Business development and support - Getting business general liability insurance

[sevenfold12]

Hello everyone!
I really didn't know where to fit in my question, so in order to avoid confusing started a new thread.

I am a self-employed , and my business is involved in safety/environmental auditing services.
The problem I am trying to deal with is that I want to get a business general liability insurance, but every time I mention "safety/environmental auditing" I get denied, no insurance company wants to provide me with the quote.

Would really appreciate anyone's thoughts and help in this matter!
Thank you!

 

[Golfman25]

Hello everyone!
I really didn't know where to fit in my question, so in order to avoid confusing started a new thread.

I am a self-employed , and my business is involved in safety/environmental auditing services.
The problem I am trying to deal with is that I want to get a business general liability insurance, but every time I mention "safety/environmental auditing" I get denied, no insurance company wants to provide me with the quote.

Would really appreciate anyone's thoughts and help in this matter!
Thank you!

Itemtify the standards you're auditing to instead. Underwriters freak out over small things. Why do you think you need an insurance policy anyway? What are your risks do screw up?

 

[sevenfold12]

Thank you!
The thing is that the companies I work for require all contractors to have this kind of insurance

 

[Ninja]

Run it by your legal counsel first (of course)...but :

"safety/environmental auditing" {Consulting}

Are you selling something tangible: No
Are you showing up somewhere other than your own workplace: Yes
Are people paying you to tell them what you think: Yes

...you are a consultant...

Don't confuse the issue trying to be too detailed.
Answer truthfully whatever follow up questions arise ...but if you're paid to tell people what to do, and you don't then go do it yourself, you're a consultant.

Everyone knows what a consultant is...and it isn't a scary word like "Environmental" or "Safety" that have millions in lawsuits every year.

I would expect follow up questions like "in what field" and such. But I would answer them with liability limit attached:
I review the safety policies of companies and make suggestions to improve them BUT I AM NOT LIABLE FOR WHETHER THEY FOLLOW THE ADVICE.
{Assuming, of course, that that is indeed the case...}

I just went through this with my new company.
- I distribute chemicals...FREAK OUT.
- I distribute non-hazardous materials used in manufacturing. Examples include additives commonly used in shampoo, safety glass and plastic sheeting...All is calm.
. - How do you expect us to insure all that flammable material?
. - ??? There is no flammable material...and no product is considered hazardous by ground, sea or air.
. - ...OK, here's your policy quote...

Both sentences mean exactly the same thing, and are both true, but have widely different connotations.

HTH, and good luck!

 

[sevenfold12]

Golfman25, Ninja - Thank you

I wish it was this easy.
They want to know what i do.
Today i spoke with 5 brokers and 2 big ones (Hartford and Hiscox)
I mentioned zero liability, i didn't mention Safety or Environmental at all, just a consultant, reviewing Work procedures and Work instructions (sitting in the office!), giving advice and explaining ISO9001 requirements.
They asked me if i did work in Automotive and i said yes, because i do.
So only 1 quote of 1300$ for both professional and general liability (and they cant split them as its a single product).
I was usually paying only 400$ quite an increase for a small business.

Does anyone know a reliable insurance agent who can help with this policy?

 

[Ninja]

So only 1 quote of 1300$ for both professional and general liability (and they cant split them as its a single product).

I'm jealous. I pay 4-5x that.
Sounds like your mention of deferral of liability saved you quite a bit. Well done.

Of course they want to know what you do...they are taking a calculated risk covering you.
Its simply about framing the truth with real world conditions, not hiding it.