Trade Contractors

Full List of Construction & Contracting Services

Trade Contractors (also known as Specialty Contractors) are the skilled professionals—such as electricians, plumbers, masons, and HVAC technicians—who perform the actual physical installation on a project. Because their work involves direct manipulation of building components and the use of heavy tools, Trade Contractor insurance is designed to address the high risks of workmanship defects, physical property damage, and job site injuries, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations of the policy issued.

1. General Liability & Completed Operations

This is the most critical coverage for a trade. It protects the contractor if their work causes damage after they leave the site—for example, if a plumber’s joint fails three months later and floods a building, or if an electrician’s faulty wiring causes a fire.

2. Faulty Workmanship & Care, Custody, and Control

Standard General Liability often excludes damage to the "work itself." Specialized endorsements may be needed to cover the cost of replacing the specific component the contractor was working on if they accidentally damage it (e.g., a mason dropping a high-value stone slab during installation).

3. Pollution & Environmental Liability

Many trades handle hazardous materials. This coverage addresses risks like a mechanical contractor accidentally releasing refrigerant gases, a painter spilling chemicals into a storm drain, or a plumber causing mold growth due to an undetected slow leak behind a wall.

4. Installation Floater (Inland Marine)

Trade contractors often have high-value materials (like HVAC units, copper piping, or switchgear) delivered to a site before they are installed. An Installation Floater protects these materials against theft, fire, or vandalism while they are "in transit" or sitting on the job site awaiting installation.