# Contractor Insurance in Ohio | eGoodwin Insurance > Ohio contractor insurance: general liability, tools, commercial auto, bonds, builders risk and same-day certificates. Independent agency. Call (740) 387-8335. Source: https://egoodwininsurance.com/policies/contractor/ [Home](https://egoodwininsurance.com/) / [Business](https://egoodwininsurance.com/business-insurance) / Contractors # Ohio Contractor Insurance: Covered on the job site, ready for the permit office. General liability, tools, trucks, bonds and builders risk for Ohio contractors and trades. We're an independent agency, so we compare several carriers and get your certificates out fast. [Get My Contractor Quote](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [or call **(740) 387-8335**](tel:+17403878335) **1990** Licensed Since **5.0** On Google (88 Reviews) **Multiple** Carriers Compared **2** Ohio Offices The Quick Answer Most Ohio contractors start with **general liability**, then add **tools and equipment (inland marine)** coverage, **commercial auto** for work vehicles, and **contractor bonds** when a city, county or project owner asks for one. **Builders risk** can cover a structure while it's being built or remodeled. Many Ohio cities and counties ask contractors to register and show **proof of insurance before issuing permits**, and general contractors usually want a **certificate of insurance** with **additional insured** wording from every sub. **Workers' comp in Ohio comes through the Ohio BWC**. **eGoodwin Insurance** is an **independent agency in Marion and Powell** that compares multiple insurance companies. Call **[(740) 387-8335](tel:+17403878335)**. Start with General liability Often required Certificates, bonds, permits Ohio workers' comp Through the Ohio BWC Call first [(740) 387-8335](tel:+17403878335) Ohio Contractor Insurance, The Short Version ## Your work is on someone else's property. Your insurance has to travel with you. A remodeler in Powell, an electrician working new builds in Lewis Center, a roofer in Marion and a landscaper with crews across Delaware County all face the same basic question from the people who hire them: can you prove you're insured? A general contractor wants a certificate before you start. A homeowner may ask too. And many Ohio cities and counties ask contractors to register and show proof of insurance before they'll issue a permit. We're an **independent agency**, which means we represent **multiple insurance companies**. We shop your coverage across several carriers, compare what comes back, and explain it in plain English. In Mark's words, we help you buy insurance rather than sell it to you. Mark Goodwin has been a licensed insurance professional since 1990, and our offices in **Marion** and **Powell** work with contractors across Ohio. The core is usually **general liability**, for damage you cause to a client's property and injuries to people who aren't your employees. Around it sit the pieces that fit how you work: [inland marine](https://egoodwininsurance.com/policies/inland-marine/) for tools and equipment that leave the shop, **commercial auto** for the trucks and vans, [contractor bonds](https://egoodwininsurance.com/policies/bonds/) when a permit or contract calls for one, and **builders risk** for a structure under construction. Contracts matter as much as policies. General contractors often require subs to name them as **additional insured**, and some ask for specific wording or a waiver of subrogation. Send us the contract language and we'll check what your policy can do before you sign. Nothing on this page is legal advice. ## What a contractor actually needs. In the order it matters. Start with liability, then add what your trade, your equipment and your contracts call for. Start here Liability ### General Liability Helps with claims for damage to a client's property and injuries to people who aren't your employees, plus defense costs. It's the coverage on almost every certificate a GC, homeowner or permit office asks to see. Completed-operations coverage, which responds to claims after the job is finished, is typically part of it. Core Equipment ### Tools & Equipment (Inland Marine) Tools, ladders, generators and machinery that travel from site to site usually aren't covered well on a property policy. An [inland marine](https://egoodwininsurance.com/policies/inland-marine/) or contractor's equipment floater can cover them at the shop, in the truck and on the job, depending on the policy. Core Auto ### Commercial Auto Personal auto policies typically exclude most business use. Work trucks, vans and trailers need commercial auto. If crew members drive their own vehicles to pick up materials, ask about hired and non-owned auto coverage too. Often required Bonds ### Contractor Bonds Some Ohio cities, counties and project owners require a license or permit bond, and larger jobs may call for bid, performance or payment bonds. A bond guarantees your obligations to someone else; it isn't insurance for you. See our [bonds page](https://egoodwininsurance.com/policies/bonds/). Projects Builders Risk ### Builders Risk Covers a building or addition while it's under construction or renovation, including materials on site, for covered causes like fire, wind and theft. Whether the owner or the contractor buys it usually comes down to the contract. Ohio rule BWC ### Workers' Comp Through the BWC Ohio is a monopolistic state, so workers' comp comes through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), not private carriers. We help you coordinate and review