Replies

1. 
   user-201496 | Aug 05, 2008 07:43pm | #1

   What state are you in?

1. 
   Oak River Mike | Aug 05, 2008 08:06pm | #2

   State of Confusion....  :)

   Sorry...  Florida.

2. 
   hmj | Aug 05, 2008 08:13pm | #3

   I have the "tradesman's advantage" policy through Donegal Insurance. Costs me about $750 a year for $1,000,000 in liability. You should be able to buy insurance from any company licensed to do business in your state.

1. 
   Oak River Mike | Aug 06, 2008 12:11am | #5

   Might have to check on them...thanks!

3. 
   Brudoggie | Aug 05, 2008 08:53pm | #4

   Mike,

   Does State Farm offer anything there?

   That's my carrier, and they have been pretty good to me.

   I have a feeling they may have pulled out of the southern coastal markets though.

    

   Brudoggie

1. 
   Oak River Mike | Aug 06, 2008 12:12am | #6

   Yeah, I have SF for my house and all my vehicles and have for years but my agent said they cannot write commercial policies in Florida.  But a good thought none the less.

   Thanks

4. 
   JeffinPA | Aug 06, 2008 05:30am | #7

   I dont know where you are Mike

   My General Liab company is Harleysville Insurance.  (thru a local rep)

   I'd call your personal insurance company as well as some of them will write you.

   I think state farm writes small policies.

5. 
   Oak River Mike | Aug 06, 2008 05:53am | #8

   As an update, throughout the day I talked to 6 more agents.  Three flat out said No, two told me around $6-8k  (Yikes) and the last is working me up a price.

   Wow!  It sure is expensive to be legit isn't it?  But I guess the alternative is even worse!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 8/5/2008 11:04 pm ET by Oak River Mike

1. 
   collarandhames | Aug 06, 2008 06:46am | #9

   up here I get 2 million liability for a thousand a year!  Ontario!  Switched agents recently and doubled my coverage for the same price, was only 1 million before.

   It's the commercial truck that gets my goat!  We'll insure you,, but if you have a problem,, pay it out of your pocket! or else!!!  Bast#$d's 

1. 
   user-204835 | Aug 06, 2008 03:32pm | #10

   I've heard from many "one man band" contractors in MA that their liability insurance is being cancelled. Reason for cancellation is the insurance companies can't be bothered insuring the small contractor, as it's not $worth their investment$. Travelers is one of those companies who is on the "sorry you're not worthy!".

1. 
   Oak River Mike | Aug 06, 2008 03:59pm | #11

   Thats what the agents are kind of suggesting to me that us small guys aren't worth the time and money...

1. 
   Jim_Allen | Aug 06, 2008 05:22pm | #12

   Especially small guys that don't have a long (and good) track record. I've been paying GL insurance for 30 years and never even thought about filing a single claim. I've paid for a lot of mistakes though. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

2. 
   Hazlett | Aug 07, 2008 12:48am | #13

   mike,
   look for an independent agent that handles Erie Insurance.
   Erie insurnance has a small "artisan" policy that is probably exactly what you are looking for.
   I have had a policy with them for going on 20 years now, i think----- and i believe Jeff Buck in PA. is with them also it is for small operators---"Artisans"--and you will be limmited in the number of employees you can have---- bit it is a good policy.
   Best wishes,
   stephen

3. 
   Oak River Mike | Aug 07, 2008 01:07am | #14

   Thanks Stephen.  One agent asked if I ever hired "artisan" contractors and I didn't know what that was...but now I do!  Thanks

   Mike

4. 
   frammer52 | Aug 08, 2008 02:30am | #15

   Stephan, I am glad you told him about that, I was trying to remember what ins. co carried that.

5. 
   Oak River Mike | Aug 08, 2008 03:28am | #16

   Too bad it doesn't appear they service Florida.  I sent them a message to find out but haven't heard back yet.

6. 
   frammer52 | Aug 08, 2008 03:36am | #17

   Keep after them!  They are very reasonable and for small guys, the only way in NY they can buy insurance.