Contractors Installation Floater Coverage

On Point.

Installation Floater coverage protects your property and materials while a job is in progress. Materials in transit, at a temporary location and at a job site location are not covered for losses without this coverage.

Contractors Installation Floater Coverage

The Blindspot

It isn’t common knowledge that materials in transit, at a temporary location, or at the customer’s job site are not covered for loss unless an Installation Floater has been purchased. Many contractors and tradesfolk are missing out on this critical coverage that may stall operations or impact project success.

Contractors Installation Floater Coverage

The Solution

A Contractors Installation Floater protects your property and materials by covering the gaps in protection during transit, storage and at the job site. It can be purchased for a reasonable yearly cost and extend the limits of coverage while a job is in progress.

Who Needs Installation
Floater Insurance?

As a contractor you likely already have contractor insurance. However, it doesn’t cover everything you think it might. The materials you use to complete a job may not be protected. Installation floater insurance is needed if you’re the one transporting materials to a client’s home or place of business. It is also needed if any materials in process will be left on the jobsite during the work such as tiles, lumber, or specialty items. It should also be considered because accidents can happen on the job. For example, if you drop a vanity sink at the job site and it’s no longer usable, or the flooring is stolen when the property is unoccupied, installation floater insurance will cover the cost of replacement materials.

Anyone in a profession that’s in the business of building or installing expensive items on site (pools, decks, kitchen cabinets, flooring, HVAC systems, etc.) needs this type of coverage.

Can you give me a few examples
of ‘coverage’ in action?

1

Your bathroom renovation company is trucking along on a multi-bathroom commercial project when your mirrors are cracked during delivery. You are on the hook for $5000 in broken mirrors. Your Installation Floater policy steps in to cover the damage.

2

You arrive at the jobsite to find the fence locks cut and the secure job trailer cracked open. Valuable flooring tools and a whole lift of plywood and flooring are missing from the multi-residential jobsite. Your Installation Floater policy will help ensure your business doesn’t fold playing catch up replacing tools and materials lost in the theft

3

You inspect and pick up your customer’s special order marble sink at the manufacturer. Crated and ready for installation it’s loaded in the work truck that slams the brakes on to avoid an accident on the way to the jobsite. When you arrive on site it turns out the sink was cracked in the near miss. The Installation Floater covers the damaged sink and lets you stay out of the red on the project.

How are Contractors Installation Floater costs determined?

An Installation Floater does not cost a lot to purchase and is dependent on the overall value of the property that is being covered, as well as the project it is being covered for. An average for an Installation Floater may be around $730 a year to cover a total worth of $100,000 worth of property, with a $1,000 deductible. Some policies will have a minimum premium of $100 or $250, depending on the insurance provider. Keep in mind that cost may vary by provider but also use of property and business type.

Factors that will impact your overall costs can be boil down to the following:

  • Coverage limits – Depending on your items needing insurance, you may opt for a higher limit.
  • Value of property – The higher the value, the more coverage you will need and the higher your premium will likely be.
  • Type of coverage – You have the option of purchasing from multiple different types of Installation Floaters depending on your scope of work.
  • Business – the type of business you run and its risks will dictate your coverage needs, how much coverage you will need, and how much your premiums will be.

For a better average of price, be sure to ask your insurance provider for estimates. A broker like Excalibur can get you multiple insurance quotes that you can select from for the best possible insurance.

If cost is a concern of yours, you can get in touch with an Excalibur Insurance broker for ways to save. A commercial expert from Excalibur may be able to offer you more suggestions based on your business’s specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Installation Floater Coverage Questions

No two businesses are the same, and as such their coverage needs can vary. These frequently asked questions might help you understand more about Contractors Installation Floater Insurance.

Excalibur Insurance can help you secure a Contractors Installation Floater solution to best meet your needs. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Help me understand Builder’s Risk Insurance vs Installation Floater Insurance?

Builder’s risk insurance, also known as course of construction (COC) insurance, protects the building and the liability during the project’s life. You should require the home or business owner to get this type of insurance. Builder’s risk insurance is typically needed for major renovations, new construction, or adding an addition or second story to a home.

This type of insurance covers the building, materials at the job site, and liability if there’s physical loss or damage because of an insured event, such as vandalism, theft, or fire.

While it may appear you won’t need installation floater insurance, materials located at the site are only covered with builder’s risk insurance, not those you still need to transport or items that break just before installation.

What is the difference between Installation Floater Insurance and Tools and Equipment Insurance?

Installation floater insurance is designed to protect the cost of replacing the materials used. On the other hand, tools and equipment insurance covers the cost of replacing the tools and equipment used during the installation process if they’re stolen, lost, or damaged.

They’re two different types of coverage; having both will protect you from potential losses.

Does my Installation Floater have any exclusions?

There are exclusions to an Installation Floater, as there is with any insurance policy. Installation Floaters cover only installation-related labour costs, and sometimes damage to materials during transit. Exclusions will generally vary by the insurer and by the policy, so always check the wording of your insuring agreement as cautiously as you can. Many exclusions can be addressed by purchasing separate or additional endorsements if your business requires specific coverage.

Commonly Excluded property types are as follows:

  • Buildings, structures, and land that are not included as part of the installation
  • Contraband equipment
  • Trees and landscaping Machinery, tools, and equipment that are not part of the installation
  • Temporary structures such as fencing, cribbing, scaffolding, lighting, and retaining walls
  • Money and securities

Commonly excluded perils of loss are as follows:

  • Buildings, structures, and land that are not included as part of the installation
  • Flood
  • Earthquakes or volcanic eruption
  • Sewer backup
  • Mechanical breakdown
  • Temperature changes
  • Wear and tear
  • Loss of use, delay, loss of market, business interruption
  • Pollution
  • Contamination or infestation
  • Missing property with no evidence
  • Civil authority, including quarantine, seizure, confiscation, destruction
  • Nuclear hazards
  • Military activity
  • Enforcement of law or code

Many perils that you may feel are a risk to you which would not otherwise be covered by your policy may be insured via the purchase of an endorsement or separate policy particular to that risk. For example, you can purchase Equipment Breakdown to cover your equipment and tools for internal damages and unexpected breakdown.

Speak to your Excalibur Insurance agent about developing the best coverage package for your unique business needs.

Business Insurance – 2 Minute Insights

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Contractors Installation Floater

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