The Hidden Risks in HVAC and Plumbing Work
That Your Insurance Might Not Cover
“Wait—I’m not covered for that?” Yep. And it’s more common than you think.
When it comes to insurance, most HVAC and plumbing business owners assume that a standard general liability policy covers everything short of alien abduction. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In fact, some of the most common risks you face every day are often excluded—or buried under so much fine print you’d need a magnifying glass and a law degree to find them.
Let’s take a peek at some hidden risks that might be quietly waiting to cause chaos in your business (and your wallet).
1. Faulty Workmanship (A.K.A. "It Was Fine When We Left!")
Most general liability policies exclude coverage for the actual work you did if it turns out to be faulty. So if your install turns into an indoor waterfall two weeks later, your policy might pay for the damage it caused—but not to fix the original problem.
Translation: You’re paying to make it right, out of pocket.
Let’s take a peek at some hidden risks that might be quietly waiting to cause chaos in your business (and your wallet).
2. Tools and Equipment in Transit
You know that van full of expensive gear you’ve been hauling around like a mobile hardware store? If someone swipes it at a gas station or it gets damaged in an accident, standard property insurance might not cover it.
That’s where inland marine (yes, that’s the actual term) comes in. It covers tools on the move or stored at job sites. No boat required.
3. Damage to Customer Property Under Your Care
Let’s say your tech accidentally cracks a customer’s antique tile floor while replacing a unit. Seems like a no-brainer claim, right? Not if your policy has a “care, custody, and control” exclusion—which many do.
Basically, if it was in your hands (or under your boots), your coverage might walk away faster than your tech from a 100-degree attic.
4. Pollution Liability (Surprise!)
Handling refrigerants or pipe-cleaning chemicals? Some policies explicitly exclude pollution-related incidents. That’s right—your average leak or chemical spill could result in fines, cleanup costs, and no insurance help in sight.
Moral of the Story?
Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially not in the trades. You’ve got specific risks, specialized tools, and a job that involves everything from crawling through attics to navigating local code enforcement like a diplomatic mission.
A good insurance agent can help make sure you’re actually covered—not just think you are.
