Am I Covered If I Work Across Multiple States?

Hey guys, Mike here.

I do jobs all over — one week I might be in Westchester, the next in Jersey, and sometimes I’ll even cross into Pennsylvania or Connecticut for a bigger project. But that got me wondering… if my business is based in New York, am I still covered when I cross state lines?

So I asked my broker: am I insured in other states too?

Here’s what I found out:

• Your policy only covers the states listed on it.
  When you buy general liability or workers’ comp insurance, your policy usually names specific states where you’re allowed to work. If you do a job in a state not listed, the policy might not respond to a claim there.

• Workers’ comp is especially strict.
  Each state has its own workers’ compensation laws. For example, New York and New Jersey require separate filings, and Pennsylvania has its own system. If one of my guys got hurt in a state not listed, that could be a big problem.

• You can add multiple states to your policy.
  I told my broker I regularly take jobs in the tri-state area, so we updated my coverage to include NY, NJ, CT, and PA. Now I don’t have to worry about crossing the border for a project.

• Certificates need to match where you work.
  When a general contractor or client asks for a certificate of insurance, they expect it to reflect the correct state. Keeping my coverage updated saves me from last-minute headaches when bidding new jobs.

• Always tell your broker before expanding.
  Whether you’re picking up new clients across state lines or just doing one job out of state, it’s smart to make that call first. It’s a five-minute conversation that can save you a lot of trouble later.

For me, the peace of mind was worth it. Now, whether I’m fixing HVAC systems in Jersey or doing roofing in Connecticut, I know my business is fully protected.

If you’re a contractor who travels for work, make sure your policy travels with you. Call The Sarrica Insurance Group at 516-277-0812 or fill out the quick form here: Get a Quote.

— Mike

How Can I Lower My Insurance Premiums Without Losing Protection?

Hey guys, Mike here.

If you run a contracting business like I do, you know insurance isn’t cheap. Between liability, workers’ comp, auto, and equipment coverage, the premiums add up quick. One of the first things I asked my broker was: how can I bring these costs down without leaving myself wide open?

Here’s what I learned.

• Safety programs make a difference.
  If I can show my carrier that I’ve got safety training in place, I’m less of a risk. Things like regular tool-box talks, fall protection training, and keeping logs of safety meetings can help lower my workers’ comp costs.

• Clean driving records save money.
  Since I’ve got a few trucks and vans on the road, my premiums are heavily tied to driving records. Hiring responsible drivers and running annual checks keeps my rates down.

• Bundle policies with one broker.
  Instead of having my auto with one company and liability with another, I put everything under one roof. Most carriers give discounts when you package policies.

• Keep claims low.
  The fewer claims I file, the better my renewal looks. That doesn’t mean paying out of pocket for everything, but it does mean being smart about what I report and doing what I can to prevent accidents in the first place.

• Review coverage every year.
  I realized I was paying for limits and add-ons I didn’t even need anymore. Sitting down once a year with my broker helps me trim the fat without cutting the protection I actually use.

The bottom line is, you don’t have to sacrifice coverage just to save money. With the right safety habits, smart hiring, and a good broker who actually shops the market, you can keep your premiums in check and your business protected.

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs without cutting corners, give The Sarrica Insurance Group a call at 516-277-0812 or fill out our quick online form here: Get a Quote.

— Mike

Does My Insurance Cover Subcontractors, or Do They Need Their Own?

Hey guys, Mike here.

Running a contracting business, I can’t do everything myself. Some jobs need extra hands — maybe I bring in a roofer, an electrician, or a painter I trust to get things done. But one thing I learned early on is that subcontractors can get tricky when it comes to insurance.

So I asked my broker straight up: does my policy cover subcontractors, or do they need their own insurance?

Here’s what I found out:

• My general liability policy only covers my business and my direct employees.
  If a subcontractor makes a mistake — like causing property damage or hurting someone — that claim usually doesn’t fall under my policy.

• Subcontractors are supposed to carry their own insurance.
  That means liability insurance, workers’ comp, and sometimes even commercial auto if they drive for the job. Without it, I could be the one left holding the bag if something goes wrong.

• Certificates of insurance are a must.
  Before I let a subcontractor step foot on my job site, I ask for a certificate of insurance. It proves they have active coverage, and I keep it on file just in case a claim ever comes up.

