Protecting Your Pavement: Essential Insurance for Asphalt & Paving Contractors

As an asphalt and paving contractor, you're constantly navigating complex projects, heavy machinery, and the unpredictable Ohio weather. Your expertise smooths the roads and lays the foundations for communities, but with every layer of asphalt, you're also laying down potential risks. At Arnold Insurance Agency, we understand the unique challenges faced by paving contractors and are dedicated to providing the relevant insurance and risk management solutions you need to keep your business on solid ground.

Common Risks in the Paving Industry

The paving business, while rewarding, comes with its own set of hazards. Ignoring these risks can lead to significant financial setbacks and even jeopardize your business. Here are some common risks you might encounter:

• Jobsite Accidents & Injuries: Heavy machinery, hot asphalt, and busy worksites create a high potential for employee injuries. From slips and falls to equipment-related accidents, these incidents can lead to costly medical bills and lost wages.

• Property Damage: Whether it's damage to a client's property during excavation or a mishap with your paving equipment, property damage claims can be substantial.

• Equipment Breakdown & Theft: Your specialized paving equipment is a significant investment. Breakdowns can cause costly delays, and theft of valuable machinery or tools can be devastating.

• Weather Delays & Material Issues: Unpredictable weather can halt projects, leading to schedule overruns and potential penalty clauses. Fluctuations in material costs or supply chain disruptions can also impact your bottom line.

• Subcontractor Issues: If you work with subcontractors, their mistakes or lack of proper insurance can leave you vulnerable to claims.

• Contractual Disputes: Disagreements over project scope, quality of work, or payment can lead to costly legal battles.

Your Paving Powerhouse: Essential Insurance Coverages

To protect your business from these risks, a comprehensive insurance strategy is crucial. Here are the core coverages every asphalt and paving contractor should consider:

• General Liability Insurance: This is your foundational protection. It covers claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by your business operations. For example, if a pedestrian trips over your equipment on a job site or you accidentally damage a homeowner's landscaping, general liability can cover medical expenses and legal fees.

• Workers' Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, this is typically a legal requirement in Ohio. It provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job, covering medical costs and lost wages. This also helps protect your business from potential lawsuits.

• Commercial Auto Insurance: Your dump trucks, asphalt pavers, and other business vehicles are vital to your operations. Commercial auto insurance protects these vehicles from accidents, theft, and damage, and covers liability if one of your company vehicles is involved in a collision.

• Builder's Risk Insurance (Course of Construction): This policy protects the physical structure of a project while it's under construction. For paving, this might cover damage to a newly laid road due to a fire, vandalism, or even a sudden storm, from the project's start until completion.

• Inland Marine Insurance: Your tools and equipment are constantly on the move. Inland marine insurance covers your movable property, tools, and equipment while they are in transit to and from job sites or stored off-site. This is crucial for protecting high-value items like pavers, rollers, and excavators.

• Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: While less common for direct paving work, if your services include design, consulting, or project management, E&O can protect you from claims of professional negligence or errors in your advice.

• Commercial Property Insurance: If you own an office, a yard for your equipment, or a storage facility, this covers damage to your business property from perils like fire, theft, or natural disasters.

• Umbrella Insurance: Think of this as an extra layer of protection. It kicks in when the limits of your other liability policies (like general liability or commercial auto) have been exhausted, providing additional coverage for major claims.

• Surety Bonds: Many public and private contracts require various types of surety bonds (bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds). These bonds guarantee your ability to fulfill contractual obligations. Arnold Insurance Agency specializes in surety bonds for contractors across Ohio.

Beyond the Policy: Risk Management Strategies

While insurance provides a crucial safety net, proactive risk management can help prevent incidents from happening in the first place. Consider these strategies:

• Robust Safety Program: Implement and regularly review a comprehensive safety program that includes regular training, proper equipment maintenance, and adherence to all OSHA regulations.

• Detailed Contracts: Ensure all your contracts with clients and subcontractors are clear, comprehensive, and legally sound, outlining the scope of work, payment terms, and dispute resolution processes.

