Pennsylvania contractors insurance

Licensing & registration in Pennsylvania

Contractor licensing in Pennsylvania is handled at the state and/or local level and can vary by trade and project size — home-improvement contractors commonly register with the state, while trades and many general-contractor requirements are set locally (cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have their own rules). Verify the current requirement with the appropriate state office and the local jurisdiction where you work before bidding.

Many licensing bodies require a license or registration bond as a guarantee to the public, separate from your liability insurance. Whether a bond applies depends on your jurisdiction and trade, so confirm the current rule before you start.

Coverages Pennsylvania contractors carry

• •General liability — generally intended to respond to third-party injury and property damage from your work, including completed-operations claims that surface after a job.
• •Workers’ compensation — required in most states once you have employees, and commonly required of subs by the GCs who hire them.
• •License / registration bond — a guarantee to the public required by many licensing bodies; distinct from your liability insurance.
• •Tools & equipment (inland marine) — optional coverage generally intended to address loss or damage to your own gear.
• •Commercial auto — for work trucks and vans; personal auto typically excludes business use.

Who needs it in Pennsylvania

Common Pennsylvania users include home builders and remodelers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and landscapers across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Harrisburg.