What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for a Paving Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re starting a paving business—whether it’s highway paving, street paving, road paving, or heavy highway paving—you need more than equipment and skilled labor to succeed. One of the most critical steps is securing the right insurance coverage. Paving contractors face unique risks, from heavy machinery accidents to property damage and employee injuries.
This guide explains the essential types of insurance for paving businesses, why they matter, and how Wexford Insurance can help you protect your investment.
Why Insurance Is Essential for Paving Contractors
Paving businesses operate in high-risk environments. Heavy equipment, hot asphalt, and work on busy roads create exposure to accidents and liability claims. Insurance safeguards your business by:
Covering property damage and bodily injury claims.
Protecting your equipment and vehicles.
Meeting state and municipal contract requirements.
Ensuring compliance with workers’ compensation laws.
Whether you focus on commercial paving or heavy highway paving projects, insurance is not optional—it’s a necessity.
Types of Insurance Every Paving Business Needs
Why You Need It:
General liability insurance protects your paving business against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. For example, if a pedestrian trips over your equipment during a street paving project, this policy covers medical costs and legal fees.
Coverage Highlights:
Bodily injury claims from accidents on job sites.
Property damage caused by your operations.
Legal defense costs for covered claims.
Typical Coverage Limits:$1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate.
Why You Need It:
Your paving business relies on trucks, trailers, and other vehicles to transport equipment and materials. Commercial auto insurance covers accidents, damage, and liability involving these vehicles.
Coverage Highlights:
Collision and comprehensive coverage for company vehicles.
Liability protection for accidents causing injury or property damage.
Coverage for hired and non-owned vehicles.
Tip: Heavy highway paving contractors often need higher liability limits due to large-scale projects.
Why You Need It:
Protect your office, storage yard, and any buildings you own. This policy covers damage from fire, theft, vandalism, and certain weather events.
Coverage Highlights:
Office buildings and storage facilities.
Inventory and supplies.
Business interruption coverage (optional) for lost income during repairs.
Why You Need It:
Paving work is physically demanding and involves risks like heat exposure, heavy lifting, and machinery accidents. Workers’ compensation is legally required in most states and covers employee injuries.
Coverage Highlights:
Medical expenses for injured employees.
Lost wages during recovery.
Employer liability protection.
Compliance Note: Many government paving contracts require proof of workers’ compensation coverage before awarding bids.
Read more: State Workers’ Compensation Requirements
Why You Need It:
Your paving equipment—such as asphalt pavers, rollers, and sealcoating machines—is expensive and essential. Equipment insurance protects against theft, damage, and transit risks.
Coverage Highlights:
Replacement or repair costs for damaged equipment.
Coverage while equipment is on job sites or in transit.
Optional rental reimbursement if your equipment is unusable.
6. Umbrella Liability Insurance
Why You Need It:
Large paving projects often require higher liability limits than standard policies provide. Umbrella insurance adds an extra layer of protection beyond your general liability and auto policies.
Coverage Highlights:
Additional $1 million+ in liability coverage.
Protection against catastrophic claims.
Why Choose Wexford Insurance?
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in paving contractor insurance. We work with top carriers to provide tailored coverage for highway paving, street paving, road paving, and heavy highway paving businesses. Our team ensures you meet compliance requirements and protect your assets.
Final Thoughts
Insurance is the backbone of a successful paving business. Don’t leave your business exposed—partner with Wexford Insurance for comprehensive paving contractor insurance solutions.
Contact us today.