No. A workmanship warranty is a promise from the contractor; completed operations coverage is an insurance policy backed by a third-party carrier. If the contractor goes out of business, the insurance still pays valid claims.
What “Driveway Completed Operations Coverage” Really Means
Most homeowners breathe a sigh of relief the moment the last paver is set or the final seal-coat dries—only to discover later that cracks, settling, or drainage issues can still pop up weeks, even months, after crews leave the site. Driveway Completed Operations Coverage is the specialized insurance clause that protects you from those surprise defects and the cost of fixing them.
In plain English, it’s the contractor’s promise that if something goes wrong because of the way the job was built—after they’ve packed up and moved on—the repair bills land on their insurer, not your checking account.
Why Post-Project Protection Matters More Than a Cheap Bid
Driveways are deceptively complex. A single missed compaction pass or an incorrect pitch can trigger:
- Frost heaves that tilt slabs
- Water pooling that weakens the base
- Edge spalling where the driveway meets the garage
Without completed-operations coverage, you’ll chase the contractor through small-claims court or pay out-of-pocket—sometimes thousands—for a do-over.
A Real-World Example
Last spring a Drivewayz USA client in Ohio noticed a 2-inch dip near her apron six weeks after install. Our policy covered a full removal, base re-compaction, and repour—$4,850—at zero cost to her. A neighbor who hired a “weekend warrior” crew for $500 less is still fighting them in court.
How Driveway Completed Operations Coverage Works
Triggering Events
Coverage kicks in when the defect is traced to workmanship or materials supplied by the contractor, not normal wear-and-tear or homeowner neglect. Typical triggers:
- Cracks wider than ¼" within 12 months
- Settlement exceeding ½" in any 10-ft span
- Surface flaking that exposes aggregate within 24 months
The Claims Timeline
- Notice: You email photos and a short description within the reporting window (usually 14–30 days of discovery).
- Investigation: The insurer sends an independent engineer to core-drill or scan the area.
- Resolution: If the claim is validated, the insurer either cuts you a check or authorizes Drivewayz USA to return and fix the problem.
What’s Excluded
Read the fine print. Standard exclusions include:
- Damage from snowplow blades hired independently
- Oil spills or chemical stains
- Earth movement (unless earthquake rider is attached)
How to Verify a Contractor Has Genuine Coverage
Step 1: Ask for the COI
Demand a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing you as the certificate holder. Look for “Products-Completed Operations Aggregate” of at least $1 million.
Step 2: Check the Policy Dates
Make sure the policy period extends at least one full season beyond your project completion date. Cold weather can reveal hidden issues six months later.
Step 3: Call the Broker
Five-minute phone call: verify the policy is paid up and covers “flat-work concrete” or “asphalt paving,” not just general landscaping.
Red-Flag Phrases
- “We self-insure.” Translation: no coverage.
- “Our general liability handles it.” GL excludes completed operations after 60–90 days on many policies.
Does Coverage Raise Your Price?
Yes—but only 2–4%. On a $6,000 stamped concrete driveway that’s roughly $120–$240. Compare that to the $3,000–$5,000 you could spend fixing a base failure yourself, and it’s the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.
Bundled vs. Stand-Alone Policies
Large firms like Drivewayz USA bundle coverage into every quote, so there’s no line-item surprise. Smaller outfits may buy it only when requested, passing the exact premium to you. Either way, insist on written confirmation before you sign.
Proactive Steps Homeowners Can Take
Before Construction
- Photograph existing cracks in sidewalks and foundations for baseline documentation.
- Require a written warranty that mirrors the insurance coverage (e.g., 12-month crack-free guarantee).
During Construction
- Ask for daily compaction reports if base thickness exceeds 6 inches.
- Keep a thumb-drive of progress photos—time-stamped—to refute “it was fine when we left” arguments.
After Construction
- Wait 24 hours (concrete) or 48 hours (asphalt) before driving on the surface.
- Seal-coat asphalt after 90 days and then every 3–5 years; reseal concrete every 5–7 years. Insurance won’t honor claims if neglect is proven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard policies allow up to 2 years from the date of substantial completion, but some carriers extend to 5 years for structural defects. Always file as soon as you notice an issue to avoid “latent defect” disputes.
No. The claim is filed against the contractor’s policy, not yours. Your homeowner premiums are unaffected.
Technically yes, but it’s expensive and often requires a commercial-level application. It’s far simpler to hire a reputable firm that already includes Driveway Completed Operations Coverage in every project.