As a contractor specializing in swimming pools and spas serving the Southwest and Central Florida community, your skilled team excels in installation, repair, and routine maintenance, with a deep understanding of both electrical and plumbing systems. Your technicians are also trained in a diverse range of pool and spa equipment. While most service visits tend to go as planned, as a business owner, you must be ready for any unforeseen circumstances. For instance, a technician might inadvertently damage a client's property while upgrading an outdated pool pump. There's also the risk of forgetting to secure the service vehicle, which could result in the theft of valuable tools and supplies or the potential for an accident or injury to occur on a service call.
For these unexpected situations and other risks, there’s commercial insurance from CIS. A comprehensive insurance policy is essential for providing coverage against unforeseen risks that can sink your business.
Do Pool Contractors Need to Be Licensed & Insured In Florida?
Yes, Florida law requires individuals and companies that construct, repair, or service swimming pools and spas to hold the appropriate commercial, residential, and servicing state-certified license. To obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), a contractor must also meet specific insurance requirements. These requirements include carrying Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance with a minimum of $100,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Additionally, the contractor must carry Workers' Compensation insurance.
Why Insurance Is Necessary for Pool Contractors:
From the use of hazardous chemicals to the dangers of pool building and working with electricity and water, the potential for a serious accident is always present. A mistake, such as an improper pump installation that leads to a leak and causes water damage, could result in a devastating lawsuit. Having full insurance coverage protects your pool and spa business's financial assets, gives your clients confidence in your workmanship, and maintains compliance with Florida law.
Understanding the Kind of Coverage Pool & Spa Contractors Need:
Full coverage for a pool and spa company typically includes the following policies:
Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance
This state-required policy protects your business against claims of third-party bodily injury or property damage. For example, if a new pool or spa leaks and causes property damage, or a customer trips over your equipment and sustains an injury, CGL would cover the resulting expenses.
Workers' Compensation
Florida law mandates that all businesses classified as construction-related with one or more employees must carry this policy. It covers medical bills and wage replacement for employees who sustain an injury on the job.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Whether your company has one work truck or a fleet of service vehicles, a commercial auto policy is essential to protect your investment from the costs of accidents, theft, or damage.
Inland Marine Insurance
This "tools and equipment" floater is vital for providing coverage of your valuable equipment, ranging from pumps and vacuums to specialized tools and other products you may have in your service vehicles.
What’s Covered:
A typical commercial insurance package, that includes the policies listed above for a pool and spa contractor in Florida, would cover:
- Third-Party Bodily Injury: Pays for medical costs and legal fees if a client, visitor, or bystander is injured on your property or at a job site.
- Third-Party Property Damage: Covers the costs of repairing or replacing a client's property that is damaged by your business or employee, such as damage to a pool deck during a repair.
- Employee Injuries: Workers' compensation covers medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation for employees injured in a work-related accident.
- Legal Fees/Judgments: Pays for legal expenses, including attorney fees, court costs, settlements, and judgments in the event of a lawsuit, even if you believe the claim is unfounded.
- Theft or Damage: Inland marine insurance covers the theft or damage of your mobile equipment and tools while they are at a job site or in your vehicle.
- Service Vehicle Accidents: Commercial auto insurance pays for property damage and bodily injury caused by an accident involving a vehicle used for business purposes.
What’s Not Covered:
- Damage to Your Business Property
- Poor Workmanship
- Criminal Activity
- Negligence
Other Coverage Options for Swimming Pool Companies:
Commercial Property Insurance provides coverage for your business premises, including the building, offices, and warehouse, against theft, fire, vandalism, and other risks as specified in your policy.
Professional Liability (E&O) is highly recommended for pool contractors, as it protects against claims of professional errors, such as design flaws that lead to structural issues or improper equipment selection that causes a major failure.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance provides additional liability protection for a large claim that exceeds the current limits of your policies. For example, if there is a $2 million claim against your $1.5 million policy, the umbrella would cover the $500,000 difference, less any deductible.
Best Commercial Insurance for Pool & Spa Contractors Near Me
At Commercial Insurance Specialists, we are a Trusted Choice independent agency, dedicated to providing exceptional service with insurance options tailored to the individual needs of swimming pool contractors in the Southwest and West-Central Florida area. We understand that each business is unique, and we are committed to finding the best rates and coverage options for your pool & spa business from top-rated insurers. We serve clients across many fields, including electricians, general contractors, and plumbers from Sarasota County to Polk County, including Carrollwood, St. Pete, Lakewood Ranch, and New Port Richey.
Just give CIS a call, and a licensed independent agent will shop for the best rates and coverage options for your pool & spa business from top-rated insurers. Please don't wait, contact us today for a free, no-obligation general liability insurance quote!
