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Protect your excavation business from costly injury and property damage claims.

Running an excavation business comes with big equipment, tight timelines, and plenty of risks. A single accident on-site could lead to expensive lawsuits or claims that threaten your bottom line. That’s where excavation contractor general liability insurance comes in, it’s your first line of defense against unexpected legal and financial setbacks.

What Is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance helps cover third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury caused by your business operations. It’s one of the most essential coverages for any contractor, especially in high-risk trades like excavation.

In plain English: if someone gets hurt or something gets damaged because of your work, general liability can help pay for it, so you’re not footing the bill out of pocket.

Why It Matters for Excavation Contractors

Excavation work often involves:

• Operating heavy machinery
• Working near underground utilities
• Managing debris, soil movement, and potential collapse hazards 

Even with safety protocols, things can go wrong. A damaged water main, a collapsed trench, or a bystander injury could cost thousands, or even shut down your operation. General liability insurance keeps those risks from becoming financial disasters.

What It Covers (and Doesn’t Cover)

Typically Covers:

• Third-party bodily injury (e.g., someone trips near your site)
• Property damage caused by your work or equipment
• Legal defense costs, even if the claim is groundless
• Completed operations claims after the job is done
• Advertising or personal injury (like libel or slander) 

Doesn’t Cover:

• Injuries to your own employees (that’s workers’ comp)
• Damage to your own tools or equipment
• Faulty workmanship or professional errors (that’s professional liability)
• Auto accidents involving company vehicles (that’s commercial auto insurance) 

Common Claims for Excavation Businesses

• A homeowner claims your crew damaged a foundation while digging.
• A third-party trips over debris and is injured on-site.
• You accidentally strike an underground gas line during a dig.
• Soil collapse damages nearby property or landscaping. 

In each of these cases, general liability insurance can step in to cover legal costs, repairs, and settlements, protecting your business and reputation.

Why Choose The McBride Agency

• Industry expertise: We understand the unique risks excavation contractors face.
• Tailored coverage: Policies built specifically for excavation work, no wasted coverage, no gaps.
• Fast certificates: Get COIs quickly for job site compliance.
• Real support: Talk to a live agent who knows your trade, not a call center script. 

We’re not just another insurance company, we’re your business partner in keeping the work moving and the risks managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is general liability insurance required for excavation contractors?
   It’s often required by clients, general contractors, or municipalities before you can start a job. Even if not required, it’s essential protection against lawsuits.
2. How much does excavation general liability insurance cost?
   Premiums depend on your payroll, equipment, and project types, but most small excavation contractors pay between $1,000-$5,000 per year.
3. Does it cover damage to underground utilities?
   Yes, if you accidentally damage underground property like pipes or cables, general liability may cover those third-party damages (depending on policy terms).
4. Can I bundle this with workers’ comp or commercial auto?
   Absolutely. Bundling can help you save money and simplify your insurance management.
5. How do I get proof of insurance?
   Once your policy is active, we’ll issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) you can send to clients or project managers anytime.

Protect Your Business

The team at The McBride Agency are true specialists in commercial insurance. With decades of combined experience, and access to dozens of top commercial insurance carriers, its clear why so many businesses owners trust us to handle their commercial insurance.

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Patrick McBride

Hi, I’m Patrick McBride, Founder and Principal of The McBride Agency. We appreciate you visiting our website, and look forward to helping protect your business, family, and livelihood.