General Liability Insurance for Electrical Contractors in Plano, TX
One Mistake Could Cost You Everything You've Built
As an electrical contractor in Plano, you're powering the growth of one of North Texas's fastest-growing cities. From the new corporate headquarters along Legacy Drive to the residential developments in West Plano, your work keeps this city running.
But here's the reality: one lawsuit, one accident, or one damaged property could shut down everything you've built.
The good news? Neill Insurance Brokers provides tailored general liability insurance for electrical contractors in Plano, TX, protecting you from costly claims and giving you peace of mind to keep building the city’s future. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
What Is General Liability Insurance for Electrical Contractors?
General liability insurance (also called commercial general liability or CGL) is the foundation of your electrical contracting business insurance. It protects you from financial loss when your business operations cause bodily injury or property damage to others.
In simple terms: If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while doing electrical work in Plano, general liability insurance pays for the damages, medical bills, and legal defense costs—so you don't have to pay out of pocket.
Why Electrical Contractors Need General Liability
As an electrical contractor in Plano, you face unique risks every day:
- You work in other people's property: Whether it's a $ million home in West Plano or a new commercial building on Legacy Drive, you're working in expensive spaces where one mistake could cause massive damage.
- You work with high-risk systems: Electrical work involves fire risk, shock hazards, and potential for catastrophic damage. Even experienced contractors make mistakes.
- You're required to have it: Texas requires general liability insurance to maintain your electrical contractor license. General contractors in Plano require it before you can work on their projects. Without it, you can't legally operate.
- You have personal assets to protect: Without general liability insurance, lawsuits come after your business assets AND your personal assets—your home, your savings, your future.
What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?
Property Damage You Cause
If you damage a client's property while doing electrical work, general liability pays to repair or replace it.
- Drilling through a water pipe and flooding a room
- Accidentally breaking a window while moving equipment
- Damaging a client's expensive furniture or equipment
- Causing a fire due to electrical work error
- Cracking walls or ceilings while running conduit
Coverage includes repair/replacement, loss of use, legal defense, and settlement/judgment costs.
Bodily Injury to Third Parties
If someone is injured because of your electrical work or business operations, general liability pays their medical bills and related costs.
- A client trips over your extension cord and breaks their arm
- A visitor to the job site is shocked by exposed wiring
- Someone falls through a hole you created for wiring
- A bystander is injured by falling tools or equipment
- A client's employee is hurt by your work (not your own employees)
Coverage includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, legal defense, and settlement/judgment costs.
Completed Operations Coverage
This protects you from claims that arise after you finish a job—even months or years later.
- An electrical fire starts six months after you finish a job due to faulty installation
- A client is shocked by a switch you installed a year ago
- A building fails inspection due to code violations in your work
- Equipment fails due to incorrect electrical installation
Most property damage and injury claims happen after you leave the job site. Without this coverage, you're exposed to lawsuits long after payment.
Products Coverage
If you sell electrical materials, fixtures, or equipment, products coverage protects you if they cause injury or damage.
- A light fixture you sold and installed falls and injures someone
- Electrical panels you supplied are defective and cause a fire
- Wire you sold is faulty and causes property damage
Note: Only applies if you sell products, not just install them. Most contractors have limited exposure.
Personal and Advertising Injury
This covers claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or false advertising.
- A competitor claims you slandered them in advertising
- You use a copyrighted image in your marketing without permission
- A client claims you made false statements about them
Advertising injury claims are more common than you might think in today’s digital marketing world.
Medical Payments (Med Pay)
Covers small medical expenses for injuries that occur on your job sites—regardless of fault. Designed to pay small claims quickly without a lawsuit.
- Example: A client twists their ankle on your job site. Med pay covers the $ emergency room visit without requiring a lawsuit.
Typical limit: $,-$ per person.
Paying small medical bills quickly prevents lawsuits and maintains good client relationships.
What Does General Liability Insurance Cost for Electrical Contractors in Plano?
The honest answer: it depends on your specific business. But here's what you can expect:
Typical Costs for Plano Electrical Contractors
- Small Electrical Contractor (1–5 employees, $50K–$250K revenue): $1,800–$2,500/year ($150–$210/month)
- Medium Electrical Contractor (5–20 employees, $250K–$1M revenue): $2,500–$4,500/year ($210–$375/month)
- Large Electrical Contractor (20+ employees, $1M+ revenue): $5,000–$10,000+/year ($400–$850/month)
What Affects Your General Liability Cost?
