Handyman Insurance – Get a Free Quote

Risks handyman businesses face

Even a small repair can lead to an unexpected claim. A customer could trip over a cord while you work, or a dropped tool could damage a countertop. A repair may later fail and damage other parts of the customer’s property.

Your own tools could be stolen from a work vehicle, an employee could be injured on a ladder, or a van could be involved in a collision between jobs. These examples are hypothetical. Different policies address different risks, and payment depends on the facts and policy terms.

Who may seek handyman business insurance?

Self-employed handymen, independent home repair contractors and property maintenance businesses may want to explore coverage. Examples of work to discuss include drywall repair, painting, fence repair and other routine home or property maintenance.

These examples do not guarantee eligibility. Insurers evaluate the actual services, locations and other details of each business, and some types of work may be restricted or excluded. Certain jobs may require a license or permit under state or local rules; check the requirements that apply before taking on the work.

General liability insurance for handyman work

Handyman liability insurance may help with covered claims that your business caused bodily injury to someone else or damaged their property. For example, a visitor might allege an injury after tripping over your materials. A policy may also help with the defense of a covered claim.

Ask whether the policy includes products and completed-operations coverage for your work after a job is finished. The Texas Department of Insurance explains that damage caused by completed work can be treated differently from damage to the work itself. The policy, endorsements, claim facts and applicable law determine the outcome.

Handyman tools and equipment insurance

General liability is not designed to insure your own tools. Separate tools and equipment coverage may help with covered theft or damage to items such as drills, saws and ladders. The North Carolina Department of Insurance describes inland marine insurance as coverage often used for property that moves or is in transit.

Ask whether the tools are covered at a customer’s property, in transit and while stored in a vehicle. Check theft conditions, deductibles, item limits and how items are valued. A business property policy or auto policy should not be assumed to cover tools in every location.

Commercial auto insurance

If you drive a van or pickup for estimates, supplies or jobs, commercial auto insurance may address covered liability arising from business vehicle use. Coverage for damage to your own vehicle depends on the coverages selected and the policy terms.

A personal auto policy may not cover every business use. Discuss who drives each vehicle and how it is used, including any personal vehicles used for work. Tools carried in a vehicle may need separate coverage.

Workers’ compensation for a handyman business

Workers’ compensation may provide medical care and wage-replacement benefits for eligible work-related injuries or illnesses. Employers may be required to provide coverage, but the rules vary by state, business structure, type of work and worker status.

If you work alone, do not assume you are either required to have coverage or automatically covered as an owner. State rules and options for owners differ, and a customer contract may also require coverage. Check with the appropriate state workers’ compensation authority; the U.S. Department of Labor lists state officials in the resources below.

Business owner’s policies

A business owner’s policy, or BOP, generally combines commercial property and liability coverage in one package. It may be worth discussing if you need coverage for business property as well as liability. Some packages may also include business income coverage for a covered interruption.

Eligibility and included coverages vary. A BOP does not automatically replace commercial auto, workers’ compensation or coverage for tools at every jobsite. Review the policy and ask what other coverage your business may need.

Exclusions and limits to review

General liability may respond to covered damage to a customer’s other property resulting from completed work, but the cost to repair or redo your faulty work itself may be limited or excluded. Damage to property you are working on, pollution claims and certain operations may also be limited or excluded, depending on the policy.

Review covered operations, limits, deductibles, exclusions and endorsements before buying. Check any subcontractor conditions and customer requirements for certificates or additional-insured status. A certificate summarizes coverage; it does not itself change the policy.

How much does handyman insurance cost?

There is no single handyman insurance cost. Insurers may consider the services you perform, where you work, project size, revenue, payroll, employees, subcontractors and claims history. Your chosen coverages, limits and deductibles also affect a quote. Vehicles, drivers and equipment values matter for the relevant policies.

If you are looking for cheap or affordable handyman insurance, compare what each quote actually includes, not just the premium. A higher deductible may lower the premium but can leave your business paying more of a covered loss. Insurer rating and eligibility vary.

Prepare for a free handyman insurance quote

Tell ABC Contractor Insurance about the work you actually perform, so the available options can be evaluated accurately. It helps to have the following information ready:

• Your business name, locations and services, including typical jobs and any larger or specialized projects.
• Estimated annual revenue and payroll, employee duties, and details of subcontractors and their insurance.
• Tools and equipment to insure, their values, and where they are stored or transported.
• Vehicles, their drivers and business uses, plus prior insurance and claims history.
• Any customer contract requirements, requested limits, certificates or additional-insured endorsements, along with licenses or permits where applicable.