Sawmils process the lumber that come from loggers. Insurance for sawmills is a critical aspect of risk management for businesses operating in the forestry and lumber industry. Sawmills face various risks and hazards, including property damage, equipment breakdown, liability claims, and employee injuries. The right insurance coverage can protect your business from financial losses and ensure its long-term sustainability. Read to know the inclusions of sawmill insurance, premiums, policy limits, and the best companies.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
| Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | No | Can be included | Can be included |
| Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included |
| Can you get a certificate of insurance online? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deductible | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
General liability insurance is a fundamental coverage option for sawmills. It protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and related legal expenses. General liability insurance can provide financial protection, whether a slip-and-fall accident on your premises or damage caused by falling trees during operations.
Coverage limits for general liability insurance typically range from $1 million to $5 million. The insurance cost depends on various factors, including the size of your sawmill, the number of employees, and the location of your business.
Pollution liability coverage–Protects your sawmill against claims related to pollution or environmental damage caused by your operations, including issues such as water or soil contamination
Contractual liability coverage–Extends coverage to include liability assumed under specific contracts or agreements with clients or vendors
Product liability coverage–This add-on extends coverage to protect against claims related to defective products manufactured or sold by your sawmill
| CoverWallet | NEXT | Thimble (Best) | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Can be included | No |
| HIPAA coverage included? | No | No | No | No | No |
| Sexual misconduct coverage included? | No | No | No | No | Can be included |
| License defense coverage included? | No | No | No | No | Can be included |
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $500 | $50/$10,000 | $500 |
Professional liability insurance, or errors and omissions insurance, is crucial for sawmills that provide professional advice or services. It protects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in professional duties. For example, professional liability insurance can provide coverage if a customer claims financial losses due to defective lumber or errors in sawmill operations.
Professional liability insurance normally covers between $500,000 and $2 million. The size of the sawmill, the quantity of professional services rendered, and the staff's expertise and education all impact insurance costs.
Subcontractor coverage–Covers claims arising from the actions or omissions of subcontractors hired by your sawmill, protecting liabilities resulting from their work
Prior acts coverage–Extends coverage to include claims arising from professional services rendered before the start date of the professional liability policy, ensuring retroactive coverage for past work
Media liability coverage–Covers claims related to defamation, libel, slander, or infringement of intellectual property rights arising from your professional services, including content creation or publishing
Professional liability insurance can cover legal defense costs and potential settlements or judgments if a customer files a claim for financial losses caused by defective lumber.
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| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $260,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $22,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Included | Excluded |
| Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
| Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Included | Excluded |
Stationary and portable sawmill insurance bundles offer a commercial property policy. This protects the physical assets of your sawmill business, including buildings, machinery, tools, and inventory. In the case of unforeseen events or disasters, such as fires, storms, or theft, commercial property insurance helps you recover financially and get your operations back on track.
Coverage limits for commercial property insurance for sawmills depend on the value of your sawmill's property and can range from $500,000 to several million dollars.
Inland marine coverage–Extends coverage to include property in transit or temporarily off-site, such as portable sawmill equipment or tools used at remote job sites
Flood insurance–Provides coverage for damage caused by floods, which is typically not included in standard commercial property insurance policies
Outdoor property coverage–Covers outdoor structures, signs, fences, and landscaping on your sawmill premises
Portable sawmills may be covered by commercial property insurance, depending on the policy and insurer. If a portable sawmill is critical to your commercial operation, check your insurance policy or talk to an advisor to see if it covers movable machinery. Certain equipment or moveable assets may be excluded from some business property insurance plans.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $260,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $22,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
A business owner's policy (BOP) combines general liability and commercial property insurance into a single package, offering comprehensive coverage for sawmill owners. It is a cost-effective solution that provides broad protection against various risks.
A BOP for sawmills offers a $1 million general liability coverage and a $25,000-$60,000 commercial property coverage. It’s possible for your actual policy to have higher limits.
Equipment breakdown coverage–Protects against the costs of repairing or replacing essential equipment, machinery, or systems in your sawmill that break down due to mechanical or electrical failures
BOP coverage varies by insurance company and policy terms. It may cover sawmill equipment theft, depending on the policy. Some BOPs cover business property theft, including machinery and equipment. Check the policy's terms and conditions to see if theft coverage is included and if there are any equipment theft exclusions or limitations.
| NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate limit | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | $15,000/$25,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Covers hired and borrowed equipment? | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | No | Yes |
| Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
Tools and equipment insurance protects the valuable tools, machinery, and equipment used in your sawmill operations. It provides coverage against theft, damage, or loss of these essential assets.
Coverage limits for tools and equipment insurance depend on the value of your equipment and can range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars.
Contractor's equipment floater–Provides coverage for tools and equipment frequently moved between job sites, ensuring they are protected against loss, theft, or damage
Rented or leased equipment coverage–Protects tools and equipment you rent or lease for use in your sawmill operations, ensuring they are covered for damages or theft
Tools and equipment insurance policies differ depending on their terms and conditions.
Standard tools and equipment insurance may not cover power outages or electrical surges. These events are usually outside the insured party's control and may fall under property or equipment breakdown insurance.
Workers' compensation insurance is essential for protecting your employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses. It provides coverage for medical expenses, disability benefits, and lost wages for employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses.
Coverage limits for workers' compensation insurance vary by state regulations and the number of employees in your sawmill. The insurance cost is influenced by factors such as the number of employees, the nature of the work performed, and the past workers' compensation claims history.
