Beware!

[mortonslawn]

OMG! I just called my insurance company to find out some info on coverage for my business. I did not know that a commerical contract could be such a pain. My insurance agent said that they get a lot of contractors that often get commercial contracts, then they go ahead and do the job, and then the customer says, "Well, you don't have enough coverage, so we're not going to pay you until you get the correct coverage". OMG! Then you're stuck with no payment, and have to get the coverage that they require. I guess when I start doing commercial contracts, I'll get it in writing before any jobs are started that my company has enough coverage. That is just horrible! Has this ever happened to anyone?? If not, then good! Make sure you know what the commercial customer requires (in writing) of coverage before jobs are started. Wow! Just passing on info as I get it.

[swstout]

Lawn care business tips

I supply all customers with my certificate of insurance with my bids. They have no grounds to withold funds when they know in advance what my coverage is ($1,000,000.00/$2,000,000.00) I had one contracter why tried to delay payment. I spent the $5.00 and liened the property. I received my payment two days later.

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[mortonslawn]

Wow! That's something. I was just so shocked about hearing that, because I've been in business (residential), and I had a few questions for my insurance agent when I was in the middle of a bid. I sent over my Certificate of Insurance too. I guess I'll just ask to be sure in advance. Thanks for the advice.

[Steve]

I just can't imagine a commercial client with holding payment until you get insurance. If they want you to have insurance and a certain amount, it's their responsibility to check it before you start working.

But who knows, I guess anything is possible and anyone can hold money for any reason. It doesn't necessarily have to be a legal reason.

and I had a few questions for my insurance agent when I was in the middle of a bid.

What kind of issues popped up that you needed to know more about?

I be others run into the same situations.

[mortonslawn]

I guess the only way for the commercial client and the contractor can get confused over this is work being done in a hurry.

Oh, every time, I get something new, or modify something for my work, I call my insurance agent to make sure I'm covered. We just put on a plow on my truck, and I just wanted to ask about coverage, and rental trucks, etc. Basic snow removal questions. I want to know what's covered, and what's not so if I need additional insurance for anything, I know what to expect.
Let's say for example, I went and rented a truck with a plow to do some jobs. Then I hit something and bent the plow. My head would be full of questions. It's the middle of the night - who do I contact, is my insurance going to cover this? Will this come out of my pocket? etc. etc.
I like to also let them know what I'm up to. Last time I talked to him, I was asking about rental trucks with plows, and if I got my own.
I find that I worry about everything too much, but it is better than saying, "I should have done this, or that!".

[cklandscapingorlando]

Most commercial properties will provide a bid sheet that states how much you need. If they let you work then they have to pay period.