Type of Electrical Work
| Type of Work | Risk Level | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Residential electrical (service calls, repairs) | Lower | $1,800–$2,500 |
| Residential electrical (new construction) | Moderate | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Commercial electrical (tenant improvements) | Moderate | $3,000–$4,500 |
| Commercial electrical (new construction) | Higher | $4,000–$6,000 |
| Industrial electrical | Highest | $6,000–$10,000+ |
| High-voltage work | Highest | $8,000–$12,000+ |
Annual Revenue
| Revenue | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | ~$2,000/year |
| $500,000 | ~$3,000/year |
| $1,000,000 | ~$4,500/year |
| $2,000,000 | ~$7,000/year |
Coverage Limits
| Coverage | Typical Annual Cost | Cost Increase |
|---|---|---|
| $1M / $2M | $2,500 (baseline) | - |
| $2M / $4M | $3,000–$3,250 | +20–30% |
| $1M / $2M + $1M umbrella | $3,000–$3,500 | +20–40% |
| $1M / $2M + $2M umbrella | $3,250–$3,750 | +30–50% |
Claims History
| Claims History | Effect on Premium |
|---|---|
| No claims in 3+ years | 10–15% discount |
| 1 small claim in past 3 years | Baseline pricing |
| 2+ claims in past 3 years | 25–50% surcharge |
| Large claim (over $100K) in past 3 years | 50–100% surcharge / difficulty getting coverage |
Deductible
| Deductible | Annual Premium | Premium Savings |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $2,500 | - |
| $1,000 | $2,375 | 5% |
| $2,500 | $2,126 | 15% |
| $5,000 | $1,875 | 25% |
Safety Programs
| Program | Discount |
|---|---|
| Written safety program | 5–10% |
| Regular safety training | 5–10% |
| Safety equipment requirements | 5% |
| Combined | Up to 20% |
How to Lower Your General Liability Costs
Shop Multiple Carriers
Different carriers specialize in different types of electrical contractors. At Neill Insurance, we compare 15+ carriers to find you the best rate. Our clients save an average of 20–30%.
Bundle Policies
Buying general liability, workers comp, and commercial auto from the same carrier often results in 10–15% multi-policy discounts.
Increase Your Deductible
If you have cash reserves, increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save 10–20% on premiums.
Maintain Clean Claims History
Avoid filing small claims when possible. Pay minor damages (under $1,000) out of pocket to keep your claims history clean.
Implement Safety Programs
Written safety programs, regular training, and safety equipment requirements can earn you up to 20% in discounts.
Review Coverage Annually
Your business changes. Make sure you're not overpaying for coverage you don't need or underinsured for new risks.
What General Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
General liability is essential for your electrical contracting business, but it doesn't cover everything. Here's what's NOT covered:
Understanding General Liability Coverage Limits
General liability policies have several types of limits. Here's what they mean:
Per Occurrence Limit
This is the maximum your insurance will pay for a single claim or incident.
Example: You have a $1 million per occurrence limit. A fire you caused results in $800,000 in damages. Your insurance pays the full $800,000 (minus your deductible).
Common per occurrence limits:
- $500,000 (minimum, rarely sufficient)
- $1,000,000 (standard)
- $2,000,000 (higher protection)
Aggregate Limit
This is the maximum your insurance will pay for all claims during your policy period (usually one year).
Example: You have a $2 million aggregate limit. You have three separate claims during the year totaling $2 million. Your insurance pays all three claims. But if you have a fourth claim, you have no coverage left until your policy renews.
Common aggregate limits:
- $1,000,000 (rarely sufficient)
- $2,000,000 (standard)
- $4,000,000 (higher protection)
Important: The aggregate limit is typically 2x the per occurrence limit.
Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
This is a separate aggregate limit specifically for products and completed operations claims.
Example: You have a $2 million general aggregate and a $2 million products/completed operations aggregate. You could have $2 million in completed operations claims AND $2 million in other claims in the same year.
Why it matters: Most electrical contractor claims are completed operations claims (fires, shocks, failures that happen after you finish the job). Make sure your completed operations aggregate is adequate.
Personal and Advertising Injury Limit
This is typically the same as your per occurrence limit ($1 million).
Medical Payments Limit
This is a small limit (usually $5,000–$10,000 per person) for immediate medical expenses regardless of fault.
What Limits Do Plano General Contractors Require?
