If you’re a contractor in Arizona, you already know the job comes with a fair amount of risk. One minute you’re patching up drywall, the next you’re dealing with a cracked tile or a customer who just tripped over your extension cord. Things happen. And when they do, having the right insurance in place can save you from a huge headache, not to mention a hit to your wallet.

But here is the thing. A lot of contractors miss some really important coverages. Not because they do not care, but usually because no one has ever taken the time to walk them through what their policy actually does and does not cover. That’s where the problems start.

Let’s talk about general liability first. This is one of the most important coverages for contractors. If you or someone on your crew accidentally damages a client’s property or causes an injury while on the job, this policy has your back. Maybe you knock over a ladder and dent someone’s new fridge. Or a client slips on a wet floor while you’re mid-project. That’s where general liability steps in. Without it, those bills could land squarely on your shoulders.

Now here’s where a lot of folks get tripped up. General liability does not cover your tools or equipment. So if your saw gets stolen out of your truck or your nail gun gets ruined by a surprise summer storm, you might be out of luck. That’s why inland marine insurance exists. Yeah, the name sounds weird, but it basically covers the tools and gear you take with you from site to site.

In a place like Arizona, where the heat can be brutal and storms roll in out of nowhere, protecting your equipment is a must. Not to mention the rise in job site theft. Tools left overnight in a trailer or truck are easy targets. Replacing even a few essentials can cost thousands. Inland marine coverage makes sure you’re not stuck paying that out of pocket.

Another area that gets overlooked is your work truck. If you’re using your vehicle to haul materials or pull trailers, you really need a commercial auto policy. A personal auto policy usually will not cover you if you’re using the vehicle for business stuff. And trust me, the last thing you want is to get into an accident and find out you’re on your own because the insurance company says it was business use.

We also can’t ignore the Arizona weather. Between the summer heat frying batteries and tools, monsoon winds flipping over ladders, and the occasional flash flood, there is no shortage of ways your gear can get damaged. And since most of us are working on job sites that are exposed and not exactly secure, it is important to have coverage that follows you wherever the job takes you.

The bottom line is this. If you are a contractor in Arizona, you need more than just basic coverage. You need something built for how you actually work. At Stoller Insurance Agency, we help contractors every day put together coverage that makes sense for their trade. Whether you are just getting started or have been at it for years, we can help you make sure your business is protected the right way.

If you are not totally sure what you have or what you need, let’s talk. We are here to help you figure it out before something goes wrong.