• Some policies require me to list subcontractors as additional insured.
  Depending on the project and my carrier, I may need to formally add them to my policy for that job. My broker explained when this makes sense and when it doesn’t.

• If I don’t verify, the liability shifts to me.
  That’s the scary part. If a sub doesn’t have coverage and something happens, the client could come after me, and my insurance company might deny the claim.

The bottom line? Subcontractors should always carry their own insurance, and it’s my job to make sure they do. It keeps my business safe, protects the client, and keeps the job running smoothly.

If you’re in contracting like me, don’t assume your policy automatically covers your subs. Call your broker and double-check. Trust me — it’s one of those things you don’t want to find out the hard way.

If you want to talk to someone about setting this up right, give The Sarrica Insurance Group a call at 516-277-0812 or fill out our quick online form here: Get a Quote.

— Mike

Am I Covered When I Rent Equipment for a Job?

Hey guys, Mike here.

As a contractor, I don’t always own every piece of equipment I need. Some jobs require lifts, skid steers, or specialty tools that make more sense to rent than buy. That’s why one of the first things I asked my insurance broker was: if I rent equipment, am I covered, or do I need separate coverage?

Here’s what I found out:

• Most general liability policies don’t cover rented equipment.
  Liability covers injuries and property damage, but it usually won’t pay for a rented lift or power tool if it gets damaged, stolen, or broken on the job.

• There’s a special type of coverage called “rented equipment” or “equipment floater.”
  This is an add-on to your policy that protects equipment you don’t own but rent for a project. It usually covers things like theft, fire, or accidental damage while it’s in your care.

• Some rental companies offer their own insurance.
  When you sign the rental agreement, they may push you to buy their protection plan. It’s usually more expensive than adding coverage through your own broker, but it’s an option if you don’t have coverage in place.

• It’s on you once the rental leaves their yard.
  The rental company expects you to bring it back in the same condition. If something happens on the job site and you don’t have coverage, you could be paying thousands out of pocket.

For me, the answer was simple: I added rented equipment coverage to my policy. That way, whether I’m renting a scissor lift for a roofing job or a trenching machine for plumbing work, I know I’m covered.

If you’re in the same boat and not sure what your policy includes, take five minutes and call your broker. It’s better to find out now than after you’re staring at a bill for a busted machine.

If you want to talk to someone about getting this coverage set up, give The Sarrica Insurance Group a call at 516-277-0812 or fill out the quick form here: Get a Quote.

— Mike

Do Contractors Need Workers’ Comp for Part-Time or 1099 Workers?

Hey guys, Mike here.

Running a contracting business, I’ve had plenty of times where I brought in a couple of guys for just a few days of roofing, or called up a buddy who’s a licensed electrician to help me out on a project. They’re not full-time employees — sometimes they’re part-time, sometimes they’re 1099 subcontractors.

So the big question I asked my insurance broker was: do I still need workers’ compensation coverage for them?

Here’s what I learned:

• Most states require workers’ comp no matter what.
  Even if you only hire one person, or bring someone in temporarily, states like New York and New Jersey will still expect you to have workers’ comp in place. Connecticut and Pennsylvania have similar rules.

• Subcontractors aren’t always covered under their own policies.
  A lot of us think, “Hey, they’re 1099, they should have their own insurance.” But unless you actually verify and get proof, the responsibility can fall back on you. If a subcontractor gets hurt on your job site and doesn’t have coverage, guess who’s on the hook? That’s right — you.

• Penalties for not carrying it are no joke.
  I’ve seen fines in the thousands, plus the state can shut down your job site until you’re compliant. That’s not a headache I want.

• Workers’ comp protects me too.
  If someone does get injured, I don’t want to be paying medical bills and lost wages out of pocket. Having that policy in place means I can focus on finishing the job and not stressing about a lawsuit.

So at the end of the day, I realized that yes — even if I’m only hiring part-time or 1099 workers, I still need workers’ comp. It’s not just about checking the box with the state, it’s about protecting my business and keeping jobs moving smoothly.

If you’re running a contracting business like mine and aren’t sure what you need, I’d definitely recommend giving a broker a call. That one conversation can save you a lot of money and trouble down the road.

If you want to talk to someone about getting covered, give The Sarrica Insurance Group a call at 516-277-0812 or fill out our quick online form here: Get a Quote.

— Mike