Contractor Insurance in St. Charles County

Insurance for the trades, explained by people who have run crews and trucks themselves.

Opening soon · Not yet quoting or selling insurance

Built by contractors

Firstway was created by contractors. We know what it's like to be asked for a certificate the morning a job starts, to find out at audit that a subcontractor's coverage had lapsed, and to read an exclusion only after a claim.

Firstway is a new independent agency opening soon in Wentzville. We aren't quoting or selling policies yet. This page lays out how a contractor's insurance fits together, for roofers, remodelers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC companies, landscapers and other trades in St. Charles County.

The coverages a contractor usually carries

General liability

Injury or property damage caused by your work, including damage that appears after the job is finished. More on general liability.

Workers' compensation

Required in Missouri construction with one or more employees. More on workers' comp.

Commercial auto

Trucks, vans and trailers used for work. More on commercial auto.

Tools and equipment

Covers tools and equipment that move between job sites, which property and auto policies usually don't.

Builder's risk

Covers a structure and materials while a project is under construction.

Umbrella or excess liability

Adds limits above general liability and auto when a contract calls for more.

Roofing and other higher-risk trades

Insurers treat some trades as higher risk than others, and roofing is near the top of the list. Fewer insurers write it, and policies for roofers can carry conditions that matter a great deal on the job, such as exclusions for water damage while a roof is open, limits on building height, or requirements about the insurance your subcontractors carry.

None of that shows on a certificate. It's in the policy forms, and it's worth reading them before you rely on the coverage.

Certificates, subcontractors and bonds

General contractors and property owners will ask for a certificate of insurance, and often to be named as an additional insured. If you use subcontractors, collect their certificates too, for both general liability and workers' compensation, and keep them on file for your audit.

Some cities and counties also require proof of insurance or a bond before issuing a contractor license or permit. Check with the office that issues yours.

What to have ready when we open

Your trade, and the kinds of jobs you take on
Annual revenue and payroll, and how much work is subcontracted
Vehicles and trailers, and who drives them
A list of tools and equipment with rough values
Current policies, renewal dates and any recent claims

Contractor insurance questions

What insurance does a contractor need in Missouri?

By law, workers' compensation once a construction employer has one or more employees, and liability insurance on vehicles. General liability is not required by a blanket state law, but contracts, general contractors and some licensing rules commonly require it.

Is roofing harder to insure than other trades?

Often, yes. Insurers treat roofing as higher-risk work, so fewer of them write it and the policies can carry more conditions and exclusions.

Does general liability cover my tools?

No. General liability covers other people's injuries and property. Your own tools and equipment need tools and equipment coverage.

Can Firstway quote my contracting business yet?

No. Firstway isn't open, and we don't quote or sell insurance until we are licensed. Leave your name on this page and we'll contact you when we open.