dml -

expect to pay around 2000-2500/year for about 1m of liability and e/o insurance. and you need both. most insurers won't go lower than that and there's really only 2 or 3 main insurance companies in the u.s. (cna/schriener and st. paul's).

you could see about a project specific policy, but my guess is that they won't underwrite one if you don't have a pre-existing policy with them. a project specific policy is likely to be nearly as expensive as a yearly premium.

you can see what kind of installment payment plans they have - that may lessen the burden. also, if you're starting a firm, you may want to look into an umbrella policy, which would be a few hundred a year, but covers your professional workspace, equipment, car travel, etc. among other items.

dml, you still in Seattle? I have a name of a broker that we've used for our business insurance. He should be able to shop it around and get you a price. Email me if you want the info.

Nah, I left Seattle back in July (right before the median house price passed the $500K mark!)...

I advise finding a local insurance broker who specializes in E&O coverage and who can handle the products of more than one E&O carrier. That person can advise you quite quickly on what your costs and coverages would look like.

I'm pretty sure "project specific projects" are difficult -- and VERY costly -- to obtain these days. The insurers got badly burned on these because owners tended to use them in lieu of contingency funds on their projects.

i paid 800 a year for liability when i was in construction...2mill coverage/etc.... a good policy..... it was hard getting insurance after the 9/11 bullshit though...took about 4 years to find a carrier...... since i wasnt a big baller client

b