A scaffold is a temporary and raised platform construction companies use to elevate equipment and build a structure. According to a study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 4,500 injuries and around 60 deaths occur due to scaffold accidents.
You face many risks as a scaffolding contractor. The general contractor might file a claim for breach of contract. One of your employees can fall from a height. Even worse, you might need to halt business operations.
One way to make your business immune to adversities is to have scaffolding contractor insurance. In this article, we discuss the fundamental policies you should purchase, the add-ons you can include, and the coverage limits of each policy.
| 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 crucial coverage for construction professionals and scaffolding contractors. This policy ensures you don't subject your business to financial losses after an accident. It is customized to cover any claims made by customers, visitors, vendors, competitors, or third parties.
Accidents or injuries that occur on the premises of your business
When you accidentally damage a third party's property
Any claims of bodily harm that result from your services or products
Lawsuits closely linked to completed services or projects
Claims of copyright infringement, libel, or defamation
Tools and equipment insurance–This add-on will protect your scaffolding tools and equipment. It can offer you reimbursement for replacing or repairing items after an accident
Installation floater–This covers equipment or materials used during construction projects. It will protect against loss or damage of your items while they are on the job site or in transits
General liability insurance for scaffolding contractors has a $1 million-$2 million per occurrence and aggregate limit.
Some companies offer general liability coverage in their self employed scaffolder insurance program as a short-term policy. It offers a $1 million-$2 million per occurrence and aggregate limit. Policy duration lasts for hours, days, or weeks.
| 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 |
This scaffolders liability insurance protects you from claims of professional mistakes or negligence while offering services. Although you are an experienced scaffolder, mistakes are often inevitable, and you might face expensive lawsuits.
Faulty designs or calculations that lead to accidents
Improper installation or assembly that causes accidents
Inadequate safety measures that put your clients at risk
Failure to meet building codes that leads to costly losses
Failure to warn customers about potential hazards
Pollution liability insurance–This add-on will cover any claims related to pollution events associated with your scaffolding operations. It safeguards you from incurring liabilities due to the release of harmful products
Cyber liability insurance–You manage your clients' sensitive data as a scaffolding contractor. This scaffolding insurance policy can safeguard your business in case a data breach occurs
If you are accused of professional negligence or errors, your insurer will provide you with a coverage limit to pay associated costs. Generally, you can get a limit of $1 million to $5 million for a single occurrence. You can also receive $3 million to $10 million as the aggregate limit.
Scaffolding public liability insurance protects you from legal and financial problems if a pedestrian is hurt or your scaffolding activities damage their property. This insurance covers legal expenses, medical expenses, and compensation claims if you are held liable for an accident.
Accidents and injuries–If a scaffolding accident occurs on your worksite, the insurance can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and legal claims.
Property damage–If your scaffolding damages third-party buildings, vehicles, or other structures, your insurance may cover repairs or replacement
Legal expenses–If scaffolding activities lead to a lawsuit or legal issue, public liability insurance for scaffolding company can pay lawyer fees, court costs, and settlements
Personal injury claims–Public liability insurance can help pay for third-party claims that your scaffolding caused emotional distress, reputational damage, or other non-physical harm
Depending on your business's specific policy and needs, the coverage limit for this scaffolders liability insurance typically ranges between $1 million and $5 million.
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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 |
Commercial property insurance protects owned or rented buildings. It also includes equipment, inventory, or tools you use to conduct your operations. This scaffolding insurance policy also comes with business interruption insurance. Thus, the policy will reimburse you for the lost income if you are forced to close your business due to a covered event. This scaffolding contractors insurance covers perils such as:
Theft
Vandalism
Wind
Lightning
Fire
If a fire breaks out and damages your scaffolding materials or equipment, this policy will pay for the cost of rebuilding or repairing your damaged property
Valuable equipment is stolen; this coverage will pay for the replacement of the items
Scaffolding structures are vandalized, leading to destruction and damage; the coverage will pay for the replacements and repairs
Natural disasters lead to the destruction of your scaffolding structures; the insurance will cover the replacement and repair costs
Builder's risk insurance–This add-on is crucial for contractors working on new projects. This coverage covers the property being constructed against unforeseen damage or loss
Equipment breakdown coverage–This add-on can cover your essential items from issues such as electrical failure or mechanical breakdown. It cushions your business from interruptions in the event of these accidents
Regarding the coverage limit for your commercial property, your insurance company bases it depending on the estimated costs needed to repair or rebuild your physical assets. But generally, you can be paid $10,000 to $5 million in coverage.
