HVAC Businesses We Work With
Whether you're a two-person service company or running multiple crews, the right policy depends on the type of work, where you do it and who you work for.
- Residential install & replacement
- Service, repair & maintenance plans
- Commercial & light industrial HVAC
- Refrigeration contractors
- Ductwork & sheet metal
- Boiler, hydronic & geothermal
Where HVAC Claims Usually Come From
These are common exposures for HVAC contractors. How a claim is handled always depends on the facts and on your actual policy wording.
Damage After the Job Is Done
A failed condensate line, a bad gas connection or a loose fitting can cause water, fire or carbon monoxide damage weeks after you've left. That's a completed operations exposure.
Injuries on the Job
Ladders, roofs, attics, heavy lifting, burns and electrical work make injuries a real cost for HVAC crews.
Vans and the Drivers in Them
Service vehicles are on the road all day, often driven by employees, and loaded with tools and parts.
Tools, Equipment and Inventory
Gauges, recovery machines, vacuum pumps and equipment stored in vans or at job sites are frequent theft targets.
Refrigerant and Pollution
Many general liability policies limit or exclude pollution claims. Refrigerant releases, mold and fuel-oil issues may need separate contractors pollution coverage.
Coverage HVAC Contractors Should Consider
| Coverage | What it's generally for |
|---|---|
| General liability | Third-party bodily injury and property damage from your operations, including completed operations when included in the policy. |
| Workers' compensation | Employee injuries on the job. Requirements depend on your state and how your business is set up. |
| Commercial auto | Vans and trucks used for business. Hired & non-owned auto can cover employees driving their own vehicles for work. |
| Contractor's equipment (inland marine) | Tools and equipment that move between your shop, vehicles and job sites. |
| Contractors pollution liability | Pollution-related claims that a general liability policy may exclude. |
| Commercial umbrella | Extra liability limits above your GL, auto and employer's liability. Often required by commercial contracts. |
| Business owners policy (BOP) | For eligible smaller shops: property and liability packaged together. |
| License & permit bonds | Required by some municipalities or customers before you can pull permits or start work. |
Good to know: General liability usually responds to damage your work causes, not the cost of redoing the work itself. Ask us how your policy treats this.
The Fine Print
Policy Wording Worth a Second Look
Two policies with the same limits can respond very differently. These are endorsements and details we check on every HVAC policy we review. Tap one to see why it matters.
CG 21 49Total pollution exclusion
What it does: Removes coverage for most claims involving pollutants, which can include refrigerants, fuel oil, and mold depending on the wording.
Why it matters for HVAC: A refrigerant release or a fuel-oil leak during a tank or boiler job may fall outside your GL. Contractors pollution liability is often how that gap gets filled.
CG 21 39Contractual liability limitation
What it does: Narrows coverage for liability you take on in a contract, like the hold-harmless and indemnity clauses in many subcontracts.
Why it matters: If your contract promises to defend the GC or property owner, this endorsement can leave that promise uninsured.
CG 22 94Subcontracted work exclusion
What it does: Can remove coverage for damage to your completed work when the work was performed by subcontractors on your behalf.
Why it matters: If you sub out ductwork, electrical or controls, a problem with their work could become your uncovered problem.
ClassThe wrong job description
What it does: Your policy is rated and written for a specific classification, such as "HVAC – residential."
Why it matters: If you've grown into commercial, refrigeration, or boiler work and your classification hasn't changed, coverage disputes and audit surprises become more likely.
60-Second Gap Check
How exposed is your HVAC business?
Seven quick yes-or-no questions. Each "yes" is a spot where your policy wording deserves a closer look. Your answers stay in your browser; nothing is sent.
Contracts and Certificates
Commercial jobs and property managers often require specific insurance terms before you can start. We review those requirements against your policy before you sign, then issue certificates quickly.
- Additional insured (ongoing & completed operations)
- Waiver of subrogation
- Primary & non-contributory wording
- Specific limits or umbrella requirements
- Per-project aggregate limits
- Certificate holder & notice requirements
What We'll Ask for Your Quote
Having these ready makes quoting faster. We'll walk you through anything you're unsure of.
- Years in business and licenses held
- Estimated annual revenue and payroll
- Residential vs. commercial work split
- Subcontractor costs and their insurance
- Vehicles, drivers and garaging address
- Tools & equipment values
- Current policies or declarations pages
- Claims history (loss runs, if available)
Skip the paperwork. Sign in to your current insurance company and securely share your policy details with us in a few minutes.
Share My Current PolicyHVAC Insurance FAQ
Does general liability cover a mistake in my own work?
Generally, general liability is designed for damage your work causes to other property or injuries to others, not the cost of fixing or replacing your own faulty work. Exact coverage depends on your policy wording, so let us review yours.
Do I need workers' comp if it's just me?
It depends on your state, your business structure and whether you have employees or use subcontractors. Some general contractors also require it regardless. We'll help you sort out what applies to you.
Are my tools covered under my auto or GL policy?
Usually not. Tools and equipment are typically covered under a separate contractor's equipment (inland marine) policy. Some business owners policies include limited coverage.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
For existing clients, we aim to turn around standard certificate requests quickly. Special wording such as additional insured or waiver of subrogation needs to be supported by your policy, which we confirm first.
Do you only work with HVAC companies in Pennsylvania?
We're based in Phoenixville, PA and licensed in PA, NJ, DE, MD, OH, IN, SC, GA, FL and NV.