General Liability: Independent Contractors

Written By Jovelyn Avila (Administrator)

Updated at July 27th, 2024

In the context of insurance, Independent Contractors are individuals or businesses you hire on a contractual basis to perform specific tasks or services. Unlike employees, they are not covered under your workers' compensation or liability insurance by default. It's essential to know how this affects your insurance coverage and liabilities."

Imagine you're running a roofing business and hiring an independent contractor for a large project. During the work, the contractor accidentally damages the client's property. If the contractor doesn't have their own insurance, you might be held liable for the damages. This scenario highlights the importance of verifying that independent contractors have their own insurance coverage and understanding how your policy interacts with theirs.

Dealing with Independent Contractors requires:

  • Ensuring they have adequate insurance coverage to protect against their work-related risks.
  • Clarifying the scope of your policy concerning independent contractors.
  • Considering additional insurance endorsements or policies if needed, to safeguard your business from potential liabilities arising from their actions.