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| CoverWallet | Thimble (Best) | NEXT | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General liability aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $300,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Commercial property coverage limit | $50,000 | $500,000 | $260,000 | $25,000 | $75,000 |
| Optional policies can be added? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds for free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BOP discount? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Business owner's policy (BOP) will safeguard your business from common lawsuits and claims. It also protects your inventory, buildings, and other physical assets in the event of an accident. A BOP is tailored to satisfy the unique requirements of scaffolding contractors and provides comprehensive coverage under a single policy. A business owner’s policy combines:
Commercial property insurance
Business interruption insurance
General liability insurance
A customer or vendor slips on a wet floor in your business premises
You sell your customer a defective product that causes injury
Claims of slander or libel
Your building or inventory is damaged by fire or storm
Employment practices liability insurance–Your employees can sue for discrimination, harassment, or other unfair employment practices. This scaffolders liability insurance provides coverage for settlement and legal costs
Inland marine insurance–Covers your equipment or tools while they are in transit or any other equipment that is stored away from your business premises
For property coverage, you can receive $250,000 to $1 million. The general liability coverage, on the other hand, offers $1 million-$2 million per occurrence and aggregate.
| 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 offers financial protection for the tools and equipment you use in your scaffolding business. This policy compensates you for replacing and repairing your items if they are stolen or damaged. It can also cover even leased or rented items.
Lost income coverage–If your tools or equipment are damaged or stolen, and you cannot work during that period, this coverage will compensate you for the lost income
Flood coverage–You can add this if your insurance provider excludes floods and other related events from the covered circumstances in commercial property insurance
Tools and equipment insurance offers a $15,000-$25,000 coverage for each item.
Most insurance companies will not cover items damaged due to everyday wear or tear. Items that are past their useful life are also not covered. Additionally, if an insurer notes that you deliberately damaged your items, they will not reimburse you.
Commercial auto insurance offers physical damage and liability protection for your business vans or cars. Ideally, your business vehicles need a separate policy from your personal cars as they are exposed to more risks.
Auto liability–Your vehicle can cause third-party property damage or bodily injury. This coverage will cover all the defense costs if the third party decides to sue you
Medical payment–If passengers or drivers are injured in an accident, this coverage will pay the hospital bills
Comprehensive coverage–If your vehicle is vandalized or damaged, this coverage will cover all the related costs
Collision coverage–It pays for costs of fixing your vehicle if it collides with another car or object
Uninsured motorist coverage–In some cases, a driver who does not have insurance can injure your driver. This coverage will cover injuries to the driver and damages to your car
Equipment and tool coverage–This add-on can cover all the tools and equipment you carry in your vehicle in the event of an accident
Non-owned trailer coverage–Consider including this add-on if you use rented trailers. It covers physical damage that is related to these
The coverage limits depend on the extent of the damages and parties affected in the accident. For bodily injury liability, you get coverage of $100,000 to $1 million for each occurrence. On the other hand, for collision coverage, an insurer should pay the total repair costs.
Workers’ compensation insurance is fundamental for your scaffolding business as it protects employees who may sustain illnesses or injuries in the workplace. This insurance policy covers the following:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Rehabilitation costs
Death benefits
Employer's liability coverage–This add-on will cover expenses and legal fees for defending employees' lawsuits and claims for wrongful termination, inaccurate advice, discrimination, and other related offenses
Many factors influence the coverage limits of your policy. Some states dictate the amount an employee can receive after suffering an illness or injury on the business premises. The limit for lost income is 60%-75% of the workers' wages before the accident.
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General liability insurance | $37 | $444 | $0-$500 |
| Professional liability insurance | $40 | $480 | $500-$1,000 |
| Excess liability insurance | $42 | $504 | $500-$1,000 |
| Commercial property insurance | $50 | $600 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Business owner's policy | $80 | $960 | $1,500 |
| Tools and equipment insurance | $44 | $528 | $500-$1,000 |
| Commercial auto insurance | $55 | $660 | $500-$1,000 |
| Workers compensation insurance | $102 | $1,224 | $2,500-$5,000 |
The average scaffolding contractor insurance cost is $37 per month or $444 per year for a $1 million general liability policy. Factors that affect the cost of premiums are claims history, business history, policy limits, deductibles, location, annual revenue, and number of employees. Here’s a table showing the cost of a $1 million general liability coverage from the best scaffolding contractor insurance companies:
| NEXT | $23 | $276 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for scaffolding contractors |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoverWallet | $25 | $300 | Comparing scaffolding contractor insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $27 | $324 | Workers compensation insurance for scaffolding contractors |
| Tivly | $29 | $348 | Comparing scaffolding contractor insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $33 | $396 | Scaffolding contractors who require short-term coverage |
| Hiscox | $35 | $420 | Worldwide coverage for scaffolding contractors |
Compare cheap scaffolding insurance quotes online to better estimate your rates. Click the “Get Quotes” button on this page to start.
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
If you are a scaffolding contractor, here is a list of insurance companies and brokers you should consider working with. We have listed each company's pros, cons, and ratings to assist you in making a more informed decision.
Best overall
Issues an online proof of insurance instantly
Fastest general liability insurance for scaffolding contractors
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 provides the best insurance products for small businesses. You can easily apply for an insurance policy on their digital platform. Some of the policies this company sells include business owner's policy, tools and equipment insurance, and business interruption insurance, among others.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for scaffolding contractors
Average cost: $23 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Compare quotes online
Hired/non-owned auto coverage automatically included in general liability insurance
Enjoy cheap premiums if you decide to pay for the whole year
Not an insurance company but an insurance broker
CoverWallet works as an intermediary between insurance companies and customers. They help you connect with a reputable carrier. On their website, you can use a comparison tool that allows you to check the quotes of various providers. If you are still deciding what to select, their agents will help you make an informed decision.
Best for: Comparing scaffolding contractor insurance quotes online
Average cost: $25 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Renowned company for workers compensation insurance
Quote online or through an agent
Grants coverage even if your business profile is poor
Limited add-ons to general liability insurance
The Hartford is a reputable insurance provider that offers comprehensive insurance products. This company stands out in the market due to its unrivaled financial stability; they are also very experienced, ensuring you will get the best professional advice.
Best for: Workers compensation insurance for scaffolding contractors
Average cost: $27 per month
Our rating: 10/10
You can find competitive insurance premiums
A partner of many reputable insurance companies
Takes you to the insurance company that best fits your needs
You need to talk to a representative for a quote
Tivly works with various insurance carriers to offer you the best insurance products. They have an online platform where you can select your ideal provider. This insurance marketplace is leading and known for providing competitive rates. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing scaffolding contractor insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $29 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Offers businesses short-term insurance policies
Numerous add-ons to general liability insurance
Quickly issues an estimate of your rates
You can’t reach customer service by calling
Thimble has provided small businesses with on-demand insurance products. You can take a short-term policy for your scaffolding business. This short-term policy lasts for hours, days, weeks, or months. Moreover, you can pause your coverage. That said, choose Thimble if you think that a long-term policy is not necessary.
Best for: Scaffolding contractors who require short-term coverage
Average cost: $33 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Offers multiple coverage options for scaffolding businesses
This company has excellent financial stability
Offers specialized coverage options for your business
Online quoting may not be available all the time due to periodic site maintenance
Hiscox has been offering top-rated insurance products since 1901. They provide comprehensive coverage options for businesses. Whether you are looking for BOP, workers' compensation insurance, cyber liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or tools and equipment insurance, they got you covered.
Best for: Worldwide coverage for scaffolding contractors
Average cost: $35 per month
Our rating: 9/10
1 / 5
Use anyone except Employers. Period. They are non-transparent and shameful. After I complained long enough to warrant a call from a supervisor, the supervisor called back from a PRIVATE NUMBER (no caller ID), left a message that they are not reversing their decision (without any communication with me), and failed to leave a phone number for me to call back. She was hiding! They also fact find via email and phone calls, which is terrific for speed and communication. However, after setting a precedence of email or phone calls, they send time sensitive information via email, without any heads up... they are hoping you miss it and forfeit via expiration. Evil policies. Go elsewhere.
1 / 5
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
1 / 5
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.
5 / 5
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
5 / 5
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!
Not all those who wander are lost.
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