Most general contractors in Plano require:
- Minimum Requirements:
- $1,000,000 per occurrence
- $2,000,000 general aggregate
- $2,000,000 products/completed operations aggregate
- Additional insured endorsement
- Waiver of subrogation endorsement
- Larger Projects (over $1 million) May Require:
- $2,000,000 per occurrence
- $4,000,000 general aggregate
- Commercial umbrella policy ($1M–$5M)
What Limits Should You Carry?
- Minimum Recommended:
- $1,000,000 per occurrence
- $2,000,000 aggregate
- Better Protection:
- $1,000,000 per occurrence
- $2,000,000 aggregate
- $1,000,000–$2,000,000 umbrella policy
- Best Protection:
- $2,000,000 per occurrence
- $4,000,000 aggregate
- $2,000,000–$5,000,000 umbrella policy
Consider higher limits if:
- You work on large commercial projects (over $500,000)
- You have significant personal assets to protect
- You work in high-risk areas (industrial, high-voltage)
- General contractors require higher limits
Common Mistakes Electrical Contractors Make with General Liability Insurance
We see these mistakes all the time. Avoid them to protect your business and save money:
Mistake #1: Not Having Completed Operations Coverage
The Problem: Some cheap general liability policies exclude completed operations coverage. Without it, you're not covered for claims that arise after you finish a job—which is when most electrical contractor claims happen.
The Solution: Verify that your policy includes completed operations coverage. Most standard policies include it, but some low-cost policies exclude it.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Lowest Price Without Reading the Policy
The Problem: The cheapest policy often has the lowest limits, highest deductibles, and most exclusions.
The Solution: Compare coverage, not just price. Make sure you understand what's covered and what's excluded.
Mistake #3: Not Carrying Enough Coverage
The Problem: Carrying only $500,000 or $1 million aggregate leaves you exposed to large claims. One major fire or injury could exceed your limits.
The Solution: Carry at least $1M/$2M coverage. Consider adding a $1M-$2M umbrella policy for additional protection.
Mistake #4: Not Adding General Contractors as Additional Insureds
The Problem: Most contracts require you to add the general contractor as an additional insured. If you don't, you violate your contract and may not get paid.
The Solution: Make sure your policy allows additional insured endorsements. Work with an agent who can issue certificates with additional insured language in 2-4 hours.
Mistake #5: Letting Your Policy Lapse
The Problem: Missing a payment or letting your policy lapse creates a coverage gap. Future carriers see the gap and charge higher rates. You also lose protection during the gap.
The Solution: Set up automatic payments. Review renewal notices carefully. Never let coverage lapse.
Mistake #6: Not Reviewing Coverage Annually
The Problem: Your business grows, you hire more employees, you take on bigger projects—but your coverage stays the same. You're underinsured and don't realize it until you have a claim.
The Solution: Review your coverage annually with your agent. Update limits, add endorsements, and adjust coverage as your business changes.
Mistake #7: Filing Small Claims
The Problem: Filing small claims (under $2,000) increases your premiums and hurts your claims history. The long-term cost outweighs the short-term benefit.
The Solution: Pay small damages out of pocket when possible. Only file claims for damages you can't afford to pay yourself.
Requirements for Electrical Contractors
Texas Electrical Contractor Licensing Requirements
To legally work as an electrical contractor in Texas, you must:
Have a Texas Electrical Contractor License
• Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
• Requires proof of general liability insurance
• Insurance must remain active throughout license period
Maintain General Liability Insurance
• Minimum limits vary by license type
• Proof of insurance must be submitted with license application
• TDLR may verify insurance at any time
Plano Building Permit Requirements
• Electrical Work in Plano Requires Permits
• Issued by the City of Plano Development Services Department
• Requires proof of electrical contractor license
• May require proof of insurance
Certificate of Insurance Requirements
• General contractors require certificates before you can start work
• Property owners may require certificates
• City of Plano may require certificates for certain projects
General Contractor Requirements in Plano
Most general contractors in Plano require:
• $1,000,000 per occurrence minimum
• $2,000,000 aggregate minimum
• Completed operations coverage included
• General contractor named as additional insured
• Waiver of subrogation in favor of general contractor
• Certificate provided within 24-48 hours
Larger Projects May Require
• $2,000,000 per occurrence
• $4,000,000 aggregate
• Commercial umbrella policy ($1M-$5M)
Why Fast Certificate Turnaround Matters in Plano
Plano's construction market is competitive. When a general contractor calls with a job opportunity, they often need your certificate of insurance within 24-48 hours.
