Your contractor’s general liability insurance has got your back
You can file an insurance claim against a contractor for property damage or injury caused by their negligence.
The most common route is filing a claim through the contractor’s general liability insurance policy.
You can take several steps to ensure you hire a trustworthy pro who is less likely to cause property damage or injury.
You’re finally checking that long-awaited home improvement project off your to-do list. But your contractor accidentally left your water running and caused water damage to your beautiful hardwood floor. Can you file an insurance claim against a contractor for negligence?
Learn more about the types of claims you can file against a contractor, how to file, and how to hire the right pro for your next home project.
Most states require contractors to carry general liability insurance at a minimum. This insurance policy covers property damage or injury to third parties for which the contractor is found liable.
Contractor general liability insurance covers property damage caused by the contractor. For example, the following situations would warrant you filing a claim with the contractor’s insurance:
Your contractor accidentally knocked a large hole in your wall while installing a new kitchen.
Your contractor installed a plumbing line incorrectly, causing a water leak that damaged your floors, walls, and furniture.
Your contractor accidentally broke a window with their ladder while installing new siding on your home.
General liability insurance also provides coverage for third-party injuries. Some scenarios in which you could file a claim with your contractor’s insurance include:
Your contractor didn’t secure the boards properly when installing a deck, and you fell through the deck and broke your leg.
Your contractor left a ladder unsecured. The ladder fell and hit you on the head, causing a concussion.
Your contractor dropped a tool while fixing your roof, and the tool landed on a passerby and caused injury. The passerby would file a claim with your contractor.
If you think you have just cause to file a claim, there are several steps to follow to start the process.
The first step should be to speak with the contractor about the issue. They may be willing to fix the damage or pay the medical bills out of pocket to avoid filing a claim and increasing their insurance premiums.
But if you decide to proceed with a claim, the contractor will likely need to start the process themselves.
Next, you’ll need to provide the contractor and their insurer with evidence of the damage or injury. Take photos or videos of any damage and estimate the value of the damaged items. If you still have receipts, make copies and include them when filing the claim. Provide copies of medical bills related to any injuries mentioned in the claim.
You may be able to file your claim through your homeowner's insurance policy. If your insurer approves the claim, they may seek to recoup their losses from your contractor’s insurance provider. This process is called subrogation.
Once the claim is approved, you should receive payment fairly quickly. To ensure a speedy payout, stay in touch with the insurer throughout the process so you can help resolve any issues or inconsistencies quickly.
Researching and asking questions is the best way to ensure the contractor you hire is legit. Here are some tips for hiring the best contractor for your project.
Ask whether the contractor has a valid license and verify their license number with your local licensing agency.
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to check the contractor has liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Request a Certificate of Bonding to check that the contractor has a surety bond.
Read online reviews, check Better Business Bureau (BBB) listings, and contact references to vet the contractor before you hire them.
Request project quotes from at least three contractors before choosing one.
Check the contract for the estimated project timeline, payment terms, and any guarantees or warranties offered.
Ask whether the contractor and crew members will perform the work or whether they will use subcontractors.
I have used this company on 2 different projects. Both were single family homes with basements that had major water intrusion issues. The owner, Steve, is very knowledgeable and professional, with a lot of experience in this space despite being a fairly new company. The first project was...
Gary was a wonderful source for us before the project even began. I originally wanted the doorway in a certain area and when Gary looked it over he suggested another area. It turned out that it was great advice which I believe will save us problems in the future should we decide to remodel...
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover storm damage repair costs, key price factors, and ways to save. Get transparent estimates to plan your home repairs with confidence.
Winterizing a house depends on its type, size, location, and more. Our guide breaks down how much it costs to winterize a home.
Looking to turn your yard into a hockey or ice skating paradise this winter? Use this backyard ice rink cost guide to see what the installation will total.
As you ring in the new year, you may wonder: What are the top home improvement ideas of 2025? Read on for a full breakdown of in-demand projects on the horizon.
Have stair lift questions? Before installing or replacing a stair lift, discuss these key questions with your contractor to ensure a smooth and safe project.
Designing and building dormer framing may not be a DIY task, but it does help to know how the addition takes shape. Here are the ins and outs of dormer framing.
