Why It’s Important for Your HVAC Contractor to Carry Proper Insurance

It should go without saying that any contractor who performs services of any kind on your property must carry the proper business insurance. As a hired professional under written or spoken contract to provide a service, a contractor must provide insurance for their employees and business, in the event of accident or other unanticipated act, including possibly negligence. Any reputable company should be able and willing to provide you with proof of  their insurance.  Furthermore, although some smaller companies may try to avoid the additional expense, carrying business insurance is a legal requirement of doing business. 

Your residential HVAC contractor is responsible to keep your home or business free of water, gas and other dangers that pose a potential liability exposure. Additionally, given the risk of emission of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and other combustion byproducts resulting from insufficient or inadequate installation of HVAC system components, it is imperative that your HVAC contractor carry proper commercial property and liability coverage for property damage or bodily injury caused by its employees, products or services.

Not only are you, the property owner, potentially liable should accident or injury occur on your property if the business owner is uninsured, but you also want to protect yourself in the event that the contracted work is performed below acceptable industry standards. It is your responsibility, as property owner, to ensure that you are protected by their insurance coverage.  So, when you choose your local HVAC contractor to design and install your new system, do yourself a favor and make certain that they carry the necessary insurance. You will rest easier, just knowing that you are well protected.

HVAC Contractor Insurance Considerations

Whether you are looking for a great local HVAC contractor for air conditioning repair or to replace your heating and cooling system, one thing you want to make sure of is that the contractor has adequate insurance coverage.  Don’t be shy about asking any potential HVAC contractor to provide proof of liability insurance coverage and workman’s compensation insurance. A reputable contractor will have both of these types of insurance and will happy to provide you with proof of insurance.

Some HVAC contractors attempt to cut costs by going without insurance.  This questionable ethical practice means that they may be able to underbid other HVAC contractors, but it leave you the homeowner exposed to liability if anything should happen while the contractor is working on your property.

Liability insurance coverage pays for damage caused to property or people by the contractor.  Property damage or injury to another person is rare, but it does happen.  When it does, the contractor’s liability insurance kicks in and pays for the damage.  If the contractor does not have liability insurance, the homeowner is on the hook for damages caused by the contractor while working on your home.  Your homeowner’s insurance may cover you, but you will still be out of pocket for your deductible and have deal with the hassle of the claim.

Workman’s compensation insurance covers injuries and lost wages for the contractor’s employees.  HVAC work is hazardous and involves some heavy lifting and other physical exertion.  It is not at all unusual for an HVAC technician to be injured on the job.  Once again, you would be the one to pay for the employees lost wages and hospital bills if the technician was injured while working on your home and the contractor did not have workman’s compensation insurance.