What to do every day, every month, and every year
You run a plumbing business alone. You need to stay on top of your insurance. This one-page checklist helps you do that. It tells you what to do every day, every month, and every year. Let’s look at each part step by step.
Every day: Check your work matches what you told the insurance company
- Are you still doing the same kind of work you told your insurance company about? If you start doing different jobs, you need to tell them. Your insurance price depends on the work you do. Your quote will show the right kind of work for your state and your business.
- If a client asks for a certificate of insurance, do you have it ready? A COI is a form that shows your business has insurance. It is not the same as the real policy. Start your quote to get your COI if you don’t have it yet.
Every month: Keep your files in order
- Save a copy of your policy documents and your certificate of insurance. You might need them when you talk to clients or when you do taxes.
- Make sure you understand the kind of work your insurance covers. Plumbing includes many things—like fixing leaks, installing new pipes, or working with gas lines. Your insurance is based on the kind of work you do. If you start doing something new, you might need to tell your insurance company.
- If you use tools or equipment, make sure you know how to use them safely. Your insurance covers work-related injuries to people who are covered by your policy. If you get hurt doing your job and you are not covered, your insurance won’t help you.
Every year: Renew your policy and check your details
- Renew your insurance by getting a new quote. Things can change—like the kind of work you do or your state rules. Start your quote to see your new price and terms.
- Check your owner inclusion election. If you get hurt while doing your job, do you want to be covered? This is a choice you make when you get your quote. It costs more, but it covers you. If you made a choice before, make sure it still works for you now.
- Look at your policy documents again. Make sure you understand what your insurance covers and what it does not. If you are not sure, start your quote to get your documents again.
When something changes: Add a new certificate holder or update your policy
- If a new client or company asks for a certificate of insurance, make sure you send them the right one. A COI is a form that shows your business has insurance. It is not the same as the real policy. Start your quote to get the right COI if you need one.
- If you hire someone to help you, your insurance changes. You may need more coverage or a different class code. A class code is the kind of work your business does. Tell your insurance company about the new person and ask if you need to change your policy.
- If you start working in a new kind of place—like a school, hospital, or government building—you may need to tell your insurance company. Some places have special rules about the kind of insurance they accept.
When you need to know more: Find the right help
- If you are not sure about your class code or your state’s rules, your quote will tell you the right information. No need to guess—just start your quote.
- If you have questions about what your policy covers, look at the policy documents you saved. They explain the rules in detail. If you need a new copy, start your quote.
- If you are not sure what to do next, your quote and your policy documents are the best places to start. They show you what your insurance covers and how much it costs.
When things go wrong: What to do if you get hurt or something breaks
- If you get hurt while doing your job, you need to report it to your insurance company right away. But remember: your policy does not cover you by default. If you made an owner inclusion election, your insurance will help you. If you did not, it won’t. That’s why it’s important to choose the right option when you get your quote.
- If something breaks or goes wrong at a job site, your insurance does not cover it. Workers' comp is for injuries to people who are covered by your policy. It does not cover damage to property or equipment. That is a different kind of insurance, like general liability or property insurance. You can read about those on other websites, but we only sell workers' comp.
When you need to keep going: Staying compliant and ready
- Always make sure your insurance is up to date. If you don’t, you could get in trouble with a client or with your state. Start your quote to check your status.
- Keep your policy documents and your certificate of insurance in a safe place. You might need them at any time. A good idea is to save them on your computer or in the cloud.
- Know your state rules. Each state has its own rules about insurance. Your quote will tell you what your state needs. No need to guess—just start your quote.
