Insurance for Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC Contractors in Connecticut

Short answer: Connecticut electricians, plumbers and HVAC contractors need general liability with completed operations, because many claims arrive after the job is finished (a fire from a connection, a leak from a fitting), plus commercial auto for vans, inland marine for tools and equipment, workers' compensation, and often an umbrella and contractors' pollution liability. Contracts with general contractors, towns and property managers will specify limits, additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements.

Completed operations is the core exposure

A water leak from a fitting installed months ago, or a fire traced to a panel or furnace, is a completed operations claim. Make sure your general liability includes completed operations at a full aggregate limit and does not exclude residential work, multi-family or condominium projects, which some contractor policies restrict. Water damage claims can be large in finished Fairfield County homes.

Tools, vans and equipment

• Commercial auto for vans and trucks; personal auto policies often exclude or limit work vehicles. See commercial auto.
• Inland marine (contractors' equipment and tools) for tools in vans and on job sites; theft from vans is common.
• Installation floater for equipment such as HVAC units and generators until installation is accepted.

Contracts and certificates

• General contractors, towns and property managers require additional insured status (ongoing and completed operations), primary and non-contributory wording and waivers of subrogation. See how to produce a COI that passes.
• Indemnity clauses in contracts need contractual liability coverage in your policy.

Workers, subs and pollution

• Workers' compensation from the first employee; collect certificates from every subcontractor or pay for them at audit. See the premium audit.
• Contractors' pollution liability for mold, refrigerants, asbestos disturbance and fuel oil releases, which general liability excludes. HVAC contractors working on oil systems should pay particular attention; see oil tank leaks.
• Connecticut licenses electrical, plumbing and HVAC trades through the Department of Consumer Protection; work outside the license scope can create coverage problems.

New England Insurance, an independent Connecticut agency in Bridgeport since 2012, places trade contractor programs. See contractor insurance requirements or construction coverage.