Masonry and Hardscape insurance

Masons lift heavy block, cut silica-heavy materials and work from scaffolds, which is why workers' comp runs high in this trade. A wall that fails or a chimney that leaks after the job are the property claims masons plan for.

Averages are what Insureon's customers who are masonry contractors pay, from Insureon's cost page; most of its customers have fewer than five employees. Across all its small business customers, general liability runs $265 to $3,030 a year.

• A new retaining wall leans after the first winter
• Mortar stains a customer's driveway
• A helper is hurt lifting block
• A chimney you repointed still leaks into the attic

Ask your agent, in these words:

• Would my policy pay if a new retaining wall leans after the first winter?
• Would my policy pay if mortar stains a customer's driveway?
• Would my policy pay if a helper is hurt lifting block?
• Would my policy pay if a chimney you repointed still leaks into the attic?

A policy covers the work you describe on the application. From the masonry and hardscape services list, name each of these and ask whether any is excluded: repointing (tuckpointing), up to 8 ft; repointing above 8 ft; small repair minimum; chimney crown and cap repair; brick and block replacement; paver patio, concrete pavers; paver patio, natural stone; block retaining wall; fire pit; steps and stoops; sealcoating, asphalt emulsion with labor; paver cleaning and resanding; masonry sealing.

Mixers, saws, compactors and scaffold frames are the items to list. On the tools list, the items to list on the policy are gas mortar mixer; wet tile and block saw on a stand; vacuum lifter or paver clamp; scaffold frames and planks; mini skid steer or a rented one; laser level, and from the starter kit, bricklayer hand tool kit: brick trowel, pointing trowel, jointers, hammer, bolster, line and a 48 in level; brick trowel you choose yourself, 11 in; mason square, 9 in; mortar board and stand; wheelbarrow and mortar hoe.

Masonry and Hardscape work often falls under the general contractor rules. Our general contractor license guide lists the insurance and bond line for each of 48 states from the boards' own pages.

The SBA says every business with employees must carry workers' compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. Insureon's average for masonry contractors is $213 a month, priced per $100 of payroll. A bond protects the state or the customer, not you; Insureon puts its yearly cost at a share of the bond amount:

General contractors, HOAs and commercial clients ask for a certificate before the first pallet arrives. Keep a PDF on your phone so you can send it the day they ask.