In your handyman business, you may fix a deck one day and repair a roof the next. While fulfilling, your career also includes numerous risks. Be sure you purchase the right insurance coverage to protect your business.
The Types of Handyman Insurance you Need
General Liability - If you damage a customer’s home or property or cause an accident on the job site, general liability coverage will cover your financial responsibility and legal obligations.
Commercial Property - Also known as Contractor's Equipment insurance, this policy covers property that’s lost, damaged, vandalised, or affected by certain weather events.
Commercial Auto - This policy covers accidents, thefts or vandalism that occur to your company vehicle and trailer and any contents.
Workers’ Compensation - Cover medical costs, lost wages and other expenses for employees who suffer an injury or illness because of their work.
Completed Products - Rely on your completed products insurance to cover your liability if a client is not satisfied or disputes the work you do.
Inland Marine - You pay good money for your tools and equipment. File a claim through your inland marine coverage if they’re lost, stolen or damaged.
Umbrella - After you exhaust your other policies, use your umbrella policy to cover any remaining liability up to the policy's limit.
For policy options tailored to handyman operations, see Handyman Operations Insurance.
Handyman Insurance Cost
The price you pay for handyman insurance depends on several factors.
Common cost factors
- Type of work you do - Certain jobs include larger liabilities. For instance, your risk increases when you remodel entire homes rather than single rooms or if you take on dangerous jobs.
- Contract requirements - You may need to purchase additional insurance if your job contract requires it.
- Company size - Insure your employees with Workers’ Compensation, a policy you don’t need if you have no employees.
- Specific needs - The value of your equipment and inventory and other applicable business details affect the type and amount of insurance you need to purchase.
When considering the cost of handyman insurance, you may automatically go with the cheapest option available. However, one accident could bankrupt your company if you don’t have the right insurance coverage. Purchase the coverage you need as you protect your handyman business.
To save money, you can bundle several types of coverage in a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), decrease policy limits, raise your deductible, or purchase all your handyman insurance from one company.
Additional information for household repair businesses is available at General Household Repair Services Insurance.
Where to Purchase Handyman Insurance
Your insurance agent can help you purchase adequate insurance for your needs. Review your policy regularly to ensure you remain covered as your business changes. For options that may apply to larger contracting operations, review Insurance for General Contractors.
If you need pricing or a tailored quote, talk to your agent to review coverages and limits that match your business.
Insure your handyman business with the right insurance. It gives you peace of mind as you do the job you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need general liability as a handyman?
Yes. General liability protects you if you damage a customer’s property or cause bodily injury on the job, and it is commonly required by clients.
Are my tools and equipment covered?
Tools can be covered under Inland Marine or Contractor's Equipment policies; verify limits and covered causes before relying on coverage.
When do I need Workers’ Compensation?
If you have employees, most jurisdictions require Workers’ Compensation to cover work-related injuries and illnesses.
How can I lower my insurance costs?
Consider bundling policies, raising deductibles, maintaining good safety records, and reviewing coverages regularly to avoid over-insuring.