Insurance for Electricians in Ohio
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General Liability Insurance for Electricians in Ohio
Also called Commercial General Liability (CGL) or “slip and fall” coverage, General Liability insurance protects electricians from bodily injury or property damage claims made by outside parties. Your policy will cover your legal expenses related to these claims and compensation to the wronged party (up to the policy’s limits of liability). General Liability coverage applies to both true and unfounded third-party claims.
Why is electrician’s insurance important in Ohio?
As an electrician, you understand the dangerous of working with electricity. While this hazard can create challenges for even the most skilled electrical contractor, it’s not the only risk you might face while working. Whether you’re in Columbus, Dayton, or any of Ohio’s vibrant cities and towns, it’s important to prepare for the unexpected while you’re on the job.
There are many everyday events that can cause expensive claims and lawsuits for electricians. Consider this scenario: You’re walking through a worksite and accidentally break a custom window waiting to be installed. The client demands you pay to replace the damaged window, plus rush fees to get the replacement there as fast as possible. *
Could you afford to replace or repair an expensive item from your accounts? What if a client trips over your toolbox and needs to visit the emergency room for their injuries? Even though it’s an accident, you could still be liable for their medical bills or compensation for financial losses they might suffer as a result. Either example could drain your savings, and maybe even force you to close your business.
Luckily, General Liability insurance for electricians can help protect your business. Your policy can give you greater peace of mind, by covering your legal bills and compensation to the wronged party. Instead of worrying that an accident will derail your small business, you can put 100% of your energy into work and growing your business.
Did you Know?
The Ohio Construction Licensing Board requires proof of General Liability insurance to issue an electrician’s license.
Why become an Electrician in Ohio?
The services provided by trained and professional electricians are in demand. Home improvement and maintenance spending has increased since 2020, creating opportunities for those considering a career as an electrician. Of course, general home repairs and electrical emergencies will always mean that good electricians are needed in every state, including Ohio.
The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that there were 23,430 electricians in Ohio as of 2020. Electricians in Ohio may be especially well placed when it comes to finding work. The Buckeye State has the third highest employment levels for electricians, behind just Texas and Florida.
You don’t need to live in a major city to have a successful electrician business in Ohio. Rural areas of northeastern and northwestern Ohio have some of the highest employment rates of all non-metro regions in the United States. With job openings in the field projected to increase at a steady rate across the country from 2020 to 2030, this trend may well continue.
The average annual salary for an Ohio electrician was $54,700, according to BLS data for 2020. This is slightly less than the national annual average of $56,900. However, your yearly salary may depend on the city or region where you work. Electricians in Cleveland can enjoy an annual average salary of $60,760, while the yearly salary for electricians in Cincinnati is just under $49,000.
Electrician License requirements in Ohio
Commercial electricians in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Construction Licensing Board (OCLB) before working in the state. The cities of Hamilton and Middletown have their own requirements that you must also meet to work as an electrical contractor in their jurisdictions.
You will need to provide proof of General Liability insurance to get your license. The OCLB sets a minimum coverage amount of $500,000** for electrical company insurance. Lapses in your policy could result in loss of license.
What does General Liability Electrical Insurance cover in Ohio?
A General Liability insurance policy typically covers third-party claims of:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
Electrical contractor insurance in Ohio provides coverage whether you are liable or not. Baseless claims are an unfortunate part of doing business, and they can be very expensive to resolve. No lawsuit or claim should put you out of business—especially not one that has no merit. General Liability insurance can create a safety net, shielding your business and personal finances from legal fees and compensation claims.
What is not typically covered?
There are many events that General Liability insurance does not typically cover, including:
- Personal injuries (including workers’ comp claims)
- Personal property damage
- Intentional third-party property damage
- Professional negligence or mistakes in your work
Please refer to your policy documents for complete details of what your policy does and does not cover.
How much does electrician insurance in Ohio cost?
General Liability insurance premiums can vary from one electrician to the next. There are many factors that insurance companies consider when they price your policy, meaning you may pay a different amount for coverage than other electrical contractors in your area.
Factors that impact General Liability premiums include (but are not limited to):
- Your experience in the field – How long you’ve worked as an electrician and your formal qualifications and licenses.
- Your geographic area – Electricians in Columbus may pay a different amount for insurance than those in Cleveland, Canton, or other cities and towns across the state.
- Your claims history – Past insurance claims can raise your premiums when you renew or seek new coverage.
- Your coverage level – You may need or want to maintain certain levels of coverage for your business. Higher coverage levels may equal higher premiums.
Comparing quotes from more than one insurer is a simple way to understand how much you can expect to pay for insurance covering electrical liability in Ohio. It’s easy for electricians to do this with BizInsure. You can find and compare General Liability policies online in minutes, then buy with no complicated paperwork or long wait times.
Other common trades we cover
General Liability insurance could benefit more than just electricians in Ohio. We also help cover contractors and tradespeople specializing in:
- Construction
- Carpentry
- Handyman services
- Heating & Air
- Flooring
- Janitorial
- Landscaping
- Masons
- Painting
- Plastering
- Plumbing
- And many more!
Click or call today to start comparing General Liability insurance for Ohio contractors!
Why choose BizInsure for electrician insurance?
Electricians from Columbus to Cleveland are comparing electrical company insurance with BizInsure. Here’s why:
Fast & easy application
Get the business insurance with less hassle—just 10 questions or less for most applications. You’re just 5 minutes away from a quote, and 10 minutes from buying a policy!
We partner with the best
Our insurance partners are A-rated or better, with competitively priced products for Ohio contractors.
Instant proof of coverage
Your certificate of insurance will be emailed instantly after purchase, so there’s no waiting to show that you are covered.
Quality customer support
Licensed agents are here to help! We’re happy to answer your questions and help you get the insurance you need.
Compare insurance for electricians in Ohio to meet your small business needs. Start your online application today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I need electrician insurance in Ohio?
General Liability insurance is required to become a licensed commercial electrician in Ohio. You must maintain minimum levels of this coverage to get, keep and renew your license.
You may also need General Liability insurance for other reasons. If you lease commercial offices or warehouse space, your landlord will likely ask for proof of insurance before the lease is signed. Additionally, you may need coverage if you work as a subcontractor for other electrical companies.
Beyond your legal and business obligations, electrical contractor insurance in Ohio can help protect you financially. A claim or lawsuit brought by an outside party can be expensive. General Liability insurance can help cover the costs associated with these, so you’re not left to pay them yourself.
Is electrician insurance in Ohio required by law?
Ohio electricians must have General Liability insurance to become licensed and work in the state. You will be required to carry minimum amounts of coverage to keep and renew your license. The Ohio Construction Licensing Board has up-to-date information regarding licensing requirements, including minimum coverage amounts for electrical contractor insurance in Ohio.
How do I get an electrician’s license in Ohio?
Commercial electrician’s licenses are issued by the Ohio Construction Licensing Board. To get an electrician’s license in Ohio you will need to:
- Gain five years of experience through a training program, apprenticeship or work
- Pass the electrical contractor’s exam
- Pass a business and law exam
- Maintain at least $500,000 of General Liability insurance coverage
- Meet residency and character requirements (such as being a U.S. citizen or legal resident)
- Pay applicable fees
Two cities in Ohio—Hamilton and Middletown—have their own licensing requirements that you will also need to meet if you plan to work in these cities.
Before applying for an electrician’s license in Ohio, it’s wise to check with the Ohio Construction Licensing Board to ensure you understand and meet their current licensing requirements.
