One of the best marketing ploys that every painting contractor shall present is meeting all the pertinent requirements and qualifications, including being bonded and insured. Yes, you may have heard the words “bonded and insured,” but how does that impact your search for the right commercial painter?
First, a painting contractor must be licensed. When you discover that a commercial painter is licensed, it is most likely that he is bonded and insured as well. For instance – when contractors are applying for a license, they must purchase a bond and insurance from a bond agent or insurance company. Before a contractor will be given a license, the government must make sure first that the contractor that the contractor won’t violate the law and will abide by the proper building regulations.
“Bonded”
When a painting contractor has a surety bond, he is considered bonded. A surety bond is a financial contract or guarantee which protects clients if the contractor fails to meet financial obligations or commits a fraud.
In a surety bond, there are three parties involved:
- Principal – the primary party who purchases the bond. The “primary” here in this case is the painting contractor.
- Obligee – the party who is the recipient of the bond. The “obligee” here in this case is the client.
- Surety or guarantor – the party who produces the bond and who assures to the obligee that the principal can perform the task.
As the best commercial painting East Bay contractor – who is the principal – purchases the bond, he understands that he shall abide by the local, state and federal laws that govern the commercial painting industry. If the contractor fails to meet obligations and/or commits a fraud, the client – who is the obligee – can file a claim against the contractor’s surety bond.
For example, the contractor and his workers end up stealing your valuables, such as a flat-screen, jewelry TV or an antique painting. You will file a claim against the contractor’s surety. An investigation follows to confirm your claim. After your claim has been proven, the surety will pay your stolen valuables, in full amount. In turn, the painting contractor will be liable to compensate the surety.
“Insured”
When a company is insured, it means it is protected from whatever may happen to it while providing service to its clients.
In case a worker gets injured while painting your establishment and the company he works for is insured, the claim will be filed against the company’s insurance.
But if the company is not insured, the claim will be filed against your business insurance, which may even lead to its cancellation. Worse, the contractor (and/or its worker as well) may file a suit against you.
Hiring a painting contractor that’s licensed will give you peace of mind. It exempts you from being financially liable in case the workers encounter an accident and get injured while working at your business site.
Being bonded and insured are some of the reasons why you should ask every candidate: “Are you licensed?” At least here in California, when painting contractors are licensed, they should also be bonded and insured. When commercial painters in East Bay tell you that they are licensed, ask them for proof and valid documentation, such as a worker’s compensation insurance, liability insurance, etc., that will prove their credibility and good reputation.