While painting may seem like a simple service, it carries some potential risks that can lead to legal and financial problems for painters and business owners. Property owners often file claims against painters for various reasons, ranging from property damage to poor workmanship.
In this blog, we’ll look into the most common claims painters face and explore how painter tradie insurance can protect them. Moreover, how insurance for a painting company can help them survive in difficult times.
Common Claims Faced by Painters and Painting Business Owners
1. Accidental Damage to Client Property
One of the most common claims painters face involves accidental damage to clients’ property. This can include paint spills or stains on floors, carpets, or furniture that can be costly to repair. Similarly dropped tools, paint cans, or other debris can cause property damage. Rough handling of equipment or tools can also scratch or gouge surfaces.
Painters can also be liable for damage to delicate surfaces, such as improper preparation or application of paint can damage natural wood surfaces. For instance, a painter uses the wrong primer on a client’s antique door, causing the finish to peel and discolour.
Overspray is another common source of claims for painters. Overspray can land on neighbouring buildings, causing damage or requiring costly cleaning. Similarly parked cars or other vehicles can be damaged by overspray. Overspray can also affect outdoor surfaces like patios, decks, or landscaping.
2. Injury Claims
Property owners may file injury claims against painters for various reasons. For example, they might hold the painting company responsible if chemical vapours from the paint cause health issues for their pets.
Similarly, tools, equipment, or paint cans that fall from ladders or scaffolds can injure people nearby. Property owners can also claim if they slip and fall on a wet paint spill left by a painter, resulting in a broken ankle.
3. Poor Workmanship Claims
Property owners may file claims against painters for poor workmanship, such as inconsistent or uneven paint application which can lead to an unsatisfactory finish and claims for rework. Moreover, incorrect colour matching or application can result in a mismatch with the desired colour scheme. Inadequate surface preparation, such as failing to remove old paint or fill cracks, can lead to premature peeling or blistering of the new paint.
Painters may also face claims for failing to meet deadlines or specific client requests. This can include delays in completing the painting project and can cause inconvenience and financial losses for property owners. Failure to follow specific client instructions or specifications can also lead to dissatisfaction and claims for breach of contract.
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How Tradie Insurance Can Help Painters
A. Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is essential for painters, as it covers legal costs and compensation for third-party injuries or property damage This insurance ensures that such claims do not lead to financial distress for the business by covering legal expenses and any compensation owed.
Worksite accidents are not uncommon in the painting industry. Whether it’s a client’s property damaged due to accidental paint spills or a neighbour’s window getting oversprayed, public liability insurance (accident liability insurance) protects painters from the personal financial burden of lawsuits.
Painters often use company vehicles to transport materials and tools between job sites. Public liability insurance or general liability for painters can also extend to cover damages caused by these vehicles. For instance, if a painting company’s van accidentally damages a client’s driveway or hits a parked car, this coverage ensures that repair costs and legal claims are handled, preventing financial loss to the business.
B. Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance covers legal costs in the event of negligence claims against the painting business. This is particularly useful if a property owner believes the work performed was substandard or deviated from agreed-upon specifications. For instance, if a painter uses the wrong colour or applies the paint unevenly, causing dissatisfaction, the client may file a claim for rework or compensation. Professional indemnity insurance ensures the business is financially protected in such cases.
In addition to covering legal costs, professional indemnity insurance also assists with compensating clients when claims arise due to professional mistakes. Whether it’s a failure to meet deadlines or a miscommunication that leads to improper work execution, this coverage ensures that clients are compensated without placing an undue financial burden on the painting business.
Click here to read about common scaffolding accidents and how to prevent them
Other Relevant Insurance for Painters
Tools and Equipment Insurance
Paint jobs rely heavily on specialised tools and equipment. If these are lost, stolen, or damaged, tools and equipment insurance covers the cost of repair or replacement. This ensures the business can continue operating smoothly without interruptions caused by unexpected losses.
Income Protection Insurance
If a painter or key staff member is injured or falls ill and cannot work, income protection insurance provides financial support during recovery. This is vital for small painting businesses, as it helps cover personal and business expenses while the painter is unable to generate income.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Painters often rely on vehicles for transporting materials and tools between job sites. Commercial vehicle insurance covers repair costs and legal liabilities arising from accidents involving company vehicles, offering peace of mind on the road.
Painters Insurance costs
Typically, small painting businesses might pay anywhere between $500 to $2,000 annually for general liability insurance, while larger companies may pay upwards of $5,000. Workers’ compensation insurance could add to this cost, depending on the number of employees and the risk associated with the work.
Protect Your Painting Business with Tradies365 – Get Covered Today!
Don’t let unexpected claims or accidents put your painting business at risk. Tradies365 offers comprehensive insurance solutions tailored specifically for painters in Australia, ensuring you’re protected from property damage, injury claims, and professional mistakes. Secure your peace of mind and safeguard your livelihood today.
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Note: The material offered here is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legally binding advice and should not be a substitute for a consultation with an insurance expert.