Business Liability Insurance

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I've done some searches here and other places and came up with some information but want to try and get the most up to date I can.Trying to get general liability insurance for my business is turning into a real adventure. I'm going through a local office that shops it out that I've used before. But this time I guess the ultimate cuss word has become involved...Welding.All I'm looking for at this point is general liability...enough to walk onto a site take my dimensions or whatever and get out. Although I am marketing my business as basically a full service design/fab/weld shop we are quite limited in what I will accept and know a bit about taking on unnecessary liability.That all said...I'm asking what you all have used for this type of insurance and what your thoughts are. I've had enough rfq's come back unaccepted through my agent that I'm to the point where I'm telling her what places to try.Any help would be much appreciated.AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:I use Donegal for my general liability and workmen s comp. The general liability runs about $2,800 per year for 2.000,000. Answered yes to welding on site and in others buildings too. The specified trade is ornamental, architectural and misc metals. There was one for welding service that was a little higher but didn't include the residential coverage that we needed. We get a "carrier" for individual jobs that is based on the project size when we do structural steel. I just include that in the invoice. Liability for "structural steel" runs about $38,000 per year.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Originally Posted by SmokinPRanchTrying to get general liability insurance for my business is turning into a real adventure. I'm going through a local office that shops it out that I've used before. But this time I guess the ultimate cuss word has become involved...Welding.All I'm looking for at this point is general liability...enough to walk onto a site take my dimensions or whatever and get out. Although I am marketing my business as basically a full service design/fab/weld shop we are quite limited in what I will accept and know a bit about taking on unnecessary liability.
Reply:In the past i had scottsdale, but i just recently switched to CNA, try to find a rep in your area that will go through themVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by DualieIn the past i had scottsdale, but i just recently switched to CNA, try to find a rep in your area that will go through them
Reply:I made a claim to Donegal once. I was involved with a (for us) very large project. 180K. I wasn't getting paid, the project was in NYC ( a snake pit) and collection efforts were costing me a lot of money and were unsuccessful. I took matters into my own hands and went over the general contractors head. I wrote their customer where my stuff was installed and told them that I would be perusing them for the collection. Three weeks later I was served with a $4,000,000 law suit with the General Contractor named as the plaintiff. They were suing me for "torturous interference" in their contract and libel. Both accusations were complete BS. Luckily I have liability and "business" insurance. The business insurance is about $800 per year. Donegal paid for 100% of my legal costs to defend against the law suit and they hired the law firm that took care of everything. the lawsuit was immediately dismissed. It must not have cost them much because they did not raise my rates a dime. I was very thankful. I was never paid for that job though. Had liens on the building for about 8 years then let them expire.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Originally Posted by CapozzoliI made a claim to Donegal once. I was involved with a (for us) very large project. 180K. I wasn't getting paid, the project was in NYC ( a snake pit) and collection efforts were costing me a lot of money and were unsuccessful. I took matters into my own hands and went over the general contractors head. I wrote their customer where my stuff was installed and told them that I would be perusing them for the collection. Three weeks later I was served with a $4,000,000 law suit with the General Contractor named as the plaintiff. They were suing me for "torturous interference" in their contract and libel. Both accusations were complete BS. Luckily I have liability and "business" insurance. The business insurance is about $800 per year. Donegal paid for 100% of my legal costs to defend against the law suit and they hired the law firm that took care of everything. the lawsuit was immediately dismissed. It must not have cost them much because they did not raise my rates a dime. I was very thankful. I was never paid for that job though. Had liens on the building for about 8 years then let them expire.
Reply:I am shopping for insurance too. I have learned that when I fill out the application I don’t work on the following items vehicle’s of any kind, trailers, buildings, pipe, vessels, industrial machines, tanks, bridges, guarding. Once you declare that you weld anything other than artistic iron work your rates will go threw the roof.  Even the rates for building cattle fence is pretty high.  I was told I would be covered no mater what work I screwed up, ONCE.. After that you will never get insurance again, so lying about what work you do is not the way to go.    I get the cheapest general repair insurance and inland marine coverage I can get and then If I need better coverage for a certain job I get it as I need it.
Reply:I appreciate all the help....( Dean, I will get back with you. I been chasing down this stainless pan job and have to be onsite tomorrow so I'll try to give you a call in the afternoon.)I've forwarded the companies you guys have suggested to my broker to see what she can run down. Haven't talked much with her so hopefully she will have some good news soon.I had liability insurance before when the name was strictly Accurate Design, Seems you might be right they shy away from "Design and Fabrication". But try to explain to them this isn't my first rodeo. I don't weld bridges, buildings or high pressure nuclear pipe.  But I know guys who do and if the situation is right I'll hire them on and go from there. I also have a P.E. that has said he will work with me any time I need for stamps, verifications and such.All I want and need at this point is a copy of a policy that says I can walk on a client's site to look at a job and not hold them liable. And yes if onsite work or safety related work is available I'll put in my bid, done to every code and specification required and then get all the coverage needed. Why is that so hard to write up and sell? I've had every type of safety training known to man over the last 32 years. I've been in the hell holes and still have all 20 digits. But then some yuppy tells me I'm too risky. The only risk I see at this point is if they keep this up and I start driving to their office for a little face to face time. I used to like watching some of the insurance commercials on the tv set, Now I see one and I want to throw the whole works through the window.AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:You just have to jump through their hoops. I leave out design. Doesn't mean you cant market design or do it. Of coarse you have to design.Dont mention an engineer or seals. that will set off the alarms.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manLong story short - Got hit by chitcago fire truck - his fault - $5000.00 damage to my semi - chitcago doesn't pay - Scottsdale weaseled they're way out of paying me for repairs to my semi. Liability, maybe on a long shot, but DO NOT let them cover your assets.