Power Washing and Roof Cleaning Forum

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Insurance Check Up

Western Mass Prowash · Exterior Cleaner

I have been going back and forth with my agent about WC. Because of going LLC the state has me reapplying for WC. I battled with them last year for coding me as a roofing contractor. When I got my audit this last spring, I showed the auditor my equipment and explained the roof cleaning process (also showed him a video) and I thought he changed it for me. When I got the application to reapply they still coded me as a roofing contractor at 55.4% per dollar. I guess it was because I had "roof cleaning" in my name before. Now that I have to reapply, I told my agent that I wanted to be coded as a mobile pressure washing company (NICC code 9170). Apparently MA doesn't recognize that code and for some reason she is having a hard to find a code me. I will ask about the ground and ladder work being split when and if she finds a code for me. Thanks for the heads up.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Western Mass Prowash wrote:
I have been going back and forth with my agent about WC. Because of going LLC the state has me reapplying for WC. I battled with them last year for coding me as a roofing contractor. When I got my audit this last spring, I showed the auditor my equipment and explained the roof cleaning process (also showed him a video) and I thought he changed it for me. When I got the application to reapply they still coded me as a roofing contractor at 55.4% per dollar. I guess it was because I had "roof cleaning" in my name before. Now that I have to reapply, I told my agent that I wanted to be coded as a mobile pressure washing company (NICC code 9170). Apparently MA doesn't recognize that code and for some reason she is having a hard to find a code me. I will ask about the ground and ladder work being split when and if she finds a code for me. Thanks for the heads up.

When I get in the office Monday or speak to the agent again I'll see what codes he is using. From my understanding, the codes are national. Maybe time for a new agent who wants your business. This guy did A LOT of work for us!

Brian C Jackson · Approved Exterior Cleaner

In with Joe Walters because he was the only real option here in NH. I will look into this .

Steve Salley · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Brett, the state of PA and maybe others do not use the NAIC codes. They have their own codes.
I see a lot more companies dropping Walters. We found a local broker who is our one stop shop too who also carries WC.

You do need to understand exactly how that carrier addresses the care control custody clause. We have an additional policy thru our agent that so far has covered us.

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I have to get better Liability ins. I asked my agent to add power washing to my policy and they added disclaimers like no water intrusion. I have to shop around some.

Brian C Jackson · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Art
This is why I used Joe Walters because he was the only company that would write a GL policy in NH

Eric Schnaible · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I tried to get Joe Walters a couple years ago but the could not cover anything over two stories so I went with someone else. I have 3 carriers as well, what a pain.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Brian C Jackson wrote:
Art
This is why I used Joe Walters because he was the only company that would write a GL policy in NH

If you have Walters the policy goes through a national company. Mine was Liberty Mutual. Check and see who it goes through and find a company who works with a bunch of insurance companies and truly wants your business! BTW... Walter's was sold after they loaded it up with exterior cleaning. The other thing, no one reviews your policy and tries to help or call you about anything such as a rate increase. To me, that's kind of important.

Brian C Jackson · Approved Exterior Cleaner

That's a good point Brett. I need to get on the insurance before my season starts because I won't have time once I'm in the season

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Brian C Jackson wrote:
Art
This is why I used Joe Walters because he was the only company that would write a GL policy in NH

Joe Walters isn't good for me because it won't cover my Home Improvement Lic. It just covers exterior Cleaning

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I use a commercial insurance agent. All my policies are through separate companies, but my agent maintains them and constantly looks to save me money and get better coverage. I am not sure why soooo many people use Walters. I have seen their policies and they do not really cover roof cleaning at all. Had my agent look through their policy an he picked it apart. They do not cover over three stories, as Eric said, and the policy is really a carpet cleaning policy if you read the fine print. It's easy to pick their policy apart when you are bidding against someone who has it, just ask the client to actually obtain a copy of the policy and read it. I pay a lot for insurance and do not mid sharing with my clients/potential clients, that we have it. Our proposal packages include a current COI.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

John Aloisio wrote:
I use a commercial insurance agent. All my policies are through separate companies, but my agent maintains them and constantly looks to save me money and get better coverage. I am not sure why soooo many people use Walters. I have seen their policies and they do not really cover roof cleaning at all. Had my agent look through their policy an he picked it apart. They do not cover over three stories, as Eric said, and the policy is really a carpet cleaning policy if you read the fine print. It's easy to pick their policy apart when you are bidding against someone who has it, just ask the client to actually obtain a copy of the policy and read it. I pay a lot for insurance and do not mid sharing with my clients/potential clients, that we have it. Our proposal packages include a current COI.

I am glad I made this change to exactly what you have John. One agent, two companies. Before no agent and three companies. My new agent did the same thing so we now have better coverage. The best part is we have a better GL policy and it is less than Walter's premium three years ago! With their increases, I am saving $500.00 when you take into consideration the lower premium. Not much on vehicles but being able to split up WC is a big savings!

