New construction is on the rise in so many parts of the US, and so is repairing and maintaining existing property.
This means there are so many opportunities out there for those in the asphalt and blacktop business to up their clientele and increase their profits. But there are also real risks that business owners have to face when they choose this line of work. Asphalt and Blacktop Contractors General Liability Insurance is a way to keep business owners from having to shoulder the financial burden of the many things that may go wrong when they're on the job. Learn more about what it means to have coverage that can help protect your business from financial disaster when something goes awry.
General Liability
You already know what it means to have liability when you're on the job because you understand you're working with dangerous equipment that can damage property (or even sometimes injure people). Let's say that you're working on a parking lot where you've been hired to redo the blacktop to eliminate the chances of a person tripping over a crack or an uneven portion of the ground. This parking lot may be close to the physical property of the building next to the blacktop. If you were to damage that property accidentally, do you know how you would pay for these damages? Most liability coverage policies have limits and exclusions that are not always known to the policyholder.
Without the right coverage, you risk closing down your entire operation (and potentially going bankrupt in the process.) For a deeper look at this type of risk transfer solution, see
Asphalt and Blacktop Contractors General Liability Insurance.
The Threat of Injuries
The equipment that you work with is likely both expensive and complicated. Regular maintenance may go a long way to ensuring that nothing happens to it or to the people who use it, but trouble-free service is not a given for an equipment owner. If a piece of equipment suddenly malfunctions and injures a worker on the job, then Asphalt and Blacktop Contractors General Liability Insurance may help with third-party claims related to the incident, while workers' compensation would address the employee’s medical expenses. Job-site hazards and equipment failures are real exposures for contractors working in outdoor environments.
Better Prevention
The more preventative steps you take, the lesser your chances of risk and the lower your Asphalt and Blacktop Contractors General Liability Insurance policy may be. When you're hiring your employees, ensure that they have the right experience and attitudes to work on each job.
The more they understand their responsibilities, the less likely they are to make a mistake. They'll also be more likely to call your attention to a problem before it becomes a threat to the future of your enterprise. Strong risk management practices and regular safety training are key underwriting factors for insurance carriers.
Think It Through
The best way to understand your responsibilities is to think through as many liability scenarios as possible and to answer them as honestly as possible. Do you know what you would do if a storm damaged your mixer? Do you know the steps to take if your employee decides to steal from one of your clients? Can you afford a potential lawsuit if a client decides that you didn't do the job the way you were supposed to do it? If you were to pollute the air with toxic fumes, do you know how to handle that situation? Having the answers to these questions is the best way to prevent yourself from falling prey to an expense you can't afford. Contractors often face environmental liability and property damage exposures, which are important to consider when selecting a policy.
For those who perform broader paving work beyond asphalt and blacktop,
Paving Contractors General Liability Insurance may also provide tailored protection.
Related Coverages
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Asphalt and Blacktop Contractors General Liability Insurance typically cover?
This coverage generally protects against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs resulting from your operations.
Is this insurance required by law?
Requirements vary by state and contract, but many clients and municipalities require proof of general liability coverage before work can begin.
Does it cover damage to my own equipment?
No, general liability insurance typically does not cover equipment you own. You may need separate equipment or inland marine coverage for that.
Who needs this type of insurance?
Contractors who work with asphalt, blacktop, sealcoating, or paving—especially those operating heavy machinery or working near public areas—should consider this coverage.
Can I bundle general liability with other policies?
Yes, many providers offer package policies that include liability, commercial auto, property, and workers’ compensation coverage.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.