Read two lists of insurance coverages applicable to artisan carpenters.

Learn about insurance coverages needed to protect artisan carpenter businesses.

While Northeast Ohioans still await the invigoration of open windows and colorful spring blossoms, many are eager to put building and remodeling plans into action. Cue the artisan carpenters.

As artisan carpenters gear up for their busy season, now is a good time to review your insurance coverage. Richey-Barrett Insurance is an experienced independent insurance agency serving trade contractors’ insurance needs for decades. Whether your carpentry business is roofing, windows and doors, framing, cabinet and/or furniture making, deck construction and repair, or some other unique carpentry application, you need the following minimum standard coverages:

• General Liability Insurance (bodily injury and property damage)
• Automobile Insurance
  (for owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles used in the carpentry business operations, including, for example, errand runs to the hardware store to pick up a box of nails. Uninsured and Underinsured Automobile Liability Insurance is highly recommended.)
• Commercial Property Insurance
  (for the building, if there is a commercial building, as well as tools and equipment located on the premises of your carpentry business)
• Business Income Insurance (loss of income)
• Inland Marine Insurance
  (for tools and equipment located off-site of your carpentry business)
• Employer’s Liability/Stop-Gap Insurance
  (protects employers if an injured employee sues for additional damages beyond what is covered by Ohio Workers’ Compensation)

Depending on the operation and size of your carpentry business, additional coverages for consideration include:

• Cyber Insurance
  (Are you billing electronically, or do you maintain an electronic database of actual and/or potential suppliers, customers, contacts, etc.?)
• Schedule of Individual Tools or Equipment for high-value items
• Umbrella Liability Insurance (provides additional liability limits)

If a job requires a bond, Richey-Barrett Insurance has access to markets for contractor’s bonds. For license/permit bonds, we ask that you contact us 24 hours before you need them. With respect to bid bonds, an application and financial statements are required by the bonding companies, so underwriting usually takes one week minimum, and possibly two weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the job.

Whether your carpentry business is just getting started or has been operating for years, Richey-Barrett Insurance is your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent for all of your artisan carpentry insurance needs.