Do I need special coverage for working on municipal infrastructure for small cell?

Yes, working on municipal infrastructure (street lights, traffic signal poles, city-owned utility poles, public right-of-way) creates exposures that require specific coverage attention. Municipalities often require: (1) A minimum GL limit of $2M per occurrence (higher than standard $1M) for work in public spaces. (2) The municipality named as additional insured, often requiring a specific endorsement form. (3) A permit bond or performance bond guaranteeing restoration of public property. (4) Automobile liability with higher limits due to work in traffic. (5) Pollution coverage for any work involving transformer poles or treated wood poles that may contain hazardous materials. Damage to municipal infrastructure can be expensive and politically sensitive. Destroying a street light can cost $10,000-$50,000 to replace. Damaging a traffic signal is more expensive and creates traffic safety liability during repair. Disrupting utility service to surrounding properties creates business interruption claims. Your GL must not exclude damage to property of governmental entities, and your property damage limit should be adequate for the infrastructure you are working on. Some municipal permits require specific insurance provisions that differ from standard MSA requirements. Review permit conditions in addition to your MSA when planning small cell deployments on public property.