What is HVAC Insurance?
If you're in the HVAC industry, you know that HVAC technicians face different risks, like equipment breaking down or accidents happening on site. These problems can cause big losses. The work often involves using complicated machines and working in tough conditions, which can lead to incidents. HVAC insurance is a group of policies that can protect your business, your tools, your employees, and your finances in many situations. These policies cover liability issues, property damage, workers' compensation, and even protection against business interruptions, helping your business stay strong and safe when unexpected challenges arise.
What HVAC Insurance Includes
HVAC insurance will cover you in case of accidents while you are on the job. It is designed to cover the specific type of risks that are likely to occur while working with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- Commercial general liability insurance: This covers will you financially in case someone is hurt or something is damaged by your or your team while working.
- Professional liability insurance: Also known as errors and omissions insurance, this protects you from claims related to mistakes or negligence in your work, such as using the wrong materials or giving poor advice.
- Tools and equipment insurance: This policy provides protections for the tools, machinery, and equipment you and your team use. If something is lost, stolen, or broken, either by accident or from wear and tear, your insurance company will reimburse you the value of your tools.
Recommended add-ons for HVAC insurance coverage
Apart from regular HVAC insurance, depending on the size of your business, number of employees, and type of specialization of your business, you should also consider getting these insurance add-ons:
- Commercial auto insurance: If you use vehicles for work, you will need to get commercial auto insurance, which will protect your work vehicle and its contents in case of accidents. This insurance is different from personal car insurance as it also protects the contents inside your car, such as HVAC equipment in case it gets damaged in an accident.
- Commercial Property Insurance: If you own an office or storage facility for your tools, you should consider getting this insurance. This will protect your property and assets if they are damaged from accidents such as fire, floods, or break-ins.
Common types of HVAC insurance claims
HVAC insurance can protect you from a variety of unexpected expenses that could potentially harm your business. Some common types of claims filed by HVAC professionals include:
- Injury claims: If a customer or someone is injured on the job site, HVAC insurance can cover the cost of medical expenses and legal fees.
- Property damage claims: In HVAC work, this is a very common type of claim as things can go wrong and systems can fail, damaging the client's property and could even damage other properties as well if you are working in a building with apartments.
- Equipment breakdowns: Tools and equipment are essential for HVAC work, but they can also be expensive to replace. Insurance coverage can help cover repair or replacement costs.
HVAC insurance in Canada: what you need to know
Each province in Canada has its own regulations and requirements for HVAC insurance. However, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Worker compensation: If you have employees, you may be required to register with the workers' compensation insurance board in your province. This insurance is often mandatory, in which the employer pays a premium to their respective board in their province in exchange for insurance for their employees. If a worker is injured while on the job, they will get compensation and any required treatment paid for.
- Bonding: In Canada, a surety bond is a financial guarantee which involves three parties: the principal (this is the party who needs the bond), the obligee (this is the party that requires the bond), and the surety (the party that will provide the bond). A surety bond is used to ensure that the principal fulfills their contractual obligations, and if they do not, the surety will compensate the obligee or make sure that the task is completed.
- Proof of insurance: In most cases, HVAC professionals will need to provide proof of insurance before they can obtain or renew their business license.