Construction work doesn’t slow down just because the year is ending. In Houston, December often brings a mix of lingering fall jobs and quick winter turnarounds. Whether you’re finishing a remodel or rushing a roofing job before the holidays, you’re still taking on risk with every project. That’s where having the right insurance matters.

Commercial general liability insurance in Houston, TX helps protect contractors from the kinds of accidents that can happen on the job. But not every policy fits every contractor the same way. Choosing smart coverage means thinking about the kind of work you do, the places you work in, and what might go wrong on each site.

What General Liability Insurance Actually Covers

General liability insurance is built to protect contractors when accidents happen during normal work. That protection can cover more than most people expect. It usually includes:

• Injuries to people who aren’t part of your crew, like a client or neighbor

• Damage to someone else’s property, like breaking a window or tearing a pipe

• Legal defense costs if someone files a claim or lawsuit after an accident

At Navigant Insurance, our commercial general liability coverage helps protect businesses from third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal or advertising injury claims that can come out of daily operations.

In Houston, job sites vary a lot. One day you’re working on a new build for a small office, the next you could be fixing a porch in a tight residential area. Each type of site carries its own risks and different rules. Something as simple as leaving a ladder near a walkway could lead to a fall and a claim.

Contractors who work with wiring or plumbing might risk fire or water damage if something goes wrong after a job wraps. Remodelers working inside client homes have to stay extra careful around furniture, surfaces, and floors. What your policy covers should match the kind of work you usually do.

Things Houston Contractors Should Watch For

No matter how detailed your plan is, insurance won’t help much if it leaves big gaps. Some contractors only find those holes when something bad happens. That’s why it’s good to check now, before projects stack up.

Here are a few things Houston contractors often overlook:

• One-size-fits-all policies might miss things specific to your job, like tool coverage or borrowed equipment

• Residential jobs might be treated differently from commercial work in your plan

• End-of-year weather is tricky, especially when cold fronts bring rain that turns a dry lot into a slip hazard

Busy seasons can also bring more pressure to finish fast. In those rushed moments, accidents are more likely. Checking your coverage might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it can save a lot of trouble later.

Choosing the Right Policy for Your Trade

Not all contractors work the same way. That means the best policy for one crew might not work for another. Think about the size of your crew, how often you take on new jobs, and how long your projects usually last.

Here’s how different setups impact what kind of insurance fits:

• Solo workers handling jobs one at a time might only need basic general liability with a few upgrades

• Small crews juggling multiple clients through the holidays may benefit from broader coverage for site visits and tight schedules

• Subcontractors working under another company often need their own policy to meet project requirements

Another thing to think about is whether a policy should cover just one job or the whole year. Some contractors like short-term policies for high-risk jobs. Others prefer keeping steady coverage year-round so they don’t have to update it as often. We offer flexible policy limits and sub-limits so your protection can better match the size of your business and the kinds of projects you take on. If your phone is already ringing with new December jobs, having coverage in place before you show up helps you stay ready.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign That Policy

Choosing a policy shouldn’t leave you with guesswork. A few clear questions can help make sure it fits your real work, not just what’s on a checklist.

Before you sign, ask:

1. What exactly does this policy cover, and what’s left out?

2. Are rented tools, scaffolding, or trailers included, or do I need something separate?

3. Will this policy work for jobs in both residential and commercial areas?

4. If I need to file a claim, what will that process look like, and who handles it?

5. Are there any jobs or project types this policy doesn’t cover?

Getting answers up front helps prevent surprises when something goes wrong. It also gives you a chance to fix small problems in your coverage before they cost you time or money.

Why the Right Plan Saves Stress Later

When schedules are packed, it’s easy to push off insurance updates. But defense after the fact is always harder than making sure the right plan was in place to begin with.

A single job-site injury or cracked pipe can lead to days of paperwork, upset clients, or delays while waiting on repairs. Even after your work is done, that claim might land weeks later. Having the right general liability insurance means fewer calls back to patch things and no scrambling to explain what your plan includes.

More than that, it helps you stay focused. When your coverage is solid, you’re not second-guessing every step or avoiding what could go wrong. That peace of mind counts, especially in the final busy weeks of the year.

About Ricky Wong

Ricky Wong brings over 20 years of experience working with Houston contractors on the job risks they face every day. He’s helped a lot of crews get the coverage they need without overcomplicating the process or adding stress during high-pressure seasons.

At Navigant Insurance, we believe making smart insurance choices should be simple. We listen to what matters most to you, whether that’s tool coverage, job safety, or fast claims help when something unexpected happens. We make it easier for Houston contractors to protect their work for every deadline, client, and build site that comes next.

As you take on new projects in Houston this holiday season, it’s important to make sure your coverage still matches your work. Different jobs bring unique risks, so having insurance that fits your tools, job sites, and clients can make a real difference. At Navigant Insurance, we help local contractors stay protected with plans built around the demands of their industry, not just generic policies. Learn more about commercial general liability insurance in Houston, TX and what you should look for in your policy. If you have questions or need clarification, reach out and our team will walk you through the details.