Tuckpointing and repointing contractors work in one of the most lawsuit-prone sectors of construction—cracked mortar, water damage claims, and property disputes follow the trade like dust. Getting the right insurance isn't optional; it's the difference between protecting your business and losing it to a single claim.
Why Standard Liability Isn't Enough
General liability covers basic slip-and-falls on your job site, but it won't protect you when a homeowner claims you damaged their brick facade or when water infiltrates their basement six months after your work. Repointing and tuckpointing create unique exposures: you're removing old mortar, working at height, grinding brick edges, and creating new structural interfaces. A poorly sealed joint can lead to water intrusion that costs tens of thousands to remediate—and the property owner will sue for every penny.
Many contractors discover too late that their general liability policy has exclusions for structural defects or workmanship. You need coverage that explicitly includes your scope.
Essential Coverage Types for Tuckpointing
Commercial General Liability (CGL)
Start with a solid CGL policy carrying at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. For established crews doing high-value residential work, $2M/$4M is smarter. Expect to pay $800–$1,500 annually for a three-person crew, depending on your claims history and state. Make sure the policy covers:
- Property damage (including water intrusion claims)
- Products/completed operations (critical for repointing—coverage extends past project completion)
- Contractual liability (protects you when you sign customer contracts)
Workers' Compensation
This is non-negotiable in most states if you have employees. A tuckpointer working at height on ladders or scaffolding faces legitimate injury risk. Rates run $35–$55 per $100 of payroll in most states, but can be higher in states like California or New York. If you're a sole proprietor in a state that allows it, you may skip WC, but most insurers will require it before covering your crew.
Tools & Equipment Coverage
Your grinder, chisels, scaffolding, and pressure washer represent real capital. Equipment floater policies typically cost 3–5% of your equipment's replacement value annually. For a $15,000 equipment setup, budget $450–$750 per year. This covers theft, damage, and loss—essentials when you're traveling between job sites.
Pollution/Contamination Liability
Older mortar can contain asbestos. Lead paint is common on pre-1978 brick work. If you're grinding, cutting, or removing these materials without proper containment, you're exposed. A contractor-focused pollution liability policy runs $500–$1,200 annually and covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims from airborne hazards. Don't skip this if you work on older homes.
Umbrella/Excess Liability
Once you've grown to running multiple crews or landing higher-value contracts ($500k+ commercial tuckpointing jobs), an umbrella policy is smart. It provides additional coverage above your primary policies—typically $1M–$5M—for $300–$600 annually. It's cheap relative to the protection.
What to Document & Disclose
When shopping for quotes, tell insurers:
- Whether you use subcontractors (affects liability)
- Average project values and types (residential vs. commercial)
- Your safety practices (written job safety plan, OSHA 10-hour card holders, fall protection protocols)
- Prior claims history (honesty here prevents policy denial later)
Contractors with documented safety programs often get 10–15% premium discounts.
How to Get Listed & Grow
Building the right insurance foundation makes you insurable—and attractive to customers. Listing your tuckpointing and repointing services on Mercoly helps you get found by homeowners and property managers actively searching for contractors, win qualified leads, and sell your expertise in one professional place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my homeowner's insurance cover my tuckpointing business? No. Homeowner policies exclude business operations entirely. You need a commercial policy designed for contractors.
Q: How long after I finish a tuckpointing job does my insurance cover defects? Your completed operations coverage typically extends 12–24 months after project completion, depending on your policy. Check your specific policy language with your agent.
Q: Can I operate as a solo tuckpointer without workers' compensation? It depends on your state (most allow sole proprietor exemptions), but your liability insurer may require it anyway if you hire even one helper. Check both state law and your policy requirements.
Get your insurance in place, list your services where customers are searching, and focus on delivering quality work.