What does liability insurance cover for an electrician?

Question

If an electrician (or plumber or any other professional) comes to my home and injures himself (in the case of an electrician, he electricutes himself) do I have any liability? Does it matter if he's a licensed professional or not? What if he damages my home - like a ladder falls and breaks a window? When an electrician says he's "insured" does it mean he's covered for damage to my home or damage to himself? Or both? Thanks to all who can provide some answers!

Answer 1

You have 2 issues here- 1 injury to the electrician and 2 injury to your home.  Being licensed does not affect liability.

1) The electrician should carry workers compensation to cover his injuries while he is on the job. (some states allow him to file an exemption from coverage)

2) He should have a general liability policy to cover "bodily injury and property damage" for which he is "legally liable" - in english this policy covers if the ladder falls and breaks a window - and it would cover you if the ladder fell on you and you needed medical attention.

You should ask for a "certificate of insurance" It will have lots of sections including general liability, auto, garage, excess, and work comp.  The sections filled in show coverage he has purchased.