You're Laying Block on a Foundation Extension. Three Months Later — The Homeowner Calls a Structural Engineer.

For a solo mason, GL-only can start around $1,200–$2,500/year. A small operation with 2–5 employees running a full package (GL + workers' comp + commercial auto + equipment floater) typically runs $3,500–$14,000/year. The biggest variable is workers' comp — codes 5022 and 5040 carry rates in the $8–$16 per $100 of payroll range. Revenue, equipment value, and prior claims history also significantly affect the premium. We'll give you exact numbers based on your operation.

This depends heavily on how your policy is written. Completed operations covers claims arising after work is finished — but the faulty workmanship exclusion limits what part of that claim the GL responds to. Standard interpretation: GL doesn't cover the cost to redo the defective masonry work, but may cover the resulting damage to other property caused by that work (interior damage from water intrusion through improper flashing, structural damage caused by a failed footing, etc.). The specific policy form language, carrier endorsements, and how the claim is presented all affect the outcome. This is exactly why we compare policy forms — not just price — when quoting masonry accounts.

Code 5022 covers brickwork, stonework, and masonry work — laying brick, block, stone, and similar materials. Code 5040 covers concrete construction — poured foundations, flatwork, steps, and concrete structures. Rates for both are in a similar range but can differ by carrier. If your operation does both brick/stone masonry and concrete work, separate payroll tracking by work type is important. At audit, carriers assign wages to whichever code applies to the actual work performed. Without clear records, auditors may assign to the higher of the two codes.

No. GL covers property damage you cause to other people — not theft or damage to your own equipment. You need an inland marine equipment floater. Masonry equipment is expensive — a concrete mixer can cost $3,000–$8,000, a diamond blade saw $2,500–$6,000, and scaffolding systems easily $10,000–$20,000. A floater covering $30,000 in equipment typically runs $800–$2,500/year. One theft event covers multiple years of premium.

Cutting, grinding, or drilling masonry materials generates crystalline silica dust — a known carcinogen and cause of silicosis. Workers' comp covers employees who develop occupational diseases. But employer liability (Part B of your WC policy) can be triggered if employees allege unsafe working conditions contributed to their illness. OSHA's silica rule (29 CFR 1926.1153) requires exposure assessment, written exposure control plans, and respiratory protection for construction work exceeding action levels. Compliance reduces your liability exposure and supports your WC and GL coverage in any future occupational disease claim.

For residential work, the NJ HIC registration requires a compliance surety bond scaled to your annual contract volume ($10,000–$50,000). This is a surety bond — different from insurance — that protects consumers if you fail to complete a job or violate consumer protection rules. For commercial masonry work, GCs and property owners may require a performance and payment bond on larger projects. We can connect you with a surety bonding specialist if you need commercial bonding for larger contracts.

Yes — and without exception. The GC's policy does not cover your liability or your employees. The GC's GL may name them as the primary defendant, but your operations are your responsibility. Any GC worth working for will require a certificate of insurance from you showing your own GL (typically $1M minimum), workers' comp, and commercial auto before you can access the job site. If you show up without insurance, you either don't get on the job, or you're working unprotected. Call us at (609) 745-3750 — we can often turn around a certificate the same day.