Why Every Masonry Contractor in Maryland Needs General Liability Insurance
- Daryl Henry
- Jun 9, 2025
- 3 min read
If you’re a masonry contractor in Maryland, your next job could cost you everything—unless you’ve got the right insurance.
The hard truth is that even the most skilled masons are just one incident away from a six-figure lawsuit. Bad things happen to good people all the time. That’s why General Liability Insurance isn’t just a checkbox for your MHIC license—it’s a lifeline for your business.
Let’s break down what general liability insurance actually covers, why masonry contractors are especially vulnerable, and what happens if you don’t have enough protection when a claim hits.
What Is General Liability Insurance for Masonry Contractors?
General liability insurance protects your business when someone else claims you caused property damage or bodily injury—on the job site or even after the work is done.
It typically includes:
Third-party bodily injury: Someone trips over your materials on the job site and breaks a wrist? You're covered.
Property damage: Crack a client's window with falling debris? Covered.
Legal defense and settlements: Insurance defends frivolous lawsuits all the time. That’s why insurance companies pay more for attorneys than settlements.
As important as these things are, I would argue that completed operations coverage is the most important part of general liability insurance for masonry contractors.
Completed Operations Lawsuits Are Where the Huge Lawsuits Live
General liability insurance doesn’t just protect you while you’re on the job—it also helps after the job is complete. And that’s where many masonry contractors get blindsided.
Real Case: Brick Building Collapse
In Massachusetts, a four-story brick building collapsed months after post-construction renovations. The masonry contractor was sued, and the insurance carrier alleged that faulty workmanship played a role in the structural failure.
Without completed operations coverage, the contractor would have been exposed to over $1 million in damages.
Why Masonry Contractors Face More Liability Than Other Trades
Masonry work is high risk by nature. You’re dealing with:
Heavy materials
Dust and falling debris
Scaffold work
Public walkways and occupied buildings
These risks make it easier for something to go wrong—and for someone to blame you.
Real Case: Leaking Wall at Retail Complex
Another contractor in a retail complex completed a brick repair job. Months later, water began leaking into the building due to improper flashing installation. The building owner sued the contractor for damages tied to completed operations.
In general, insurance companies that lawsuits related to water damage are the bane of their existence. Water damages everything, and its effects are long-lasting. As was demonstrated by this lawsuit, improper masonry work can very easily result in water damage claims.
This wasn’t a freak accident—it was a missed detail that turned into a legal battle.
What Maryland Law Requires (and What You Really Need)
If you're licensed under the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), you’re legally required to carry at least $500,000 in general liability insurance.
But here’s the catch:
If you show up to a GC or homeowner with anything less than a $1,000,000 certificate, you’re probably not getting hired.
Even if they do hire you, one uncovered claim could drag you into court with legal bills and a settlement you can’t pay out of pocket.
How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost for Masons in Maryland?
The cost varies depending on a few key factors:
Number of employees
Residential vs. commercial work
Your payroll size
Past claims history
But here’s a ballpark:
A solo masonry contractor in Maryland might pay $60 to $100 per month for general liability insurance.
If you’re doing chimney repairs, retaining walls, or high-end hardscaping, expect your premium to increase. But so does the level of exposure you’re protecting against.
Bottom Line: Don’t Leave Your Business Exposed
Masonry is a skilled trade—but even the best can’t outwork a lawsuit.
If you're working uninsured—or underinsured—you’re risking everything you’ve built.
So whether you need a fast Certificate of Insurance for a bid or just want a second opinion on your current coverage, I can help.
✅ Ready to Get Protected?
📞 Let’s schedule a quick call to make sure you:
Meet Maryland’s legal requirements
Have the right coverage for your specific work
Get quotes that make sense for your business size and risk
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