Why bother with 401k when HVAC insurance premiums are killing us?

I've been in the HVAC game for 15 years, mostly installing Trane XR systems and dealing with R-410a refrigerant headaches. Out here in Arizona the heat makes every job a sweat fest, but the real killer is these skyrocketing workers comp and liability insurance rates. Last year alone, my premiums jumped 25% because of some BS claim from a subpar install I didn't even touch. Meanwhile, retirement savings? Forget it, I'm lucky if I can sock away $5k a year after taxes and that crap. Saw a post on r/HVAC where guys were bragging about their Roth IRAs, but IMHO that's for desk jockeys, not us busting our asses on rooftops. Someone in the HVAC Techs Network group mentioned self-insuring for smaller ops, but that sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Who's actually planning for retirement in this trade without selling out to PE firms?

Insurance companies are straight up robbing us blind in this industry, especially after one bad storm season.

I feel you, man. My back's shot from 20 years of crawling attics, and zero savings to show for it.

Look into a SEP IRA, it's simple and you can contribute up to 25% of your net earnings as a self-employed HVAC guy.

Haha, retirement? I plan to drop dead on the job holding a manifold gauge.

Don't ignore it, one major claim and you're bankrupt without proper coverage.

Totally get the frustration, premiums ate half my profit last quarter.

Start small with an HSA if you have any health plan, rolls over for retirement tax-free.

Screw the insurers, they're in bed with the PE vultures buying up shops.

Yup, been there, watching my checks disappear into that black hole.

Insurance hikes are BS, hit us all hard after COVID claims spiked.

Man, I hear ya, thought I was set til the rates doubled overnight.

Every year it's the same crap, no relief in sight for us field techs.

Frustrated doesn't even cover it, had to lay off my helper because of premium costs.

Same boat, cut back on tools to cover the increase.

It's relentless, feels like we're funding their yachts.

Couldn't agree more, solidarity brother.

Hang in there, we're all getting screwed the same way.