it, and look at stop-gap employer's liability for what BWC doesn't cover. Extra limits Umbrella ### Commercial Umbrella Sits on top of your general liability, commercial auto and employer's liability limits. Some general contractors and commercial projects require higher limits than a base policy carries, and an umbrella is often how contractors meet them. Ask us Prof. Liability ### Professional Liability If you design, consult or manage projects, general liability may not respond to claims about your advice or plans. Design-build contractors and project managers may want [professional liability](https://egoodwininsurance.com/policies/professional-liability/) as well. Not covered Your Work ### Fixing Your Own Workmanship General liability generally doesn't pay to redo faulty work itself. It's built for the damage that work causes to other property or people. Warranty and callback costs are typically a business expense, not an insurance claim. ### GC waiting on a certificate? Send us the request and the contract language. We'll check the additional insured and waiver wording against your policy and work to turn the certificate around quickly. Existing clients can also start in our service center. [Get My Contractor Quote](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [Call (740) 387-8335](tel:+17403878335) Certificates, Subs & Permits ## Certificates and additional insureds, in plain English. This is where contractors lose the most time. Here's how the pieces fit. It's general information, not legal advice. ### What a certificate of insurance is A **certificate of insurance (COI)** is a one-page summary that shows your policies, limits and policy dates. It proves coverage exists. By itself, it doesn't change your coverage or give anyone rights under your policy. Permit offices, general contractors, property managers and homeowners all ask for them. Current clients can request one through our [service center](https://egoodwininsurance.com/service-center/). ### Additional insured: what the GC is really asking for When a general contractor asks to be an **additional insured**, they want your general liability policy to protect them for claims that come from your work. That's done by an endorsement on your policy, not just a line on the certificate. Contracts may also ask for **primary and non-contributory** wording or a **waiver of subrogation**. Not every policy includes these automatically, so send us the contract before you sign. ### If you hire subcontractors If you're the GC, collect certificates from every sub before they start, and check the dates and limits. A sub with no insurance can leave their claim on your policy, and your carrier may charge premium for uninsured subs at audit. Asking subs to name you as additional insured is common practice. ### Permits and registration Many Ohio cities and counties ask contractors to register and show proof of insurance before permits are issued. Requirements vary by city and county and by trade, so check with the building department where you're working. We'll help you get the right certificate in front of them. ## Trades we work with. From one truck to full crews. The right program depends on what you build and how you work. Here's where we spend most of our time with Ohio contractors. [Remodelers & general contractors Kitchens, baths, additions and new builds. Liability with completed operations, builders risk when the contract calls for it, and certificates and additional insured endorsements for every job.](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [Electricians, plumbers & HVAC Licensed trades working in occupied homes and businesses. Liability for water and fire damage claims, tools and equipment coverage, and service vans on commercial auto.](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [Roofers, siding & exteriors Higher-risk work that some carriers limit. We shop it across several companies and check how each one handles your type of roofing and your job sizes.](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [Handymen & small crews One truck, a trailer full of tools and a steady list of homeowners. A general liability policy and an equipment floater are often the starting point.](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [Landscapers & lawn care Mowers, trailers and crews moving between properties across Marion, Delaware and Franklin counties. Liability, equipment and commercial auto, sized to your season.](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [Contractors with vehicles A pickup, a box van or a few work trucks on US-23 and I-71. Business vehicles need commercial auto. Crew using their own cars? Ask about hired and non-owned.](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) ### New contract with bigger limits? Some jobs ask for higher limits, an umbrella, a bond or specific endorsements. Tell us what the contract requires and we'll shop it across our carriers before you bid. Free, no pressure. [Check My Coverage](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [Call (740) 387-8335](tel:+17403878335) ## How we help contractors. Before the bid and after the job. 1 ### We shop several carriers We're an independent agency, so we represent multiple insurance companies and compare what comes back instead of offering one company's policy. We work for you, not an insurance company. 