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Specialized coverage for refrigerant liability, carbon monoxide exposure, equipment installation errors, and EPA compliance. Protect your heating and cooling business today.
Navigate this comprehensive guide to HVAC contractor insurance with our quick-jump table of contents:
Comprehensive protection tailored to the unique risks of heating, cooling, and ventilation contractors. From refrigerant liability to carbon monoxide exposure.
$1M/$2M limits standard
Comprehensive protection against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Covers completed operations, products liability for equipment sold or installed, and personal/advertising injury.
Coverage Includes:
$0.60-$8.50 per $100 payroll depending on class code
State-mandated coverage protecting employees injured on the job. HVAC workers face unique risks including falls, electrical shock, refrigerant exposure, and heavy lifting injuries.
Coverage Includes:
$1,200-$3,500 annually per vehicle
Coverage for service vans, trucks, and any vehicles used for business purposes. Includes liability for accidents and physical damage to your fleet.
Coverage Includes:
$500-$2,000 annually for $50K coverage
Protects expensive HVAC tools, diagnostic equipment, and materials while in transit or at job sites. Essential for mobile HVAC contractors.
Coverage Includes:
$1,500-$5,000 annually for $1M coverage
Protects against errors in HVAC design, load calculations, equipment sizing, and professional recommendations. Critical for design-build contractors.
Coverage Includes:
$2,000-$6,000 annually for $1M coverage
Specialized coverage for refrigerant releases, chemical spills, and environmental contamination. Often required by contracts for commercial HVAC work.
Coverage Includes:
HVAC installation work presents significant liability exposures. From improper equipment sizing to ductwork design failures, installation errors can lead to costly claims years after completion.
Regular maintenance and repair work carries unique liability exposures. Technicians must properly diagnose issues, recommend appropriate repairs, and complete work to code.
24/7 emergency HVAC service presents heightened risks. After-hours work, rushed repairs, and stressed technicians can lead to increased claims frequency.
Emergency Service Risk Factors:
Emergency calls often involve extreme weather conditions (heat waves, cold snaps), distressed customers, and time pressure to restore critical climate control. Claims are 3-4x more common during emergency work compared to scheduled service.
Refrigerant handling is one of the most regulated aspects of HVAC work. EPA violations can result in fines up to $44,539 per day per violation.
The Clean Air Act Section 608 regulates refrigerant handling, requiring proper certification, recovery equipment, and recordkeeping. Violations are taken seriously by the EPA, with significant financial penalties and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations.
Average environmental claim cost
$25,000 - $150,000
Includes EPA fines, cleanup costs, legal fees
Average claim for refrigerant line leaks
$8,000 - $35,000
System repair/replacement plus business interruption
Annual cost for $1M refrigerant coverage
$2,000 - $6,000
Essential protection for commercial HVAC contractors
HVAC contractor improperly vented 125 pounds of R-410A refrigerant during commercial chiller replacement. EPA investigation resulted in $89,000 fine, plus $96,000 in legal fees and environmental consultant costs.
Insurance without pollution liability did NOT cover EPA fines
Improperly installed refrigerant line developed leak in wall cavity. Condensation from leak caused hidden mold growth for 18 months before discovery. Required wall removal, mold remediation, and HVAC system replacement.
Completed operations coverage paid claim
EPA sting operation caught HVAC company allowing uncertified apprentice to recover and handle refrigerant. Company fined maximum penalty of $44,539 for first-time violation.
Standard GL policy did NOT cover regulatory fine
Insurance costs vary based on revenue, employee count, services offered, claims history, and location. Use our calculator to estimate your premiums.
* Estimates based on industry averages. Actual premiums vary by location, claims history, and specific operations.
Commercial Work
Commercial HVAC carries 40-60% higher premiums than residential
Claims History
Recent claims can increase premiums 25-75% or more
New Business
Less than 2 years experience results in higher rates
Refrigerant Work
Extensive refrigerant handling requires pollution liability
High-Risk States
Some states have significantly higher insurance costs
Safety Training Programs
Documented safety training can reduce premiums 5-15%
EPA Certification Verification
Maintain all technician certifications and documentation
Package Policies
Bundling coverage types saves 10-20% vs separate policies
Higher Deductibles
Increasing deductibles to $2,500-$5,000 reduces premiums
Claims-Free Discount
3+ years claims-free can earn 15-25% premium reduction
Get expert answers to the most common HVAC contractor insurance questions.
HVAC contractor insurance typically costs between $3,000-$12,000 annually for small to medium operations. General liability starts around $600-$2,500 annually for basic coverage. Workers' compensation runs $2.50-$8.50 per $100 of payroll depending on your state and claims history. Commercial auto adds $1,200-$3,500 per vehicle. Total costs depend heavily on your revenue, employee count, services offered (residential vs commercial), and claims history. Specialty coverages like pollution liability for refrigerant work add $2,000-$6,000 annually.
HVAC licensing and insurance requirements vary by state. Explore comprehensive guides for your location:
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Protect your heating and cooling business with specialized coverage from industry experts. Licensed in 48+ states with 20+ years of experience.