Contractor Insurance for Baltimore & Maryland Trades

Your business isn't a generic risk. Your insurance shouldn't be either.

A plumbing operation, electrical contractor, HVAC business, painting firm and remodeling company can all need very different protection. Jobsites, vehicles, subcontractors, equipment and customer contracts create exposures that a basic policy may not fully address.

Lion Insurance Group helps Maryland contractors and service firms understand what to review before requesting commercial insurance. We discuss the work your company actually performs, then explore appropriate markets when access, underwriting and eligibility permit.

Contractor coverages worth discussing

General liability insurance. Can respond to certain covered third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Review exclusions, completed operations, additional insured requirements and contract-specific limits; a certificate of insurance by itself does not change the policy.

Business Owners Policy (BOP) or commercial property. Some qualifying operations may benefit from a package combining liability and property coverage. Specialized contracting operations may require other forms. A BOP is not a substitute for workers' compensation or commercial auto.

Workers’ compensation. With limited exceptions, a Maryland employer with one or more employees must provide workers' compensation coverage. Classification, payroll, subcontractor status and legal exemptions matter. Source: Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission, https://www.wcc.state.md.us/PDF/Publications/QandA_Emplr.pdf

Commercial auto and hired/non-owned auto. Vehicles used for contracting work—and personal or hired vehicles driven for business—can create coverage gaps if the wrong type of policy is used. Discuss ownership, use and drivers.

Tools, equipment and inland marine. Tools and mobile equipment may need a separate contractors-equipment or inland marine form rather than relying on a general property policy. Review theft, jobsite storage, transit and deductibles.

Contractor bonds and professional liability. A bid bond, performance bond, license bond or professional liability form serves a different purpose from general liability. Needs vary by occupation, client contract and activity. Bonding is not insurance against every loss.

Cyber coverage. Contractors collecting payments, handling customer data or relying on business software may also want to explore relevant cyber coverage.

Before bidding on a job, review your certificates and contracts

A commercial customer may request particular limits, additional insured wording, waiver of subrogation or other terms. Send contract insurance requirements early. Never assume a certificate alone establishes an endorsement or satisfies a contract.

Information that makes a contractor quote easier

Have your legal business name and years operating, a clear description of work, annual revenue, payroll, employee and subcontractor details, loss runs where available, vehicle schedule, equipment values, current declarations and any certificate/contract requirements. The agency may request more information depending on the market.

Local guidance for Maryland contractors

Lion is based in Baltimore and works with contractors and trade businesses throughout Maryland, subject to licensing, market access and underwriting. Our goal is to make the insurance review understandable, not sell the same package to every trade.

Let's discuss your operation

Request a Contractor Insurance Review or call (410) 500-3322. Coverage is subject to applicable policy wording, insurer approval, licensed market access and underwriting. A request is not binding coverage.