2 ### We read the contract with you Additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary and non-contributory, required limits: we check what the contract asks for against what your policy can do, before you sign. 3 ### We turn certificates around Permit offices and GCs don't wait. Send the request through our [service center](https://egoodwininsurance.com/service-center/) or call, and we work to get certificates out quickly. 4 ### We stay with you as you grow New trucks, new equipment, new trades, your first employees. We review your program as your business and the insurance market change, from the first quote through every renewal. ## Ohio contractor insurance questions. Straight answers. What insurance does a contractor need in Ohio? Most contractors start with general liability, then add tools and equipment (inland marine) coverage, commercial auto for work vehicles, and bonds or builders risk when a permit or contract calls for them. If you have employees, workers' comp comes through the Ohio BWC, and stop-gap employer's liability is often added. What you actually need depends on your trade, your equipment and your contracts, so we'll walk through it with you. Do I need insurance to get a building permit in Ohio? Often, yes. Many Ohio cities and counties ask contractors to register and show proof of insurance before issuing permits. Requirements vary by city and county and by trade, so check with the building department where you're working. We can send them a certificate of insurance once your coverage is in place. What is a certificate of insurance, and how fast can I get one? A certificate of insurance is a one-page summary that shows your policies, limits and dates. It proves coverage exists, but it doesn't change your policy on its own. Send us the request and any contract language, or use our service center, and we'll work to turn it around quickly. If the request asks for additional insured wording, we'll check that your policy actually includes it. What does it mean to name a general contractor as an additional insured? It means your general liability policy can protect the GC for claims that come from your work on their project. It's done by an endorsement on your policy, not just by listing them on a certificate. Contracts sometimes also ask for primary and non-contributory wording or a waiver of subrogation. Not every policy includes these automatically, so send us the contract before you sign. Are my tools covered if they're stolen from my truck or a job site? Usually not by general liability or commercial auto. Tools and equipment that move between sites are typically covered by an inland marine policy, sometimes called a contractor's equipment or tool floater. Limits, deductibles and theft conditions vary by policy, so we'll check how each option handles tools left in a locked vehicle or on site overnight. Is a contractor bond the same as insurance? No. A bond guarantees your obligations to someone else, like a city, a project owner or your customers. If the surety pays a claim, you're generally expected to pay it back. Insurance protects you. Some Ohio cities, counties and projects require license, permit, bid, performance or payment bonds, and we can help with those alongside your insurance. Who buys builders risk insurance, the owner or the contractor? It depends on the contract. On many remodels and new builds, the contract says which party carries builders risk. Builders risk covers the structure and materials while it's under construction for covered causes like fire, wind and theft. Tell us about the project and we'll help you figure out whether you need it. How does workers' comp work for my Ohio crew or staff? Ohio is a monopolistic workers' comp state. Employers get workers' comp coverage through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), not from private insurance companies, so we don't sell a private comp policy for your Ohio operations. What we do is help you coordinate and review your BWC coverage alongside the rest of your program, and look at stop-gap employer's liability, which is often added to a business policy to help with lawsuits over employee injuries that fall outside the BWC system. This is general information, not legal advice. Does general liability pay to fix my own faulty work? Generally not. General liability is built for the damage your work causes to other property or to people, not the cost to redo the work itself. For example, if a pipe you installed leaks and ruins a client's floors, the floor damage may be covered while replacing your pipe typically isn't. Coverage depends on the policy and the facts of the claim. Still have questions? [Call (740) 387-8335](tel:+17403878335) . We'll give you a straight answer. ## More for Ohio contractors. [Business insurance](https://egoodwininsurance.com/business-insurance) [Tools & inland marine](https://egoodwininsurance.com/policies/inland-marine/) [Request a certificate](https://egoodwininsurance.com/service-center/) [Call (740) 387-8335](tel:+17403878335) ## Tell us what you build. We'll get you covered for it. Your trade, your crew, your equipment and your contracts. We'll shop it across several carriers and get your certificates out the door. [Get My Contractor Quote](https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request?coverage=Business) [or call **(740) 387-8335**](tel:+17403878335) --- **eGoodwin Insurance** · 399 E. Church Street, Marion, OH 43302 · 74 E. Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065 · (740) 387-8335 · Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Request a quote: https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote-request (plain HTML form) or https://egoodwininsurance.com/quote (guided).