Is Your Local Parkersburg Asphalt Sealcoating Company Fully Insured?
Is Your Local Parkersburg Asphalt Sealcoating Company Fully Insured?Local Parkersburg asphalt sealcoating is a vital service that helps keep your pavement beautiful, safe, and well-protected against the elements. While the job looks simple enough, it requires ample training to do correctly. Many things can go wrong while sealing paving in West Virginia. Not only do you need a reputable, experienced Parkersburg asphalt sealcoating company, but you must also choose one that’s fully insured.
Why Should I Hire Insured Companies for Local Parkersburg Asphalt Sealcoating?
Asphalt sealcoating looks deceptively simple. To those who aren’t familiar with the process, the job appears as easy as slathering on a few coats of sealer. However, the reality is that there are many inherent dangers involved.
Workers can suffer injuries when operating equipment. Overspray can also damage your landscaping or harm a neighboring property. With many vehicles and gear involved, there’s even a risk of third-party bystanders suffering injuries during the process.
In the worst-case scenario, you could be held liable for accidents and injuries.
Insurance protects both you and your Parkersburg asphalt sealcoating company. Comprehensive insurance coverage saves you from financial liability, ensuring that a simple project aimed at protecting your paving in West Virginia doesn’t lead to unwanted legal exposure.
Is Insurance a Legal Requirement for Sealcoating in West Virginia?
Asphalt paving experts must have active insurance coverage to provide service in West Virginia. That applies to both asphalt paving contractors building new surfaces and those who provide service to maintain them.
To even obtain a state contractor’s license, asphalt sealcoating companies must carry active General Liability insurance. Specialty contractors, such as a Parkersburg asphalt sealcoating company, must have a policy with a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
Depending on how the company operates, they may also need other forms of insurance to protect vehicles, equipment, and workers.
What Forms of Insurance Do Asphalt Companies in Parkersburg Need?
General Liability insurance is the big one. Asphalt companies in Parkersburg must submit a Certificate of Insurance before obtaining or renewing a license. Policies must provide at least $300,000 in coverage, but most contractors will invest in policies that are far better than the legal floor. Those that bid on public projects or work with commercial property managers often hold policies with $1,000,000 of coverage per occurrence.
If the company hires one or more employees, they must also have Workers’ Compensation. It’s required by West Virginia law. The only exception to that rule is for a company that operates as a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC with zero employees.
Contractors must also have vehicle coverage. Sealcoating in West Virginia often requires specialized trucks. Many asphalt companies in Parkersburg use trailers with tank rigs to complete large-scale projects. That equipment needs coverage like any other commercial vehicle. In West Virginia, the minimum for auto liability is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. and $25,000 for property damage.
Beyond these mandatory insurance policies, many contractors offering asphalt paving and asphalt sealcoating services will invest in extra liability protection. Umbrella policies step in when incidents exceed standard policy limits. They’re common for companies that perform large-scale projects.
Do Contractors Need a License to Perform Sealcoating in West Virginia?
As you might have already assumed, contractors do need an official license to offer asphalt sealcoating services in West Virginia. Proof of insurance is required to obtain and renew a license from the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.
Licensing is necessary whenever contractors complete residential projects valued at more than $2,500 or commercial projects valued at more than $5,000. Sealcoating falls under the Specialty: Asphalt trade classification.
A Parkersburg asphalt sealcoating company must also register with the Secretary of State, and any contractors operating within the Parkersburg city limits must obtain a local business license.
How Do I Ensure That a Local Parkersburg Asphalt Sealcoating Contractor is Fully Insured?
Before hiring asphalt companies in Parkersburg, do your due diligence. West Virginia has great transparency laws in place. Request to see proof of licensing and insurance. You can cross-reference that information with the state and even request a copy of the company’s Certificate of Insurance.
That said, most reputable companies will have no issue providing proof when requested by clients. Do your homework and rest assured that you’re working with a legitimate company that fully operates above board.
When you need maintenance or new paving in West Virginia, there’s no better company to hire than Erskine Paving. We’re a fully licensed and insured company that’s committed to transparency, accountability, and strong communication. We work closely with our clients from start to finish, delivering exceptional quality every time. Erskine Paving also maintains strict quality control standards and prioritizes customer service to make every service appointment stress-free.
Our services are comprehensive. You can turn to us for new asphalt paving, resurfacing, sealcoating, repairs, crack repairs, line striping, gravel hauling, snow plowing, dirt work, sweeping, parking lot drainage, and more. Ready to talk shop and request a free project quote? Call Erskine Paving today at (304) 892-8576, email Erskinesealcoating@gmail.com, or use our online form to get in touch.