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Waiting on a Quote from this company. They have Exterior Cleaning on their list www.insurancebee.com/

Brian C Jackson · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Let us know how you make out. In making a few calls today

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Art O wrote:
Waiting on a Quote from this company. They have Exterior Cleaning on their list www.insurancebee.com/

Didn't do well with that one. Its a NY thing, They make everything difficult. Then I tried Rockingham Ins, New York again. Then I was told to try Atlas, Haven't done that one yet. Going to call my guy and see if they can find me something or fix my policy

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Art O wrote:
Art O wrote:
Waiting on a Quote from this company. They have Exterior Cleaning on their list www.insurancebee.com/
Didn't do well with that one. Its a NY thing, They make everything difficult. Then I tried Rockingham Ins, New York again. Then I was told to try Atlas, Haven't done that one yet. Going to call my guy and see if they can find me something or fix my policy

My agent suggested Cincinnati. I might have another later.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

BlueRidge wrote:
Art O wrote:
Art O wrote:
Waiting on a Quote from this company. They have Exterior Cleaning on their list www.insurancebee.com/
Didn't do well with that one. Its a NY thing, They make everything difficult. Then I tried Rockingham Ins, New York again. Then I was told to try Atlas, Haven't done that one yet. Going to call my guy and see if they can find me something or fix my policy
My agent suggested Cincinnati. I might have another later.
COOK MARAN & ASSOCIATES 40 MARCUS DRIVE 3RD FLOOR MELVILLE, NY 631-390-9700

The other company he recommended was Selective.

COOK MARAN & ASSOCIATES	40 MARCUS DRIVE 3RD FLOOR	MELVILLE, NY	631-390-9700

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Selective is who my agent uses for my GL policy

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

What a feeling of relief! It has haunted me for a year and our new policies finally went into effect on 2/15!

I would highly recommend that if you have Walters Insurance to seek out a local agent who actually cares about you and their own job. I have a much better GL policy and because I was a bit lazy and didn't check things out I let the rate increase go for a year. Their second increase didn't go far and the agent who handles my policy could care less. Well, now he has one less policy to be concerned with! The workers comp that is in place now is also better with a rate one dollar less per 100!

Jacob Hittler · Member

Thanks for the read! This helps.

Admin · Head Quarters

Who's the best for Pressure washing insurance these days

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Admin wrote:
Who's the best for Pressure washing insurance these days

We are using Selective. They were less than rip off Walters and I got more coverage for less than Walters on day one!

John Aloisio · Approved Exterior Cleaner

We use Selective as well and have for 5 years. Just switched to them for my WC policy last year as well, they did a really nice bundle package for us and it all still goes through my agent. One phone call, one person and immediate response for additional insured accord sheets and all that. We have a rider with them for certain jobs that are over 3 stories, which costs us a little more, but if you want to play...you pay.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

John Aloisio wrote:
We use Selective as well and have for 5 years. Just switched to them for my WC policy last year as well, they did a really nice bundle package for us and it all still goes through my agent. One phone call, one person and immediate response for additional insured accord sheets and all that. We have a rider with them for certain jobs that are over 3 stories, which costs us a little more, but if you want to play...you pay.

After being ripped off by Walters for two years, it's a breath of fresh air to have everything with one agent. Although it's not all with Selective, it's all in one house and one email or call does the trick! So easy now whereas before it was three different companies to contact.

Roofcleanse+ · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Thanks for the info. Walters insur. just increased my premiums again,this time $400.00. Not going to happen. What a crock !! Been with them for 9 years and no claims, should be getting a reduction.
Time to go insurance shopping

Admin · Head Quarters

Roofcleanse+ wrote:
Thanks for the info. Walters insur. just increased my premiums again,this time $400.00. Not going to happen. What a crock !! Been with them for 9 years and no claims, should be getting a reduction.
Time to go insurance shopping

I went with FairBanks Ins. in Calf Ask for Stephen, tell him Art sent you. https://contractorsinsurancecompany.com/

BlueCordSoftWash · Newbie

Hello, all! I am brand new to this forum, and soft wash. I am starting up a soft wash outfit, and should be in business within the month. I am curious as to what types of insurance I need to get. As of now I will be a one man show.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

BlueCordSoftWash wrote:
Hello, all! I am brand new to this forum, and soft wash. I am starting up a soft wash outfit, and should be in business within the month. I am curious as to what types of insurance I need to get. As of now I will be a one man show.

I don't know your state requirements but here we do not have to have workers comp until three employees. If you luck out and get a commercial job. they will require it no matter what. As a start up a 1 mil general liability policy will get you going and check on vehicles because commercial insurance cover different things.

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Roofcleanse++

Chetek WI