Glazier Business Insurance In Florida

Operating a glazier business in Florida requires a comprehensive insurance program to protect against the unique and significant risks of working with glass. The fragility of the materials, the risk of injury from sharp objects, and the potential for property damage on job sites all necessitate specialized coverage.

Florida Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Florida law requires all glazier contractors to be licensed. To obtain a license, you must provide proof of:

• General Liability Insurance: A minimum of $100,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Many commercial clients and general contractors will require higher limits.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This is mandatory if you have employees. Alternatively, you can apply for an exemption if you are a sole proprietor or do not have employees.

Essential Insurance Policies for a Florida Glazier Business

1. General Liability Insurance: This is the foundational policy for your business. It protects you from claims of bodily injury or property damage to third parties. For a glazier, this is especially important because of the inherent risks of the job.
   • Bodily Injury: A customer or bystander is injured by a piece of falling glass or on a slippery surface you created.
   • Property Damage: You accidentally break a client’s window or damage their property while transporting materials.
   • Products and Completed Operations: This is crucial. It protects you if an injury or damage occurs after the job is completed, for example, if a faulty window installation leads to water damage months later.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This is a legal requirement in Florida if you have employees. It covers the medical costs and a portion of lost wages for employees who are injured on the job. Glaziers are in a high-risk profession, and this coverage protects both your employees and your business from expensive lawsuits.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance: Your personal auto policy will not cover accidents that occur while you are driving for business purposes. Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used to transport materials, tools, and employees to job sites. A specialized policy can also include coverage for your glass racks and other permanently installed equipment in the vehicle.
4. Inland Marine Insurance (Tools & Equipment): This policy is designed to protect your valuable tools and equipment while they are in transit or on a job site. A standard commercial property policy only covers items at your business location. Inland marine insurance provides coverage for:
   • Hand tools and power tools (e.g., glass cutters, saws, drills)
   • Specialized equipment (e.g., vacuum lifters, glass racks)
   • Loss from theft, fire, or damage while away from your shop.
5. Commercial Property Insurance: If you have a physical location like a shop or office, this policy protects the building and its contents (computers, furniture, inventory) from covered perils like fire, theft, and vandalism.
6. Commercial Umbrella Insurance: Given the potential for catastrophic claims in the construction industry, an umbrella policy provides an extra layer of liability protection above the limits of your other policies (general liability, commercial auto). This can be a wise investment to protect your business from multi-million dollar lawsuits.

Factors Affecting Insurance Costs

The cost of your glazier business insurance will depend on several factors, including:

• Business Revenue and Payroll: Larger businesses with higher revenue and more employees will have higher premiums.
• Location: Premiums can be higher in urban areas or coastal regions of Florida due to increased population density and the higher risk of hurricanes.
• Services Offered: The type of work you do (residential vs. commercial, high-rise vs. single-story) and the value of your projects will influence your rates.
• Claim History: A clean claims history will help you secure lower premiums.
• Coverage Limits and Deductibles: Choosing higher coverage limits and lower deductibles will increase your premium, but it provides greater financial protection.

The best way to find the right coverage at a competitive price is to work with an independent insurance agent who specializes in contractors’ and artisan trades insurance in Florida. They can help you bundle policies, navigate the complex requirements, and ensure you have all the necessary protection for your business.

We Insure all counties Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, and Nassau.

Call Dorsal Insurance today for a quote (786) 601-2485