Employer's liability coverage–Extends coverage beyond the standard workers' compensation benefits to protect your sawmill against lawsuits from employees who claim that their injuries were caused by employer negligence or unsafe working conditions
Occupational accident coverage–Provides coverage for non-employee workers, such as contractors or subcontractors, who may not be covered under the standard workers' compensation policy
Independent contractors are typically not covered under workers' compensation insurance. However, reviewing your specific policy and consulting with your insurance provider is essential to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used in your sawmill operations, including trucks, vans, and other vehicles used for transportation or delivery. It protects against accidents, damage, theft, and liability claims related to these vehicles.
Coverage limits for commercial auto insurance depend on your vehicle's value and the desired coverage level. The insurance cost is influenced by the number of vehicles, your employees' driving records, and the vehicles' intended use.
Hired auto coverage–Provides coverage to vehicles you rent or lease for your sawmill's operations, ensuring they are protected against damages or liability claims
Non-owned auto coverage–Offers coverage for vehicles not owned by your sawmill but used by employees for work purposes, such as personal vehicles for business errands or deliveries
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage–Protects your sawmill and its employees against damages and injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists involved in accidents with your commercial vehicles
Trailers used for transporting lumber can be covered under commercial auto insurance as long as they are listed in the policy and their value is included.
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General liability insurance | $37 | $444 | $0-$500 |
| Professional liability insurance | $39 | $468 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Commercial property insurance | $68 | $816 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Business owner's policy | $71 | $852 | $1,500 |
| Tools and equipment insurance | $42 | $504 | $500-$1,000 |
| Commercial auto insurance | $74 | $888 | $500-$1,000 |
| Workers compensation insurance | $92 | $1,104 | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Excess liability insurance | $46 | $552 | $500-$1,000 |
The average sawmill insurance cost is $37 per month or $444 per year for a $1 million general liability policy. Factors that affect premiums are claims history, business history, policy limits, deductibles, and number of employees. Here’s a table showing the cost of a $1 million general liability insurance from the best sawmill insurance companies:
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $21 | $252 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for sawmills |
| CoverWallet | $24 | $288 | Comparing sawmill insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $28 | $336 | Experienced and reliable insurance provider |
| Tivly | $30 | $360 | Comparing sawmill insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $33 | $396 | On-demand coverage for sawmills |
| Hiscox | $37 | $444 | Sawmill insurance with automatic renewal |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
When it comes to protecting your sawmill and its operations, choosing the right insurance company is crucial. Several reputable insurance providers offer tailored insurance solutions for sawmills. Here's a brief introduction to some of the top sawmill insurance companies:
Best overall
Issues an online proof of insurance instantly
Fastest general liability insurance for sawmills
Great customer service and reputation
Excellent rates
Outstanding value for money
Get a 10% discount if you buy two or more policies
Couldn’t find any
NEXT is a leading insurance company that covers various industries, including sawmills. They are known for their comprehensive coverage options catering to sawmill businesses' unique needs.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for sawmills
Average cost: $21 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Customized coverage options: CoverWallet understands the unique risks sawmills face and provides customized coverage options to protect your business adequately
User-friendly platform: Their user-friendly platform allows sawmill owners to easily compare quotes, manage policies, and access important insurance documents
Not an insurance company but an insurance broker
CoverWallet is another reputable insurance provider offering tailored solutions for sawmills. Their user-friendly platform simplifies the insurance process, making finding the right coverage for your sawmill needs easy.
Best for: Comparing sawmill insurance quotes online
Average cost: $24 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Industry experience: Hartford has a long history of providing insurance solutions for businesses, including sawmills. They bring valuable expertise and understanding to the table
Reliable customer service: Is known for its excellent customer service, providing prompt assistance and support to its policyholders
Not a company with a BBB rating. Mixed customer opinions
The Hartford is a well-established insurance company that offers a range of insurance products, including coverage for sawmills. They have extensive experience providing insurance solutions and are known for their reliable customer service.
Best for: Experienced and reliable insurance provider
Average cost: $28 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Tivly offers tailored coverage options specifically designed for sawmills, ensuring you have the protection you need for your business operations
Tivly understands that sawmill businesses may have evolving needs, and they offer flexible policies to accommodate those changes
You need to call to compare quotes
Tivly is an innovative insurance provider offering flexible sawmills coverage options. They understand the unique needs of sawmill businesses and strive to provide comprehensive coverage solutions that align with those needs. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing sawmill insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $30 per month
Our rating: 10/10
On-demand coverage: Thimble allows sawmill owners to purchase coverage for specific periods, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness
Simple and fast application process: Thimble has a user-friendly platform that makes obtaining insurance coverage for your sawmill quick and easy
Thimble's coverage options may be more limited than other insurance providers
Thimble is an insurance provider that offers flexible, on-demand coverage options for sawmills. They specialize in providing insurance solutions for small businesses, making them a suitable choice for smaller sawmill operations.
Best for: On-demand coverage for sawmills
Average cost: $33 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Customized coverage: Hiscox understands the unique risks faced by sawmills and offers customized coverage solutions that address those risks effectively
Reputation and reliability: Hiscox is a reputable insurance provider known for its reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction
There is no coverage available in Alaska
Hiscox is a well-known insurance company that offers a range of commercial insurance solutions, including coverage for sawmills. They provide tailored coverage options to meet the specific needs of sawmill businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Best for: Sawmill insurance with automatic renewal
Average cost: $37 per month
Our rating: 10/10
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
It really can't get any better than this... wow
Not all those who wander are lost.
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