If you can't provide it fast enough, they'll hire another electrical contractor who can. At Neill Insurance, we issue certificates in 2-4 hours, not 3-5 days. That means you never lose a Plano job because you couldn't provide proof of insurance fast enough.
Frequently Asked Questions: Electrical Contractor Insurance in Plano
Small electrical contractors (1-3 employees, $200K-$500K revenue) typically pay $1,800-$3,000 per year for $1M/$2M general liability coverage. Costs vary based on revenue, type of work, claims history, and coverage limits.
General liability covers bodily injury and property damage caused by your work. Professional liability (E&O) covers professional negligence, design errors, and code violations—even when there's no property damage. Electrical contractors who design systems need both.
Yes. Most electrical contractor claims arise AFTER you finish a job (fires, shocks, failures). Without completed operations coverage, you're not protected. Most standard general liability policies include it, but verify before buying.
Most require $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate minimum. Larger projects may require $2M/$4M or additional umbrella coverage. They also require additional insured endorsements and waiver of subrogation.
Yes. Neill Insurance issues certificates in 2-4 hours, not 3-5 days. This ensures you never lose a Plano job because you couldn't provide proof of insurance fast enough.
You still need general liability insurance. Even small jobs carry risk. One mistake in a home could result in a $50,000 claim. General liability protects you regardless of project size.
No. General liability covers injuries to clients, visitors, and bystanders—not your own employees. For employee injuries, you need workers compensation insurance.
Shop multiple carriers (we compare 20+), bundle policies, increase deductibles, implement safety programs, maintain a clean claims history, and review coverage annually.
Why Electrical Contractors in Plano Choose Neill Insurance Brokers for General Liability Coverage
We're not a generic insurance agency. We specialize in electrical contractors in Plano and across North Texas. We understand:
We Specialize in Electrical Contractors
- The difference between residential and commercial electrical work
- Texas electrical contractor licensing requirements
- What Plano general contractors require in certificates
- The specific risks you face on Plano job sites
We Shop 20+ Carriers for You
You don't have time to call 20 different insurance companies. We do it for you. We compare quotes from top-rated carriers who specialize in electrical contractor coverage, and we find you the best coverage at the best price. Our clients save an average of 20–25% compared to their previous policies.
We Issue Certificates in 2-4 Hours
When a general contractor calls with a Plano job opportunity, you need a certificate of insurance NOW. We issue certificates in 2–4 hours, not 3–5 days. That means you never lose a job because you couldn't provide proof of insurance fast enough.
We Provide Ongoing Service
- Issue certificates within 2–4 hours
- Answer coverage questions
- Help with claims
- Review coverage annually
- Update policies as your business grows
We're Local to North Texas
We're based in Roanoke, just 39 miles from Plano. We understand the North Texas construction market, the risks you face, and the coverage requirements for Plano projects. We're not a call center in another state—we're your neighbors.
Our Track Record
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Client Retention Rate – Our electrical contractor clients stay with us year after year because we deliver on our promises.
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Average Savings – Our clients save an average of 20–25% on their insurance compared to their previous policies.
0+ Years
Serving North Texas Contractors – We've been helping contractors in Plano and across North Texas for over a decade.
Ready to Protect Your Electrical Contracting Business?
Don't wait until you have a claim to realize you need general liability insurance. Protect your business, your family, and your future today.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Three ways to get started:
What Happens Next?
- Step 1: You provide basic information about your electrical contracting business (5 minutes)
- Step 2: We shop 20+ carriers and compare quotes (we do the work)
- Step 3: We present you with 2–3 top options with clear explanations (you choose)
- Step 4: We handle the paperwork and issue your certificates in 1–2 hours (you get back to work)
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice and competitive quotes.
About Neill Insurance
Neill Insurance Brokers is an independent insurance agency based in Roanoke, Texas, specializing in business insurance for contractors across North Texas. We've been serving electrical contractors, general contractors, HVAC contractors, and other trades for over a decade.
Our Mission
Help electrical contractors in Plano and across North Texas get the coverage they need without overpaying or wasting time.
Our Commitment
Fast service (1–2 hour certificate turnaround), competitive pricing (20+ carrier comparison), and expert guidance (we speak contractor).
Our Location
Based in Roanoke, TX—just miles from Plano. We're local to North Texas and understand your market.
Contact Information
- Address: 101 N Oak St, Roanoke, TX 76262
- Phone: (682) 237-7975
- Email: service@neillinsurance.com
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
