The Hidden Risk in a Hard Business
Running a paving or asphalt company in Texas means managing risk on every job site — from million-dollar machines to tight city contracts and unpredictable weather. Yet even the most experienced contractors often miss one critical coverage: Contractors Equipment Insurance, also known as Inland Marine Insurance.
It’s the coverage that protects your tools, machines, and mobile equipment — anywhere they go. And for many Texas paving companies, it’s the one gap that turns a manageable breakdown into a business crisis.
Why Standard Insurance Leaves You Exposed
Here’s a common misconception: “My general liability or property insurance covers my equipment.”
In most cases, it doesn’t.
- General Liability covers damage you cause to others — not your own property.
- Commercial Property Insurance only applies to equipment stored at your premises.
- Auto Coverage protects licensed vehicles — not your rollers, skid steers, or asphalt pavers.
If your paver is damaged on a job site, stolen in transit, or breaks down during use, your standard policies will not respond. Without Contractors Equipment Coverage, you’re left paying out of pocket for repairs, rentals, and downtime.
A Real Example from the Field
One Texas paving contractor called EIS Texas after a $35,000 roller was damaged during transport. Their general liability carrier denied the claim because the equipment wasn’t covered under the policy.
After switching to EIS, we added a comprehensive Inland Marine policy that covers their entire equipment fleet — even when it’s moving between job sites.
Months later, a generator was stolen from a trailer overnight. This time, the claim was paid quickly and in full.
What Contractors Equipment (Inland Marine) Insurance Covers
This coverage protects your owned, rented, or leased equipment against risks like:
- Theft from a job site or storage yard
- Fire, vandalism, or collision during transit
- Equipment tipping or accidental damage
- Mechanical breakdowns (when endorsed)
It follows your equipment wherever it goes — something traditional property insurance simply can’t do.
Other Coverages Asphalt Contractors Often Miss
To truly protect a paving business, you need to think beyond just equipment. Here are four other coverages that often make the difference between inconvenience and catastrophe:
- Pollution Liability Insurance
Asphalt work involves fumes, oils, and chemical exposure. A single spill can trigger environmental fines and cleanup costs. Pollution Liability fills that gap. - Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
With large seasonal crews, even the best companies face HR-related claims. EPLI protects against wrongful termination, harassment, or discrimination suits. - Commercial Umbrella Coverage
Major claims can exceed your primary limits. An umbrella policy adds another layer of financial protection when your standard coverage maxes out. - Business Interruption Insurance
If an accident halts your work, this coverage helps replace lost income — keeping payroll and operations stable until you’re back on the road.
How EIS Texas Helps Asphalt Contractors Protect Their Business
EIS Texas is an independent commercial insurance agency based in Rockwall, Texas, serving asphalt, paving, and heavy construction contractors statewide.
Our team specializes in building customized insurance programs for companies that have outgrown small agencies but need more attention than national brokers provide.
We partner with top carriers — including Travelers, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive Commercial — to create protection plans that evolve as your business grows.
Our process begins with a Risk Gap Audit — a personalized review of your operations, fleet, and coverage to identify potential blind spots before they cost you money.
Protecting What Matters Most
Your equipment is your business. When it’s down, so is your income, reputation, and project schedule.
Too many paving contractors learn this lesson the hard way — after a claim is denied.
The right coverage keeps your operation running, your clients confident, and your profits protected.
At EIS Texas, we believe insurance should be a tool for growth, not a burden. We help Texas contractors protect what matters most — their people, their equipment, and their future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What insurance coverage do most paving companies overlook?
A: Contractors Equipment or Inland Marine Insurance. It covers mobile equipment like pavers, rollers, and compressors against theft, breakdown, or damage at job sites or in transit.
Q: Does general liability insurance cover my paving machines?
A: No. General liability only covers damage to others. You’ll need Inland Marine coverage to protect your own tools and machinery.
Q: How can EIS Texas help my business?
A: As a Texas-based independent agency, EIS Texas helps contractors identify coverage gaps, negotiate better terms, and create long-term risk strategies that grow with your business.
Ready take control of your insurance,
Your equipment is your livelihood — protect it before it costs you.
Let EIS Texas help you identify hidden coverage gaps and strengthen your protection.
Request a Coverage Review
Looking for more insurance tips?
- 5 Common Insurance Gaps That Put Texas Residential Care Facilities at Risk
- The Coverage Every Paving Company Overlooks — Until It’s Too Late
- Should You Stay with a National Insurance Broker or Go Independent?
- The Ultimate Texas Pest Control Insurance Playbook: Protecting What Matters Most
- How Much Insurance Do Texas Contractors Really Need?
Eastman Insurance Solutions helps Texas businesses win with insurance through proactive risk management, claims advocacy, and strategic protection plans. We specialize in commercial insurance, workers’ compensation, group captive programs, and total cost of risk reduction for mid-market companies across Texas. From contractors and care facilities to pest control and asphalt firms, EIS Texas provides tailored coverage, safety programs, and insurance strategies that protect what matters most.
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