Specialty finish contractors — including millworkers, tile installers, and decorative plasterers — bring a level of artistry and precision to construction that sets them apart. However, their high-touch work often comes with high stakes. One misstep in a luxury home or a high-end commercial interior could result in costly damage or dissatisfied clients. In these environments, artisan contractor insurance plays a critical role.
What Does General Liability Cover for a Contractor?
General liability insurance for contractors protects against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and personal or advertising injury. However, for finish contractors working in already-completed spaces with expensive materials and surfaces, a standard policy may not go far enough. Brokers need to direct these clients toward policies designed specifically for their trades, like those offered through Commodore’s remodeling and general contractor program.
What Puts Finish Contractors at Risk?
Unlike framers or rough carpenters, finish contractors operate in refined spaces where the margin for error is razor thin. Common exposures include:
- Material damage or staining: A misplaced grout bucket or sanding tool can easily scuff or stain expensive finishes.
- Damage to existing structures: A poorly anchored cabinet or misaligned tile can result in visible flaws — or worse, structural damage.
- Client dissatisfaction: Precision matters. Even cosmetic mistakes can lead to third-party complaints or breach-of-contract claims.
- Interruption of other trades: A delayed tile install, for example, could push back plumbing or appliance installs, leading to project delays and liability exposure.
Key General Liability Scenarios To Watch For
General liability insurance for contractors must account for scenarios unique to finish work. Consider these common examples:
- A tile installer drops a tool and chips a newly refinished bathtub.
- A decorative plasterer accidentally damages custom wood trim while working in a foyer.
- A flooring contractor’s adhesive leaks through seams, ruining the subflooring beneath.
- Improper caulking leads to water seepage, affecting adjacent units in a multi-family residence.
In each of these cases, the contractor may be held responsible for property damage, reinforcing the need for tailored coverage.
How Brokers Can Position Artisan Contractor Insurance Effectively
To guide your clients toward the right protection:
- Emphasize property risk: The value of what’s being worked on — not just what’s being installed — can dramatically raise the stakes.
- Stress the importance of tailored coverage: Generic policies may not be underwritten with finish contractor risks in mind.
- Highlight Commodore’s specialized program: Our artisan contractor insurance is crafted for unique trades like decorative plastering, tiling, and cabinetry — with underwriting that understands the precision required.
Data supports this shift toward customization. According to an IBISWorld report, general liability is the largest segment in the U.S. contractor insurance market, and demand is rising for policies tailored to unique trades like artisan contractors. Brokers who meet this need with specialized coverage options stand to gain both client trust and long-term retention.
Commodore’s Commitment to Artisan Trades
Commodore Insurance Services brings over 30 years of experience insuring artisan contractors throughout the West Coast. With a strong track record, deep industry knowledge, and a streamlined application process, Commodore makes it easy for brokers to place high-quality general liability coverage for even the most specialized finish trades.
Whether your client is a decorative concrete artisan or a millwork expert, Commodore offers targeted protection — without the unnecessary complexity. Get in touch with us to learn how Commodore’s artisan contractor insurance can protect your specialty clients and help you build long-term relationships based on trust and reliability.
About Commodore
Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. (Commodore) is a California corporation that operates as a Managing General Agency and Program Manager. Since incorporating in 1990, Commodore has developed an expertise in the production and underwriting of insurance products for businesses across the West Coast. Our focus is on providing top-level insurance products to our clients while striving to make it easy to do business for our brokers. Try us and find out why we have continued to be successful for more than 27 years and are recognized as the trusted leader in small business insurance.