• Subcontractor Vetting: Thoroughly vet all subcontractors, ensuring they are properly licensed and carry adequate insurance coverage. Request proof of insurance and consider requiring them to add you as an "additional insured" on their policies.

• Project Management Best Practices: Implement effective project management techniques to minimize delays, manage changes, and ensure clear communication among all stakeholders.

• Regular Equipment Inspections: Conduct routine inspections and maintenance on all your equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure safe operation.

• Contingency Planning: Develop plans for unexpected events like severe weather, material shortages, or equipment failures.

Why Choose Arnold Insurance Agency?

At Arnold Insurance Agency, we've been partnering with contractors like you since 1983. We're not just about selling policies; we're about understanding your unique business and providing tailored insurance solutions and risk management advice. Our team, led by industry veterans like Mark Arnold and Jason Daniels, has extensive experience in the construction and surety bond sectors, working with hundreds of contractors across Ohio.

We're an independent agency, meaning we work with a wide range of leading national and regional insurers to find you the best coverage at competitive rates. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, simplifying the claims process, and being your trusted advisor every step of the way.

Ready to protect your paving business and build a more secure future? Contact Arnold Insurance Agency today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let's pave the way to your success!

Visit us at www.arnoldinsuranceagency.com or call us at 614-863-0455.

Construction Site Safety: Why It Matters and How the Right Insurance Protects Your Business

Building with Confidence: How Safety and Insurance Work Hand in Hand for Contractors

In the construction industry, safety isn't just a best practice—it's a necessity. Every day on the job site presents potential hazards, from falls and equipment accidents to electrical risks and structural failures. For general contractors and construction companies, creating a safe working environment is the first line of defense. The second? Having the right contractor insurance coverage in place.

At The Arnold Insurance Agency, we specialize in commercial insurance for contractors and construction companies, providing coverage that’s built as tough as your team.

Why Construction Safety Matters More Than Ever

According to OSHA, one in five worker deaths in the U.S. occurs in construction. The leading causes—known as the “Fatal Four”—include:

• Falls

• Struck-by-object incidents

• Electrocutions

• Caught-in/between accidents

These aren't just statistics—they’re costly, life-altering events that affect your workers, timelines, and reputation.

Implementing strong safety protocols reduces injury risks, keeps your projects on schedule, and builds trust with clients. But even the most well-run job site can't eliminate every risk. That’s where commercial insurance steps in.

Essential Coverages for Construction Safety

Not all insurance policies are created equal. As a contractor, you need specialized insurance coverage that aligns with the unique risks of your trade. Some of the most important policies include:

✅ General Liability Insurance

Protects against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and legal expenses.

✅ Workers’ Compensation

Covers medical bills and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job.

✅ Contractor’s Equipment Coverage

Covers damage or theft of tools, heavy machinery, and mobile equipment.

✅ Commercial Auto Insurance

It covers vehicles used in the course of business and is essential for job site travel.

✅ Builder’s Risk Insurance

Protects structures under construction from fire, theft, weather damage, and more.

Safety + Insurance = Smart Risk Management

When your company prioritizes both worksite safety and comprehensive insurance, you're not just protecting your employees—you’re safeguarding your entire business.

At The Arnold Insurance Agency, we go beyond providing policies. We offer:

• Safety audits and risk assessments

• Claims support tailored to contractors

• Guidance on OSHA compliance and jobsite protocols

• Customizable policies for general contractors, electricians, roofers, plumbers, and more

Final Word: Don't Leave Your Business Exposed

Whether you're building homes, laying foundations, or managing a fleet of subcontractors, you face unique risks every day. Don’t wait until an accident happens to realize you’re underinsured.

Partner with a commercial insurance expert who understands contractors and construction. We’ll help you protect what you’re building—from the ground up.

📞 Ready to Protect Your Crew and Your Company?

Contact The Arnold Insurance Agency today for a free quote or a custom risk assessment tailored to your construction business.