Handyman work comes with risks unique to each job site. The right handyman insurance policies protect your business in the event of a ladder accident, tool theft, or customer lawsuit.
Insureon helps you find insurance policies that match the unique risks of repair work.
Fill out our easy online application to get free quotes from top-rated insurers. A licensed insurance agent will help you every step of the way.
These business insurance policies cover common risks of handyman repairs and maintenance.
A general liability policy covers basic risks, such as accidental damage to a client's sink. Bundle with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy (BOP).
A BOP bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. It's often the most cost-effective type of insurance for handyman businesses.
Most states require workers’ comp for handyman businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury medical bills health insurance might deny.
A commercial auto policy covers third-party bodily injuries and property damage in accidents involving work vehicles. It can also cover vehicle theft and vandalism.
This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of a handyperson's hammers, saws, drills, wrenches, and other tools if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Professional liability insurance covers legal fees when a handyman is sued for a mistake or oversight. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
Contractors providing handyman services on their own will pay less for insurance than repair shops with several workers.
Factors that affect the cost of handyman business insurance include:
It’s easy to get the best handyman insurance coverage and surety bonds if you have your business information on hand. Our insurance application will ask for basic facts about your small business, such as revenue and number of employees.
You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance, sometimes called proof of insurance, with Insureon in three easy steps:
Insureon's licensed agents work with top-rated U.S. insurers to find the most affordable coverage options that fit your line of work, whether you provide handyman services independently or hire employees.
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
Review answers to frequently asked questions about handyman insurance.
There isn't a general "handyman license." However, some states or cities may require a general contractor's license.
Licensing requirements for handyman work vary by location and the regulations set in place by your state contractor licensing board. While some states require a general contractor’s license for performing work above a certain dollar amount, others mandate a specific license for doing any kind of electrical, plumbing, asbestos, or HVAC work.
Depending on the type of work you do—minor work and side gigs like gutter cleaning, light painting jobs, and minor landscaping—you likely won't need a license to perform them. But you will need a license to take on anything requiring a construction permit, like major renovations, structural work, and hang drywall.
While handymen and contractors both focus on repair work, maintenance, and construction jobs, there are several differences between them. This includes their licensing and insurance requirements, and the size and type of projects they are able to take on.
A general contractor often works on larger projects and can build new homes, perform major renovations, and complete structural work. They may also hire subcontractors to work on specialty projects, such as an electrician, plumber, flooring installer, or roofer.
A handyman is usually a jack-of-all-trades and typically handles a variety of small-scale projects and home maintenance, such as pressure washing, basic carpentry, and fixing a leaking faucet.
While general liability handles most common third-party risks, and workers' compensation financially protects you and your employees from injuries and illnesses, there are additional insurance options a handyman business should consider including in their risk management plan:
Builder's risk insurance, sometimes called course of construction insurance, provides coverage for structures under construction for damages related to fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils. This policy may be required by your clients before you can begin work, or by local building codes.
Inland marine insurance protects your business property, such as products, tools, and equipment, while it's in transit over land or stored at an off-site location. You can also include this coverage in a business owner's policy (BOP).
Common types of inland marine insurance include contractor's tools and equipment coverage, which provides protection for newer items valued at less than $10,000, and installation floater insurance, which covers materials being installed or built by a contractor during a construction project.
Commercial umbrella insurance provides additional coverage for liability claims made on general liability, commercial auto, and employer's liability insurance, once the coverage limit has been reached. This coverage can also be added to a BOP.
There are several ways to reduce your general liability insurance costs, some of which include:
Bundle your insurance policies. Small business owners can sometimes find discounts when they purchase multiple policies from the same insurance company. For example, if your business is considered low risk, you may qualify for a business owner’s policy. A BOP bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance together at a reduced rate.
Pay the entire premium upfront. Your general liability policy premium can typically be paid in monthly or annual installments. It can be tempting to go with a smaller monthly payment, but consider paying the full premium. Many insurers offer discounts for premiums paid annually.
Proactively manage your risks. If your handyman business has a clean insurance claims history, you can expect lower insurance rates. An effective way to do this is to create a comprehensive risk management plan. For example, you might:
