Underwriting Chimney Sweeps

Setting up a chimney sweep business is relatively inexpensive and requires NO specific license in many states. Overall, professional chimney sweeps operate in a relatively unregulated environment allowing less-than-professional practitioners to operate in this field.

Underwriting chimney sweeps in this relatively loose environment requires careful questioning and evaluation of the particular prospect's training, experience and certification. The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) champions the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CISA) Certified Chimney Sweep training as a gage of a chimney sweep's commitment to training and professionalism. Short of certification, is the chimney sweep an active member of a chimney sweep organization?

In addition to national certification, some state-based chimney sweep associations offer certification on a state-wide basis. This training assures that the recipient knows that particular state's law.

The National Fireplace Institute also provides education, training and certification.

Underwriting and risk management information agents may need to provide adequate underwriting information includes:

• Is the insured currently licensed (in states where licensing is required)?
• How many years prior experience?
• Describe other that on-the-job training received (classes, certification, etc.).
• Number of employees?
• Employee turnover.
• Employee training provided/required?
• What percentage of customers are residential / commercial?
• Is there a service contract provided? (Obtain a copy)
• Describe method of protecting customer's property when performing cleaning operations?
• How is creosote and other material captured? (Creosote is a carcinogen)
• Describe the tools used.
• What safety equipment is provided to workers? Are they required to use it?
• Are employee background checks done?
• Is 24-hour emergency service provided?
• What services other than cleaning are provided? Any consulting or repair work done?
• Number of automobiles in operation? Are driver MVR's obtained?
• Are fire extinguishers taken to and available for every job?
• How are tools secured to keep them from falling when employees are on the roof?
• What is the policy when customer property is damaged? Are minor cleaning bills covered by the sweep?
• When birds and other animals are removed from the chimney, how are they dispatched upon extraction?
• Are clients notified of the hazards associated with the soot, etc.?
• Is NFPA 211 followed?
• List certifications held by the insured.
• Is equipment stored in a vehicle overnight?
• Where is equipment stored?

This is not a complete list of underwriting questions, but it does provide a general understanding of the information required when placing coverage for chimney sweeps. Individual carriers and underwriters may require information not contemplated in the above questions.

---