Make sure you and your business are safe and protected. Follow these easy steps to stay safe and know you have peace of mind for a better business.
Avoid Legal Hazards
- Require written contracts for all work you perform. Retain copies of contracts for at least three years.
- Have contracts and warranties reviewed by your attorney. Do not accept/assume responsibilities you are not familiar with.
- If you hire subcontractors:
- Have written contracts with subcontractors, with requirements for them to hold
you harmless, indemnify, and defend you against any claim or liability arising from the performance of the contract. - Include additional insured status and waiver of subrogation in your favor.
- Require each subcontractor to submit certificates of insurance for liability and workers’ compensation coverage, prior to beginning a job. Certificates should show limits of liability (if applicable) at least equal to the limits of your policies, indicate a policy period covering the period(s) of time work will be conducted, and be kept on file for premium auditors.
- If you are working as a subcontractor, specifically limit contractual agreements for you to hold the owner or general contractor harmless, indemnify, and defend them against any claim or liability arising from the performance of the contract, to the work you perform.
- Have licensed professional engineers or architects design and/or approve project plans and specifications.
- Have written contracts with subcontractors, with requirements for them to hold
How can you make sure you’re covered? Look to Merchants and our contractors programs that provide flexible coverages to meet the needs of today’s contractors. Talk with your independent insurance agent to learn more.
