Major Risks Ohio Contractors Face (and How to Protect Your Business)

Contractors across Ohio keep projects moving and communities growing, but every job comes with risk. From workplace injuries to stolen equipment, a single accident can create serious financial setbacks. That’s why understanding the major risks Ohio contractors face, and having the right insurance protection is critical for long-term success.

At Arnold Insurance Agency, we’ve helped contractors statewide for more than 40 years with contractor insurance in Ohio, risk management, and surety bonds. Here’s what every Ohio contractor needs to know:

1. General Liability Risks for Contractors

Lawsuits for property damage or bodily injury are among the most common contractor claims. Whether a client trips on a job site or a subcontractor damages property, legal fees and settlements add up quickly.

✅ Solution: General Liability Insurance for Ohio contractors provides the first line of defense. It covers legal expenses, medical costs, and damages tied to third-party claims.

2. Workers’ Compensation in Ohio

Ohio law requires contractors with employees to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Without it, you risk fines, lawsuits, and uncovered medical bills if a worker is injured.

✅ Solution: Arnold Insurance ensures compliance while tailoring workers’ comp coverage to protect your employees and business.

3. Tools, Equipment, and Builder’s Risk

Contractors depend on expensive tools and machinery. Theft, vandalism, and severe weather can stop a project in its tracks. In addition, unfinished construction projects are exposed to fire, storms, and accidents.

✅ Solution: Protect your assets with Contractor Tools & Equipment Insurance and Builder’s Risk Insurance in Ohio. These policies cover tools, job site materials, and structures under construction.

4. Commercial Auto Insurance for Contractors

From hauling materials to transporting crews, work vehicles are constantly on the road. One accident can create costly liability claims.

✅ Solution: Commercial Auto Insurance covers damages, injuries, and liability related to contractor-owned vehicles.

5. Surety Bonds for Ohio Contractors

Many jobs in Ohio require bid, performance, or payment bonds before work even begins. Without bonding, contractors can lose out on valuable contracts.

✅ Solution: Arnold Insurance provides a full range of contractor surety bonds, helping you qualify for projects and meet compliance requirements.

6. Umbrella Insurance: Extra Liability Protection

When large claims exceed standard policy limits, contractors can face devastating financial loss.

✅ Solution: Commercial Umbrella Insurance gives contractors an added safety net by extending liability limits across multiple policies.

7. Risk Management and Subcontractor Liability

Subcontractors are a vital part of the construction industry, but they also create liability risks. If a subcontractor is uninsured, you could be held responsible for their claims.

✅ Solution: Arnold helps contractors with risk management strategies, including certificate tracking, contracts, and additional insured endorsements, to minimize exposure.

Why Ohio Contractors Choose Arnold Insurance Agency

• 40+ years of experience serving Ohio’s construction industry

• Specialized contractor insurance programs: not one-size-fits-all policies

• Local service, no call centers: when you call, you get a real person who knows your business

From Cleveland to Cincinnati, Columbus to Toledo, contractors trust Arnold Insurance to protect their projects and their future.

Protect Your Contracting Business Today

Don’t leave your business exposed to unnecessary risks. The right contractor insurance in Ohio keeps your crews safe, your tools protected, and your projects moving forward.

👉 Contact Arnold Insurance Agency today for a free consultation and see why over 1,000 contractors across Ohio trust us to protect what they’ve built.