Running an HVAC business comes with risks from equipment damage to liability claims. Is your Manitoba HVAC business insured against lawsuits, theft, and mishaps?
This guide explains what business insurance that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors in Manitoba need.
What is an HVAC business?
An HVAC company specializes in installing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Why Manitoba HVAC contractors need adequate business insurance
HVAC professionals often work in high-risk environments: rooftops, mechanical rooms, crawl spaces, and customer homes. Mistakes, accidents, or unforeseen events can lead to lawsuits or major expenses.
Business insurance helps:
Protect your company financially from claims or lawsuits
Comply with licensing and regulatory requirements
Provide peace of mind for both you and your clients
Cover your tools, equipment, and vehicles
Insurance for Manitoba HVAC businesses
Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance
CGL insurance protects your Manitoba HVAC business if a third party (customer/client) suffers bodily injury or property damage due to your work. For example, if a technician accidentally damages a client’s property, CGL insurance covers repair costs and legal fees.
Typical coverage:
Property damage
Bodily injury
Personal and advertising injury
Legal defense costs
Commercial property insurance
Commercial property insurance can help keep your Manitoba HVAC business protected from property losses, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or severe weather. You can also add sewer backup or flood coverage extensions.
You’ll need to do an inventory of all your business property to determine how much commercial property insurance you will need. Your Wyatt Dowling business insurance expert can help you with this.
Commercial property insurance also protects your Manitoba HVAC business office and its contents.
Property you may need to insure:
Buildings and other structures
Furniture, equipment, supplies
Inventory, computers
Documents such as payroll, accounts receivable
How can small business owners save on their insurance?
Wyatt Dowling can help business owners save on their insurance with the following:
Bundle and save: They’re generally available when you bundle liability, commercial auto, and property insurance.
Multiple quotes to suit your needs: Wyatt will get you multiple business insurance quotes to suit your needs and to help you save money.
Cost: Depends on factors such as services provided, location and size, deductibles, revenue, and any past claims
Commercial auto insurance
It covers your work vehicles if they’re involved in an accident. Personal auto insurance does not cover vehicles used for business purposes.
Covers:
Company vans/trucks
Liability and collision
Medical payments
Uninsured motorists
Professional liability insurance
It’s also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. This type of insurance provides financial protection and covers legal fees and judgments if a dissatisfied client sues your Manitoba HVAC company for the following:
Work errors and errors in design
Incomplete work or failure to fulfill the job contract
Misrepresentation of services or skills
Violation of good faith and fair dealing
Inaccurate advice given to customers
Alleged or actual negligence
Professional liability insurance limits coverage to owners and employees and they do not cover work done by subcontractors. It also does not cover non-financial losses or losses caused by intentional or dishonest acts.
E & O insurance pays for any damages related to your work or the job site after your HVAC company finishes the work and which results from your negligence, errors, or omissions. It does not cover work that’s in progress or damages already covered under your general liability policy.
Tools and equipment insurance
This type of insurance is also known as HVAC equipment insurance. It protects your Manitoba business’s tools and equipment. If your tools or equipment are stolen, lost, or damaged, this policy may cover the repair or replacement costs.
Anything valued at less than $1,500 is considered a tool and anything above that limit is considered equipment.
Business interruption insurance
This coverage supports you when your Manitoba HVAC business can’t operate due to a covered loss.
There are a number of losses that can force your HVAC business to shut down. Some examples include:
Damage to your equipment from fire or vandalism
A major reduction in revenue due to a client/supplier facing losses of their own
A disruption in your supply chain
Business interruption insurance can help with expenses such as:
Payroll
Rent
Utilities
Property taxes
Alarm monitoring
Relocation of your business
Final thoughts
Your business insurance needs to protect you from the daily risks that you can face. HVAC insurance helps protects you from financial loss due to lawsuits, third-party accidents, fire, and other mishaps. Make sure your Manitoba HVAC business is protected with enough business insurance.
FAQs
How much does HVAC insurance cost?
The cost of Manitoba HVAC insurance varies depending on factors such as:
Business size and revenue
Number of employees
Claims history
Coverage limits
Equipment value
Regulations
Average range: $1,200 to $3,500 annually for small to mid-sized HVAC businesses. More complex operations with fleets or multiple locations may pay more.
Is insurance required to operate a Manitoba HVAC business?
It’s expected that Manitoba HVAC contractors will carry at least general liability insurance. Business insurance gives you protection and credibility.
What happens if I don’t have insurance?
Without insurance as a Manitoba HVAC contractor, you’re personally liable for accidents, injuries, or property damage caused by your work. This can result in fines, lawsuits, or even the loss of your business license.
What if I work as a subcontractor, do I still need insurance?
Yes, you do. Even as a subcontractor in Manitoba, you can be held liable for damage or injuries. Plus, many general contractors require proof of insurance before hiring subcontractors.
How can I lower my business insurance premiums?
Maintain a clean claims history
Invest in safety training and protocols
Bundle policies (e.g., with a BOP)
Raise your deductibles
Shop around and compare quotes or contact Wyatt Dowling Insurance Brokers.