Certainly, almost every residential or commercial building has at least one electronic door or gate, and there are many different types of material they can be made of. The California State Licensing Board describes this classification as follows:
“A doors, gates and activating devices contractor installs, modifies or repairs all types of residential, commercial or industrial doors including overhead or sliding door assemblies. This includes but is not limited to: wood and screen doors, metal-clad doors, glass sliding/ stationary doors and frames, automatic revolving doors, hospital cubical doors and related installations; power-activated doors, gates, movable sun shades/shutters; card-activated equipment and other access control device; and any low-voltage electronic or manually operated door hardware/device.”
Electronic door and gate installers are at risk for bodily injury and property damage claims as well as products completed operations if a door or gate malfunctions. The exposure to employees and contractors is substantial because of the use of specialty tools and heavy lifting during installation, thus, workers’ compensation insurance is a critical coverage that must be in place.
Here is What We Recommend:
General Liability
Contactors General Liability will be the foundation of protection for your doors and gates business. This coverage will be triggered in the event you or your employees are found liable for bodily injury or property damage. The policy will also respond to defense costs for your business to respond to any lawsuits brought by a third party.
California and many other states will require door and gate contractors to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their workers in order to be licensed. Accidents happen at job sites that can result in an employee becoming injured and missing work. Your workers’ compensation coverage will provide financial assistance for medical and lost wage expenses and help prevent you from being sued by your employees.
Many states and customers require carpentry door and gate contractors to offer a license or surety bond before you are allowing you to bid on a job or begin working if you win the bid. Your bond is a financial guarantee to your state’s licensing department and your customer that you will complete the job according to your bid and that subcontractors and suppliers will be paid.
Typically, door and gate contractors will use multiple vehicles that require commercial auto insurance to make certain their vehicles can be repaired or replaced in the event of an accident, vandalism, or theft. With a commercial auto policy there are no limits on the number of vehicles or drivers and the coverage limits can be as high as $5 million with most carriers.
Also known as Inland Marine Insurance, this policy will provide for reimbursement for expenses to repair or replace tools and equipment. Your tools represent a major part of your livelihood, so we always encourage door and gate contractors to consider this valuable coverage.
