In a world that survives on electricity, electricians possess a unique skill set that many take for granted. This profession is highly technical and carries a lot of risks. When hiring an electrician, it is logical to want someone with the necessary technical skills, knowledge, and training—and yes—this is crucial! But, hiring an electrician with insurance is an equally important consideration.
You might be surprised that not every “qualified” electrician is licensed, and not every licensed electrician is insured. So, why should you hire a licensed and insured electrician?
Education, Training, and Licensing for Electricians
Becoming a qualified electrician requires extensive training and often involves completing a trade-school program and/or apprenticeship. In addition to this training, many states require that electricians receive a license before doing professional work.
Electrical work done by amateurs can be dangerous for everyone involved. Unlicensed electricians may not be up-to-date on electrical codes—the guidelines that electricians follow to ensure an electrical installation or repair is correct and standardized. If the electrician you hire does work that is not up to code, it could leave you not only vulnerable to more expensive updates and repairs in the future—it could also endanger you and your loved ones. Consistency and uniformity are essential to quality electrical work.
However, even electricians with the proper education and license may be missing something crucial if uninsured.
Why Hire an Electrician with Insurance?
Even the most well-practiced, licensed electricians are human. Accidents can happen. Despite good electricians’ diligence and safety precautions, testing equipment might not be working correctly, or existing wires may have been mislabeled. For clients, potential accidents can mean major and expensive inconveniences. But when the electrician you hired is insured, the effects of possible accidents are less legally and financially devastating.
Common Types of Insurance for Electrical Contractors
If you don’t want to be held responsible for any injury or damage that could occur during an installation, repair, or maintenance job, making sure that your electrical contractor has General Liability, Auto, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance is essential. Without it, you could be the one left paying.
General Liability Insurance
Electricians with General Liability Insurance can help protect you from paying for any property damages that may result from the work of the electrician.
Auto Insurance
If an electrician is injured or causes any damages while unloading tools or materials from their vehicle, this would be considered an Auto Insurance claim rather than a General Liability claim.
Workers Compensation
Imagine the electrician doing work on your property gets injured on the job. If the electrical contractor doesn’t have Workers’ Compensation Insurance, the workers’ compensation claim will be filed against the “prime contractor,” which in many states is the client.
What’s The Bottom Line With Insured Electricians?
Be smart. Be safe. And make sure your electrician is doing the same by being insured. All of A-American Electric’s electricians are licensed, insured, and well-trained via our in-house training program.