True Story: Client Hires Pressure Washer Without Insurance

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Most of us could use a guy to come pressure wash something around the house.  Driveways, sidewalks, side of the house, roof, etc. With all of the rain we have had, it seems like the mildew growing is worse than other years.  Here is a true story of what happened recently with a long time client.

Our client hires a pressure washer guy to come pressure wash the outside of his house.  They agree on a price and the pressure washer guy commences to pressure washing the outside of the house.  What could go wrong?

After the pressure washer guy is done, paid, and gone, our client notices that inside the house under a few windows, the carpet is wet.  Hmmm… He also notices that now his windows are fogging up on the inside and it seems that the gas seal that most windows have is now breached.  Uh oh. This pressure washer guy used too much pressure, broke the seals on his windows and the water also seeped into the house around the windows.

My client calls the pressure washer guy and lets him know that he did all of this damage.  Pressure washer guy says, “you should have put towels under every window inside your home to soak up the water that comes in.”  HUH? No. Our client requests the name of pressure washer guy’s insurance. Pressure washer guy responds, “No. I am not giving you the name of my insurance company.”  At this point, my client has two options, one file suit against this guy and spend thousands on attorney fees plus his time to get the damage paid for, or, file a claim on his home insurance.  There is about $7500 worth of damage to his home. UGH!! He files a claim with the insurance company, pays the $1000 deductible and the insurance company pays the rest. How could he have avoided filing a claim on his home insurance and having to pay his deductible?

Make sure you get a copy of the contractors proof of insurance.  Do not let the contractor start the work without the certificate of insurance and have your agent at Darr Schackow insurance review the certificate.  We will review it for free. The certificate has the contractors insurance information so that if something goes wrong and you have to file a claim, you know who to call.

Ideally the certificate of insurance should show coverage for general liability and workers compensation.  Sometimes in Florida, the one man contractors will exempt themselves from workers compensation benefits, which is not ideal, but, it is better than nothing at all. 

Whether it is a pressure washer guy, plumber, HVAC, electrician, or even the lawn guy, make sure you have a certificate of insurance before they start working.  It will make things a lot easier if and when they break something. I hope this helps!

Written by John Darr of Darr Schackow insurance agency.

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