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Should I get contractor's liability insurance?

Should I get contractor's liability insurance?

During the time you're building a structure, it faces a different set of risks than it will after construction is complete. Between unforeseeable acts of nature—like floods and high winds—to human dangers like theft and faulty electrical wiring, there are myriad potential catastrophes from which you might want protection while you're in the construction phase. Contractor liability insurance can help make sure you're protected from dangers, from surprise fires to everyday slips and falls. It can ...
December 3, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Contractors Liability Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
Prepping future generations for the construction industry

Prepping future generations for the construction industry

Planning for the future is essential for businesses of all sizes and in any industry. For California construction companies, some have a slightly different tactic to try and garner interest in younger generations. According to the Press Democrat, 1,100 middle and high school students were able to get a first-hand experience of the daily routine of a construction worker at last week's Careers in Construction Expo at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. Sponsored by ...
October 17, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Construction, Future, Generation 0 Comment Read More »
What the right commercial auto insurance policy can do for your company

What the right commercial auto insurance policy can do for your company

For many small- to medium-sized business owners, a commercial auto insurance policy is generally not the first concern they have when trying to get their company up and running. Some entrepreneurs might assume that their standard, personal auto insurance will be enough should any accidents occur. However, that is a serious misunderstanding. Whether you own a contracting firm or a company that depends on deliveries, using a company car is vastly different than making personal ...
October 14, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Commercial Auto Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
The importance of current general contractor insurance

The importance of current general contractor insurance

Earlier this week, this blog discussed how the government shutdown could impact the construction industry. As the housing market slowly began to recover, many in the home building sector were optimistic about their own future. However, recent research shows that some workers have been leaving the field for other areas. Those who own or oversee construction and contracting firms need to remain aware of these issues. Having the right general contractor insurance in place will ...
October 10, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Tag 0 Comment Read More »
Proving stability to your customers through uncertain circumstances

Proving stability to your customers through uncertain circumstances

Death and taxes. According to an adage, those two things are all that is certain in life. For owners of California contracting firms, being an entrepreneur brings many uncertainties. However, business insurance policies do not have to be one of them. Worrying about whether your organization can overcome a natural disaster should not be a top priority. As the recent government shutdown proves, unexpected events can have far-reaching effects. For example, the National Association of Government Contractors ...
October 3, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Customers, Prove Stability 0 Comments Read More »
Report: U.S. construction increases last month

Report: U.S. construction increases last month

For construction companies, having comprehensive and up-to-date general contractor insurance is essential. Because research shows that the housing market is working its way back to a full recovery, contractors and builders need to keep their company protected against numerous potential events. On Tuesday, the Commerce Department released a report showing that construction spending climbed 0.6 percent to an annual rate of $901 billion. Private spending on home construction projects also increased, which Reuters explained was a sign ...
September 4, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Construction Increase 0 Comment Read More »

Construction jobs improve, underlining need for proper insurance

This blog previously discussed the most recent employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the economy as a whole has been working its way back to a full recovery, the construction industry was especially hard hit over the last few years in terms of employment. However, May saw 7,000 construction positions added, which pushed the sector's unemployment level down to 10.8 percent—the lowest level for May in five years.Furthermore, with a total ...
June 13, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Tag 0 Comment Read More »

How important is tool insurance?

Summer is just around the corner, and with the seasonal change likely comes an increase in homeowners wanting to fix up their houses. For individual contractors, landscaping companies or even smaller construction firms, this could be a very profitable time. But with all of that traveling, moving from one location to the next, it is essential that your property remain protected.Let's say that you are hired to do landscaping for several different homes. You are ...
June 5, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Tag 0 Comment Read More »

Contractors must account for numerous aspects of employee safety

How necessary is workers' compensation insurance? In many states, it is required for businesses to have some policy in place. While some companies may feel this is a superfluous protection, only meant for clumsy workers, there are far more issues at hand.For example, employees at U.S. Steel plants in Michigan and Indiana joined in a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) lawsuit, claiming that time spent putting on and taking off safety equipment is time ...
February 25, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Tag 0 Comment Read More »

Why do I need contractors general liability insurance?

It should come as no surprise to construction and contracting companies that risk is part of the job. Whether workers are performing a task high above the ground or are using dangerous machinery, it is important to take all necessary precautions to keep employees safe.However, it is crucial to not stop after implementing safety features like hard hats and protective work gloves. Business owners must guarantee not only the safety of their workers but ...
February 19, 2013By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance Tag 0 Comment Read More »