of liability insurance before work begins.
Do Texas contractors have to carry workers' compensation insurance?
Most private Texas employers are not required by state law to carry workers' compensation insurance. However, coverage is required for employees working on certain government construction projects, and general contractors or customers may require it as part of a contract.
Does contractor insurance cover subcontractors?
Not automatically in every situation. Insurance companies may have specific requirements regarding subcontractors, including certificates of insurance and minimum coverage limits. Contractors should discuss their use of subcontractors with their insurance agent.
What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance provides information about a contractor's insurance policies and coverage limits. Customers and general contractors often request a COI before allowing a contractor to begin work.
Can Tim James Insurance help with contractor insurance requirements?
Yes. We can help review insurance requirements, compare coverage options from multiple insurance companies and assist with certificate requests for our contractor clients.