Posted by John Bouchard on 8/15/08 2:55pm
Msg #260221

Insurance for Working as a Field Inspector

Where would you purchase an insurance policy to cover you as a field inspector?

Reply by Derrick/MT on 8/15/08 3:55pm
Msg #260236

A general Liability policy?

To cover you in the event of you being liable for damages caused? I would talk to my loacal insurance agent that has my car or home owners insurance.

Reply by CF on 8/15/08 4:00pm
Msg #260238

Re: A general Liability policy?

As far as I am concerned the types of "inspections" that I am doing do not pay enough to have that type of coverage or warrant that type of coverage. I only do Merchant Inspections (credit card processing machines) and Occupancy Inspections. I am not too sure how they would be able to come back on me? I have photos to document what I report back. And the max that these pay ar around $60.00...so for me there is no way to justify the cost of it. But, of course, anything is possible.

What do others think that are doing just pictures- do you all have general liability?

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/15/08 4:21pm
Msg #260243

There are Two Types of Policies to Consider...

...one is a Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy & the other is for professional E&O. A CGL policy would cover the insured for losses incurred while doing their professional work as an inspector for any bodily injury or property damage you may cause accidentally. An example of bodily injury would be if you're at an inspection location & something you do causes someone bodily harm. It could be something as simple as someone tripping over a bag you've set on the ground or poking someone in the eye with your camera (don't laugh, that's why these policies exist...the only limitation for a loss is your imagination). The same applies for any property damage you could possibly do while on a job site. The second exposure you have is for any monetary loss someone could incur as a result of your failure as an inspector to complete your job in a satisfactory manner. This is where professional E&O liability insurance comes into play & is its own separate policy from CGL. Only you can make the determination if either of these policies is something to consider. I'd contact the nearest insurance professional who can handle commercial insurance policies tailored for these kinds of exposures. This professional may or may not be your personal lines insurance agent.

As always do NOT consider my comments to be construed as insurance advice or the ultimate response to the question being posed here. They're based on my 30 plus years in the property & casualty insurance industry here in MO. Do your own homework & contact a professional agent in your state for the definitive answer in your situation.

Reply by John Bouchard on 8/16/08 8:27am
Msg #260298

Re: There are Two Types of Policies to Consider...

Thanks for the info....do you know a carrier that would provide the policy

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/16/08 10:37am
Msg #260305

Since You're Located in MA...

...I'd suggest you contact an insurance agent close to you. You need to be specific as to whether you're desiring a quote on a Commercial General Liability or Professional E&O policy. I'm hesitant to suggest a specific carrier in any event but especially since I don't do business in MA.