What Kind of Contractor Are We Talking About?
We write coverage for a wide range of trades and construction-related businesses across West Virginia, including:
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Electricians and plumbers
- HVAC and mechanical trades
- Roofers and siding contractors
- Landscapers and excavators
- Painters and drywall crews
- Handymen and independent tradespeople
If your trade isn't listed here, call us. The odds are good we can find a program that fits.
Contractors face a different kind of risk than most businesses. One claim, one job site incident, or one equipment loss can stall an entire operation. We build coverage around the specific work you do, not a generic small business template.
What a solid contractors insurance program typically includes:
- General liability — covers bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your work
- Commercial auto — covers your work trucks, vans, and any vehicles used on the job
- Workers compensation — required in West Virginia if you have employees, and worth carrying regardless
- Commercial property — covers tools, equipment, and business property at your shop or yard
- Inland marine / tools and equipment — covers gear in transit or stored off-site
- Commercial umbrella — extends your liability limits on larger contracts or higher-risk projects
- Commercial E&O — relevant for design-build contractors, engineers, and trades with a consulting component
Coverage That Moves With Your Business
Why Independent Coverage Shopping Matters for Contractors
Contractor risk profiles vary a lot by trade, crew size, and the type of work you take on. Some carriers price roofing very differently than framing. Others specialize in certain trades or offer better terms for smaller operations.
Because we're an independent agency, we can compare rates and terms across Nationwide, Progressive, Foremost, and other top carriers — not just the one carrier a captive agent is locked into. That means you get options, not just a quote.
Rick Allen has been working with contractors and business owners in this region since 1995. He knows what the carriers look for, what coverage gaps show up most often in contractor policies, and how to structure a program that holds up when you need it.
Rick Allen Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving Southern West Virginia from two walk-in offices in
Beaver, WV and
Rainelle, WV. We provide
personal insurance — including auto, home, condo, renters, motorcycle, ATV/UTV, and life coverage — as well as
business insurance and
industry-specific insurance programs for contractors, farms, landlords, restaurants, and trucking operations across
Beckley,
Daniels,
Lewisburg,
Rupert, and the surrounding Raleigh County and Greenbrier County communities. Our
life insurance
options include term life and whole life coverage through multiple top national carriers including Nationwide, Progressive, and Foremost. Call our Beaver office at 304-252-1660
or our Rainelle office at 304-438-6349, or
request a free quote online. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday — no appointment needed.
Common Questions About Contractors Insurance
Do I need contractors insurance if I'm a sole proprietor or one-person operation?
Yes. General liability coverage protects you from third-party claims regardless of crew size. Many general contractors and property owners also require proof of insurance before they'll let you on a job site. Going without it can cost you work — and leave you personally exposed if something goes wrong.Yes. General liability coverage protects you from third-party claims regardless of crew size. Many general contractors and property owners also require proof of insurance before they'll let you on a job site. Going without it can cost you work — and leave you personally exposed if something goes wrong.Is workers compensation required for contractors in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires workers compensation for most employers with one or more employees. Sole proprietors with no employees are generally exempt, but coverage may still be required by the companies or GCs you work for. We can walk you through what applies to your situation.West Virginia requires workers compensation for most employers with one or more employees. Sole proprietors with no employees are generally exempt, but coverage may still be required by the companies or GCs you work for. We can walk you through what applies to your situation.What's the difference between general liability and a business owners policy for a contractor?
A business owners policy (BOP) bundles general liability with commercial property coverage in a single package — it's a good fit for contractors who have a shop, office, or significant equipment on-site. General liability alone covers third-party injury and property damage claims from your work. Many contractors carry both, depending on how their business is set up.A business owners policy (BOP) bundles general liability with commercial property coverage in a single package — it's a good fit for contractors who have a shop, office, or significant equipment on-site. General liability alone covers third-party injury and property damage claims from your work. Many contractors carry both, depending on how their business is set up.Will my personal auto policy cover my work truck?
Usually not. Personal auto policies typically exclude vehicles used primarily for business purposes. If you're hauling tools, driving to job sites, or using the vehicle for any commercial activity, a commercial auto policy is the right coverage.Usually not. Personal auto policies typically exclude vehicles used primarily for business purposes. If you're hauling tools, driving to job sites, or using the vehicle for any commercial activity, a commercial auto policy is the right coverage.Can I get a certificate of insurance quickly?
Yes. If you need a certificate for a job or a general contractor, call our office directly. We handle certificate requests for our clients and can typically turn them around the same day.Yes. If you need a certificate for a job or a general contractor, call our office directly. We handle certificate requests for our clients and can typically turn them around the same day.
Ready to Talk? We're Not Hard to Find.
We have walk-in offices in Beaver and Rainelle, open Monday through Friday. If you'd rather call, you'll reach a person — not a phone tree. We also serve contractors throughout the region, including those working in and around Beckley.
We're available to review your coverage, answer questions about a certificate, or help you understand what a policy actually covers. That's part of the job.