As an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) contractor, insurance is essential for protecting you against the unique risks associated with your trade. Protect yourself from potential liabilities such as third-party injuries and property damage.

Too often, insurance providers offer standard, packaged solutions they assume will work for all HVAC contractors. Our specialists in contractor insurance will work with you to review your portfolio, identify any associated exposures and draw up a custom solution that’s suited to your unique needs. Whether you are a tradesperson working alone, a large construction firm or an independent engineer/architect, our over 30 years of in-depth experience in working with the building industry have given us the unique expertise to craft coverage that’s specific to you and your business.

As an HVAC contractor the risks you face are unique to you and your insurance should reflect that. HVAC Contractor’s Insurance will provide coverage for anything from property damage and injury to theft or vandalism.

• Property exposures at the HVAC contractor’s own location are generally limited to those of an office, shop, and storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles. Operations may also include retail sales. The fire exposure is generally light unless repair operations involving welding take place on premises. Welding involves the use of tanks of gases that must be stored and handled properly to avoid loss.
  

• Inland marine exposures include contractors’ tools and equipment, including ladders and scaffolding, hoists, and portable welders, the transport of materials, and installation floater. Goods in transit consists of tools and equipment as well as products purchased by the customer for installation at the job site.
  
• Heating and Air Conditioning units can be of high value and susceptible to damage in transit; they frequently require expertise in loading to prevent load shift or overturn.
  
• The installation floater exposure exists when the units to be installed are delivered to the site in advance of the installation. Machinery, tools, or building materials left at job sites are exposed to loss by theft, vandalism, damage from wind and weather, and damage by employees of other contractors.
  
• If large or suspended HVAC units are lifted by cranes to roof tops for installation or dropped into place by helicopters, the units could be damaged from drops and falls.
  

• Occupier’s Liability exposures at the contractor’s office or shop are generally limited due to lack of public access to the premises. Retail sales increase the possibility of customers slipping, falling, or tripping.
  
• During installation, electrical voltage must be turned off at the job site in order to reduce the risk of electrical burns or electrocution to others entering the area, and turned back on after work stops, all while minimizing any disruption of electrical service to other homes or businesses in the vicinity.
  
• Welding presents potential for burns or setting the property of others on fire if not conducted safely. The contractor’s employees can cause damage to the client’s other property or bodily injury to members of the household, the public, or employees of other contractors.
  
• Tools, power cords, and scrap all pose trip hazards even when not in use. If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause damage and injury if dropped from ladders, scaffolding, cranes or helicopters.
  
• Pressure-testing of boilers and other pressure vessels can result in explosions or fire.
  
• If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause damage and injury if dropped from ladders, scaffolding, or cranes.
  

• Completed operations liability exposures can be severe due to improper wiring or grounding. When a heating unit malfunctions, the cause may be difficult to determine. Specialists may have to be hired to determine whether it arose from improper operation and maintenance, faulty system design, faulty manufacture or faulty installation.
  
• Boiler work, LP gas units, and wood burning units have high products liability exposures. Improperly installed heating units pose potential injury to tenants and their customers within buildings due to exposure to carbon monoxide and other fumes or gases.
  

• Environmental impairment exposures may exist if the contractor is responsible for the disposal of old insulation and the use, transportation, and disposal of fuels and related pollutants.
  

• Automobile exposures are generally limited to transporting workers, equipment and supplies to and from job sites. Hazards depend on the type and use of vehicles and radius of operation with the main hazards being upsets. Vehicles may have special modifications or built-in equipment such as lifts and hoists.
  
• Large heating systems may be awkward and require special handling and tie-down procedures.
  

• Workplace safety exposures vary based on the size and nature of the job. Both residential and commercial work involves lifting, work with hand tools, wiring, and piping. Cuts from the fabrication and installation of sheet metal for ducts and vents are common. Lifting injuries such as hernias, strains and sprains plus back injuries may occur.
  
• Electrical burns are common; electrocution can occur from the use of high-voltage lines. Any time work is done above ground, injury or death from falls and being struck by falling objects can occur. Slips and falls, foreign object in eyes, major and minor burns, and inhalation of fumes are all potential hazards.
  
• Complications from the large, heavy machinery and their use, misuse, maintenance, and transport have unique hazards.
  
• Welding may be done in confined spaces; proper ventilation and fire protection are essential to prevent injury to workers.
  
• In repair and re-installation operations, workers may come in contact with old insulation to be removed, some of which may include “friable” (easily crumbled) asbestos. Procedures must be in place to identify and handle this exposure.
  
• Careful consideration must be given to the type of boilers, the fuel used and the services the insured provides. Pressurized vessels present unique hazards with potentially severe losses.
  
• Overall, the residential air-conditioning contractor does not present unusual exposures. However, the commercial contractor may become more of a specialist, dealing with customers demanding a higher degree of precision in filtration systems. As precision and specialization increase, so does the exposure to loss.