What should a new MHIC contractor do before the first job?

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

1. AGeneral liability insurance ($50,000 minimum), a business bank account, a standard contract template with all MHIC-required elements, your license number on your vehicle (3"+ high), business cards and website with your MHIC number, and a system for organizing project documentation
   Excellent start

   Before taking Job #1: (1) $50,000 general liability insurance (MHIC requirement); (2) separate business bank account (don't mix personal and business funds); (3) contract template with ALL required elements — MHIC number, scope, price, dates, cancellation notice, Guaranty Fund notice; (4) MHIC number displayed on all vehicles at 3"+ height (COMAR 09.08.01.06); (5) MHIC number on all advertising (COMAR 09.08.01.09); (6) organized file system for contracts, permits, invoices, and photos. Start right, stay right.

2. BJust your license and a truck — you'll figure out the rest as jobs come in
   Wrong from day one

   Taking your first job without insurance is illegal. Taking it without a proper contract template means your first contract violates Maryland law. Without your MHIC number on your truck, you're in violation the moment you drive to a job site. 'Figure it out as you go' is how contractors accumulate violations before they complete their first project. Set up properly before you take a single call.

3. CInsurance, a truck, and business cards. The rest can wait until you get a few jobs under your belt
   Incomplete

   Insurance is correct (mandatory). But without a contract template, your first signed contract will be legally deficient. Without your MHIC number on the truck (COMAR 09.08.01.06), you're in violation the moment you show up at a client's home. Without a documentation system, you're building a compliance debt from day one. Get everything set up BEFORE the first job. It takes one day of preparation.