Hey guys, I have two quotes for new biz general liability insurance. Joseph D Walters came in at around 1500 for my area, and Hiscox came in around 800.
I like the peace of mind that joseph d walters deals primarily with the pressure washing industry. Their insurance is written through liberty mutual.
With Hiscox I’m slightly concerned that they are such a big company that they’ll do whatever it takes to get someone signed up.
The person I talked to (The Internet Insurance Group), writing through hiscox, said they would list me as a handyman and that it would include residential pressure washing, staining, and painting services, amongst other handyman services.
Has anyone on here ever had to file a claim with either company? Was it a hassle? Did they cover you?
Please share your experiences here so I can make the best educated decision.
Go with a local agent. Check reviews, and make sure to read up on Care Custody, and Control coverage.
I had JDW for a few years, and honestly no complaints with them. But there’s a host of stuff they won’t cover, like snow removal. My local agent got me the same policy, plus a rider for snow removal, for a pretty comparable price.
X2 on the local agent. Mine found Scottsdale insurance that was apples to apples with a handful of others at half the premium. Underwritten by Nationwide. $87/month for $2 million.
I agree with the local agent. I have everything I have with the same agent and the same agent I’ve been with for years. He is an idenpentent agent and can write through multiple companies. I may pay a little more for something occasionally but the peace of mind knowing I personally know this guy and his family is worth it to me. I know no matter what he will and does have my best interest in mind. I don’t even ask any more, just call and say get me covered.
UPDATE: Due to the response of the thread I have decided to pursue my local agents. I’ve emailed about 5 or 6 local agents, now just waiting out the response. Everything I have found on my own besides JDW or Hiscox, has been $4,000+ for the year, so I’m hoping these local agents will come through with a good offer like they have for you guys.
I had Hiscox last year. This year I dug deaper into what they REALLY offered and what I really need. They dont let you clean retaining walls, second story gutters, or the surface your working on ie. siding. If you somehow damage siding, it would be negligence on your part they said. While softwashing negates most of these issues, I dont like the feeling Im on the hook all the time. I went with Erie. $1200/year. Also, results vary according to zip code.
Not to mention, with a local Erie rep, they have to look you in the eyes. When something happens, they have to explain in person why they did not sell the products you needed. This may help ensure you get what you actually need. For me, its a better fit.
Based on a previous thread I called Fred Krum, they gave me a number of local agents so I called the one from my zip code. What a difference. I was using select quotes, referred to them by USAA and when I went to add PW my rate went from 1100.00 to over 2200.00 per year. Same coverage with Krum went to just shy of 800.00 per year. That is for fence staining and PW no higher than 3 stories. Never found a three story fence (border excepted) but I would like to.
