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