Handyman work involves physical labor, power and hand tools, ladders, and frequently changing residential environments—so the potential for bodily injury or property damage is constant. A slip from a ladder or a mistake with wiring can become an expensive liability. Builders & Tradesmen’s Insurance Services, Inc. (BTIS) offers a focused Handyman Liability program that lets you place straightforward, affordable general liability protection for small to mid-size residential repair operations.
Program Overview
BTIS has designed a streamlined Handyman Liability solution that balances affordability with meaningful protection. This program is intended for residential handymen doing routine repair and light maintenance work who need a simple admitted liability option underwritten by an A.M. Best A XI–rated carrier.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Unlicensed handymen performing small jobs (job cost up to $500)
- Licensed handymen working on jobs up to $2,500
- Residential repair, upkeep, and light maintenance services—examples include fence repair, gutter cleaning, drywall patching, faucet repair, and other common odd jobs
Risks that typically do not fit this program include large renovation projects, heavy carpentry or structural work, commercial contracting, and any job with project values exceeding the program thresholds. For larger carpentry or remodeling accounts, consider placing them in BTIS’s Carpentry Residential classification.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Minimum premium starting at $350 to keep placement simple for smaller accounts
- Blanket Additional Insured endorsement included at no extra charge
- Primary/Non-Contributory and Waiver of Subrogation provided on the Blanket AI form
- Placed with an admitted carrier rated A XI by A.M. Best
- Accessible online platform and experienced underwriting for fast turnaround
- 15% commission for appointed agents
Underwriting Notes and Program Requirements
- Unlicensed handymen — maximum job cost $500
- Licensed handymen — maximum job cost $2,500
- Accounts exceeding these thresholds should be submitted under alternate classifications (for example, Carpentry Residential)
- Simple, equipment-light operations with predominantly residential exposure are preferred
Available States
This program is offered in 40 states. Current availability includes: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY. Contact BTIS to confirm availability in a specific state or to check for any recent expansion.
Why Place Business with BTIS?
BTIS combines deep contractor-focused underwriting with a user-friendly placement process. Agents benefit from quick turnaround times, admitted paper with a strong carrier, and included endorsements that help meet contractor and landlord requirements. The program is purpose-built to make it easy to place smaller handyman exposures without overcomplicating underwriting.
Example Accounts You Can Place
- You might have a client who fixes gutters, patches drywall, and performs minor home repairs as an unlicensed handyman — this program fits when individual job costs stay under $500.
- You may represent a licensed handyman who handles periodic small remodels and repairs — the program accommodates licensed contractors with job values up to $2,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
Residential handymen performing small repairs and light maintenance work. The program is best for unlicensed handymen with job costs under $500 and licensed handymen with job costs under $2,500.
Is this coverage available in all states?
No. It is available in 40 states and BTIS continues to expand. Confirm current availability for the state where the work will be performed.
What is the minimum premium for this program?
The program carries a minimum premium starting at $350 to keep placement affordable for smaller operations.
What happens if a client’s job costs exceed the program limits?
If project values exceed $500 for unlicensed trades or $2,500 for licensed trades, submit the account to a different classification, such as Carpentry Residential, which can handle larger jobs.
Who underwrites this program?
The program is placed with an admitted carrier rated A XI by A.M. Best, giving agents access to admitted paper backed by a financially stable market.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.