AboutJay K. Williams, AAI, AIP, CIC, CRM Expertise I can answer questions relating to the following coverages: personal auto; homeowners; commercial auto; commercial liability; commercial property; business income and all other property and casualty coverages.
Experience I have been in the insurance industry in Florida since 1979. I am currently the president of a Florida domestic insurance company subsidiary. I've taught continuing education classes in Florida and across the country. I am quite familiar with all coverages including Florida Condominium master policies and unit owner policies. I also specialize in agent professional liability. I have been a professional educator since 2001.
Organizations I am a member of the Florida Associaion of Insurance Agents, the state affiliate of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.
Education/Credentials I currently carry the following professional designations:
Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI)
Associate in Insurance Production (AIP)
Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
Question I have got a quote from a contractor who runs a family owned business with 2 workers. I need two trees cut and asked him if he was fully insured and had workers compensation. He tells me he is fully insured for a million and that insurance covers his workes and that he is bonded but he does not have workers insurence. Jow my dilema is that am I liable if his worker gets injured on my property while cutting down the trees or it should not affect me as he is insured and bonded as he is claiming. Please let me know at your earliest as he wants a contract signed today
Answer Hello Savita,
I think you can rest easily in this situation. Most states do not recognize individuals hiring contractors as any kind of employment on your part. Even if the contractor is not carrying workers' comp coverage, you should not be held liable for any on-the-job injuries unless a worker is injured due to your negligence.
While your contractor may be carrying high liability limits and is bonded, none of that coverage protects him if any of his workers are hurt on the job. By not carrying workers' comp coverage, he is putting himself and his business in jeoparday. The main point is that he is not putting you in any bad situations.
You could check with your local insurance agent to find out whether or not he is in violation of any workers' comp laws in your state based on the number of employees he has.
