Remodeling Your Home?
Helping You Build Security
When undertaking a remodeling project, people often forget to review their insurance needs, too. Whether your addition budget is large or small, you are adding both the value of your home and your exposure to risk. To ensure that your project goes smoothly and that you have the coverage you need, here's what you need to know.
Working with General Contractors
The best way to minimize your renovation risk is to hire a reputable general contractor for the job. As part of the biding process, ask the general contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance and/or copies of the policies. Specifically, check for coverage for the following:
- Workers Compensation: Verify that he/she has workers' compensation coverage in the event that an employee or subcontractor gets hurt on the job.
- General Liability: Ask if the contractor has liability insurance, which covers losses due to negligence and errors or omission, which results in property damage. Also ask that you are added as an "Additional Insured."
- Builders Risk: This policy is designed to cover damage to your home and materials, including those not installed yet. We can help you verify whether you should require this from your contractor, based on your renovation project. If they don't carry the proper coverage, they are not the right contractor for the job!
Advice for Do-it-Yourselfers
If you decide to do it alone and manage a renovation yourself, you assume all the risks. A review of your homeowners coverage for liability and property is prudent, as you are assuming more risks and exposures than contemplated by homeowners insurance.
Hiring bona fide subcontractors who can provide you with a Certificate of Insurance or copies of their policies showing their general liability and workers' compensation coverage is mandatory for your legal protection. Otherwise, if you are hiring subcontractors or paying friends to do the work, you could be subject to workers' compensation laws, should they become injured while working on your home. If a friend or relative helps out as a favor (no money changes hands) and gets injured, your homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of their injuries, up to your policy limits. It's important to note that a homeowners policy is not designed to provide primary liability protection for these injuries. If a helper is seriously injured, the domino effect can be financially and emotionally difficult for all who are involved. For an extra layer of protection, it's a good idea to also carry umbrella liability coverage, which kicks in to provide liability coverage above your homeowners limits.
TrueNorth is Your Insurance Partner
Adding to your home is exciting, but poses financial risks. Contact TrueNorth at (319) 739-1277 or visit www.iTrueNorth.com to learn more about all of our home, auto and life personal risk management solutions.