As a tile and stone work 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 tile and stone work contractors. Our specialists in construction risk 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 contracting industry have given us the unique expertise to craft coverage that’s specific to you and your business.

As a tile and stone work contractor the risks you face are unique to you and your insurance should reflect that. Tile and Stone Work Contractor’s Insurance will provide coverage for anything from property damage and injury to theft of tools or damaged product.

• Property exposures are generally very limited unless the contractor keeps a supply of stock that it sells from its premises. Grout or cement may also be on hand but these products all present a low fire load. Since adhesives may be used occasionally, the contractor may also store them on the premises.
  

• Inland marine presents three major exposures. The first is contractors’ equipment consisting mainly of employees’ tools. This is usually a low hazard exposure, with the chief concern being theft at a job site.
  
• Since many contractors sell and transport the product to their customers, goods in transit is another exposure.
  
• The final exposure is installation of the product in both new construction and remodeling projects where loss to the materials is at the contractor’s risk until the installation is complete and accepted by the owner or general contractor.
  
• The main exposures are theft and breakage. Some types of tiles are extremely valuable and may be difficult to replace. Others are custom made and even a partial loss may become a total loss due to the inability to match them.
  

• Crime exposures arise primarily from employee dishonesty, particularly involving clients’ property.
  
• Certain types of tile and marble are quite valuable and may be difficult to trace if stolen and resold.
  

• Occupiers’ Liability exposures can be a major concern at job sites. In remodeling projects, if work takes place during business hours, the exposure to the public must be controlled. This is a particular problem if the work is performed on the exterior of the structure or on an upper interior wall. Barriers must be placed appropriately in addition to warning signs indicating the potential for falling objects.
  
• The completed operations exposure may be significant because an improper installation may be the cause of trip or slip hazards, mildew or mold problems and falling objects.
  
• Other areas of concern are inspection and acceptance of the work by the owner or general contractor and inadequate monitoring of work orders and change orders.
  

• Environmental impairment liability may be a significant exposure if the contractor removes and disposes of asbestos flooring.
  

• Automobile exposures are moderate unless building materials are transported. Hazards include failure to properly secure the load and equipment failure, such as tie-downs and hitches.
  

• Workplace safety exposures usually involve frequency. Severe injuries, while possible, are uncommon.
  
• Injuries can occur when the tiles are being cut. Lifting and back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains are all common occurrences. Workers can experience lung, eye or skin irritations and reactions because of exposure to cement dust and the dust generated by tile cutting. Falls from scaffolding are a concern if work is performed at heights.