You keep your customers comfortable. We keep your business protected. With more than 50 years of experience and partnerships with 60+ top-rated insurance carriers, Pepper, Johnstone & Company creates custom insurance plans for HVAC contractors, covering everything from installers to emergency repair teams.
Comprehensive HVAC Business Insurance
from Pepper, Johnstone & Company
Whether you're managing ductwork on a new build or handling after-hours repair calls in tight spaces, HVAC work comes with serious liability. From electrical hazards to refrigerant leaks and equipment breakdowns, the risks are everywhere. And that’s not to mention the threat of dishonest acts, vandalism, or legal action from the people you work with every day.
That’s why you need coverage that works as hard as you do.
At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we understand the complexities of the HVAC trade. We partner with over 60 insurance companies to build comprehensive, affordable insurance solutions for HVAC contractors so you can focus on performance, not problems.
Why Insurance for HVAC Contractors Matters
HVAC contractors juggle high-value equipment, busy schedules, and tight crawlspaces. One electrical spark, faulty install, or ladder fall could derail a job—and your business.
Clients and general contractors often require proof of insurance before awarding work. But bare-minimum coverage rarely protects against real-world risk.
Comprehensive HVAC insurance not only satisfies contractual requirements but also protects your employees, your assets, and your future. The right policy helps you navigate claims, downtime, and emergencies with confidence.
Essential Coverage Options for HVAC Professionals
Most HVAC contractors need a strong foundation made up of the following policies:
General Liability Insurance
HVAC liability insurance covers third-party injuries, property damage, and legal fees, such as damage caused by an HVAC unit leak or electrical fault.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Protects employees injured on the job by covering medical expenses and lost wages. From ladder falls to burns or refrigerant exposure, this coverage is crucial.
Commercial Property Insurance
Can cover your office, warehouse, and contents, including inventory, diagnostic tools, and company-owned HVAC units.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
Provides additional liability protection above the limits of your general liability, auto, or workers’ comp coverage.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Covers your service vans and trucks, along with any permanently attached onboard tools or equipment, for liability and physical damage.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Covers claims related to wrongful termination, discrimination, or workplace harassment.
Fiduciary Liability Insurance
Protects against claims stemming from errors in administering benefit plans or retirement programs.
Crime Insurance
Provides coverage for internal theft, fraud, forgery, or dishonest acts committed by employees.
Specialized Insurance Coverage for HVAC Projects
HVAC jobs depend on mobile tools, vehicle storage, and access to secure worksites. These policies help bridge the gaps and keep you covered:
Builders’ Risk Insurance
Builders’ risk insurance covers HVAC system components and materials during the construction phase. It protects items like rooftop units, ductwork, and other equipment before the project is finished and turned over to the client.
Inland Marine Insurance
Inland marine insurance protects high-value tools, diagnostic equipment, and HVAC inventory while in transit or stored in work vehicles. It safeguards your gear even when it's on the move between jobsites.
Surety Bonds
Surety bonds provide a financial guarantee that you will fulfill your contractual obligations. They are often required to secure permits or bid on commercial HVAC projects.
Protect More Than Just the Jobsite
You’re not just installing air conditioning units—you’re running a business. That’s why we help HVAC contractors address broader risks such as:
- Cyberattacks targeting scheduling software or payment systems
- Employee disputes over job conditions or hiring practices
- Tool and vehicle theft after-hours
- Project delays tied to part shortages or stolen equipment
We’ll make sure your insurance program keeps up with both your business and the industry at large.
Why Choose Pepper, Johnstone & Company
With independent agents, a consultative approach, and proven experience, Pepper, Johnstone & Company is ready to defend your business. We work with more than 60 top-rated insurance companies to deliver cost-effective coverage tailored to your unique needs. We’re not just here to fill orders but to advise you on risks and help you protect your livelihood.
Our team takes time to understand your operations, employees, vehicles, and contracts. Then we craft an insurance strategy that defends you from every angle and grows with your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Insurance
What HVAC business owners need to know
Most HVAC contractors need general liability, commercial auto, and inland marine coverage, and most states require workers’ comp coverage. Depending on your business size and services, you may also need builders’ risk, umbrella, EPLI, and surety bonds. These policies protect your crew, vehicles, gear, and legal obligations.
It depends. If the failure results in property damage or bodily injury and is due to a covered error, general liability insurance may respond. Faulty workmanship alone is typically not covered without special endorsements. We’ll help you evaluate your options.
HVAC insurance costs vary based on your annual revenue, payroll, fleet size, and coverage limits. A solo tech might pay under $200/month, while a larger HVAC company may need a more complex package. We provide quotes from multiple carriers to find you the best deal.
Only if you carry inland marine or equipment coverage. Standard property insurance usually excludes theft from vehicles. Inland marine protects tools and inventory in transit or temporarily stored on job sites.
HVAC contractors may need surety bonds to meet licensing or project requirements. These bonds guarantee your performance and can improve your chances of winning commercial bids. We’ll help you find the right bond type and limit for your work.
Not always. Pollution liability coverage may be required to address environmental exposure, such as refrigerant leaks. If you work on commercial refrigeration or large-scale HVAC installs, we can help you explore this option.
What do people think about us?
Hear from some actual clients.
on Google
I started a company in January 2019 & the team at Pepper Johnstone helped me from the beginning. We serve mid-cap to large public companies in Alabama, Colorado and Texas. And, Bryan has been critical in helping us meet and maintain the required commercial insurance policies and coverage levels. Key reasons that I've been so pleased primarily include their high level of technical competence and timely responsiveness on new or changing insurance coverage requests. They do a great job & I can highly recommend them.
— Russ L.
on Google
We are very pleased with our services that Pepper, Johnstone and Company provide for us! Both with business and personal needs, we feel like we are receiving excellent resources. We truly would not trust anyone else for our insurance needs!
— Lauren M.
on Google
Thankful for the opportunity to work with Pepper, Johnston’s and Co. They helped us add basic insurance needs for our newly formed LLC. The responsiveness, willingness to answer numerous questions, and guide us through multiple options was greatly appreciated. I’d like to especially thank Meredith Baswell of their staff who helped us through the process. I’d recommend you seek their advice and input on commercial and personal insurance options.
— Kevin G.
on Google
This is the best insurance agency hands down. We have our home, car, and business insurance through them. Julie has always gone above and beyond to help us. We wouldn’t use anyone else.
— Laura D.
on Google
Pepper Johnstone has handled my personal and business insurance needs for years. They do good work and their staff is amazing! They are independent agents so they have access to several different lines of insurance to meet the needs of their clients. I highly recommend them.
— Jeremiah H.
on Google
Pepper, Johnstone is a very professional and responsive insurance company. They were able to assist me with a full suite insurance solution very promptly and at a great value. Most importantly, I felt completely comfortable that I was being handled by true professionals. Bryan Johnstone is great at his job and I would recommend him highly to anyone who needs insurance advice for themselves or their business.
— Troy R.
Insurance Articles
from the Pepper, Johnstone & Company blog
Let’s Build Your HVAC Protection Plan
Don’t leave your business exposed. Call Pepper, Johnstone & Company at 866-865-3499 or request an insurance quote online. We’ll help you find HVAC contractor insurance that covers your risks and supports your growth.