Small Cell and DAS Crew Insurance Costs
Insurance pricing for crews installing small cell nodes, distributed antenna systems, and strand-mounted equipment on utility poles and streetlight infrastructure.
Key cost factors
- Work height profile (typically under 60 feet vs. macro tower heights)
- Utility pole vs. streetlight vs. rooftop mounting
- Traffic control and right-of-way exposure
- Municipal permit and bonding requirements
- Fiber splicing and electrical work scope
- Fleet size and vehicle types
- Volume of active job sites
- Jurisdictional insurance minimums per municipality
| Coverage / Item | Low Range | High Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workers Compensation (per $100 payroll) | $12 | $28 | Lower height exposure than macro tower work but still classified as tower/line construction in most states |
| General Liability (annual) | $8,000 | $30,000 | Street-level work adds pedestrian and traffic liability considerations |
| Umbrella/Excess (per $1M layer) | $5,000 | $18,000 | DAS work often seen as lower hazard than macro erection by underwriters |
| Commercial Auto (per vehicle) | $3,000 | $7,500 | Bucket trucks and splice vans are primary fleet units |
| Installation Floater | $1,500 | $6,000 | Covers radios, antennas, and fiber optic materials in transit and during install |
Ranges reflect market conditions as of mid-2026 and vary by state, loss history, and individual risk profile. Actual premiums require underwriting review.