Texas Masonry Contractor General Liability Insurance Cost & Coverage

Masonry general liability in Texas splits into brick, block, stone veneer, and stucco — operations with different class codes and base rates. The defining masonry claim is a completed-operations defect: a veneer that separates or a wall that fails can cost many times the job value to repair. A correctly structured masonry GL reflects your actual operation and covers the defect claims that surface long after installation.

Masonry Class Codes Carriers Use

Carriers separate masonry into brick/block (mid base rate), stone veneer (mid-rate, with the largest separation exposure), and stucco/EIFS (higher rate, with moisture-intrusion exposure). Break payroll out by operation so each is rated at its own class code. A block contractor blended into a stone-veneer rate overpays; a veneer contractor blended into a block rate is underinsured when a separation claim hits.

Completed Operations and Veneer Claims

Masonry defect claims — veneer separation, cracking, water intrusion behind the wall — surface months or years after installation. Masonry GL must include products and completed operations coverage, and the policy should not cap it with a short sunset. Verify the policy covers resulting property damage from a failed wall even when the cause is your workmanship.

Exclusions to Watch on a Masonry Policy

• Faulty workmanship exclusion — GL should cover resulting damage from a failed wall
• Subcontracted work exclusion — 1099 masonry crews may be excluded unless you add them as additional insureds
• Stucco or EIFS exclusion — verify if you perform stucco or synthetic stucco work
• Height or scaffolding limitation — policies may cap coverage at a specific wall height

What Drives Masonry GL Cost in Texas

Base rate per $1,000 of payroll and subcontractor cost, modified by brick-vs-block-vs-stone-vs-stucco mix, residential-vs-commercial, and wall-height exposure. A block contractor with $200K payroll often pays $1,100–$2,300 for $1M/$2M. A stone-veneer and stucco contractor running $500K payroll can pay $2,500–$5,500 plus an umbrella. Subcontractor cost without sub COIs is charged at the highest masonry rate.

How to Lower Masonry GL Premium

• Separate brick, block, stone, and stucco payroll for proper class-coding
• Collect COIs from 1099 masonry crews and name yourself additional insured
• Document scaffolding and silica programs — carriers discount verified safety programs
• Carry an umbrella instead of inflating the GL aggregate