Trade insurance
Insurance for handymen.
Most handyman work requires proof of general liability before a client or property manager will sign a contract, and many municipalities require it for a business license. A single property-damage claim usually exceeds a year of premium.
Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorial§ 01
Why this matters
What can go wrong on the job.
- Client property damage during repairs. A dropped tool or burst pipe can cause thousands in damage on a single job
- Third-party bodily injury. A visitor tripping over equipment on a job site
- Faulty workmanship claims. Repair that fails and causes follow-on damage
§ 02
Required vs recommended
What contracts require, and what's worth adding.
§ 03
Typical premium ranges
What it tends to cost.
- General liability: $809 avg; range varies by state and payroll / year[Q]Insureon
- Business owner’s policy: $1,112 avg; range varies by state and payroll / year[Q]Insureon
Figures are reported averages, not quotes. Actual premiums vary by state, revenue, payroll, and underwriting.
§ 04
Common gaps
Where this coverage trips people up.
Many policies exclude work above a certain height or structural work
Tools coverage is usually separate from liability and often overlooked
Workers' comp becomes mandatory the moment you hire your first helper
§ 05
Before you bind
Questions to ask any carrier for handymen.
- Does the quote include the lines listed above as typically required?
- What does a certificate of insurance cost and how fast can the carrier issue one?
- How is workers' compensation rated for this trade — by payroll or by class code?
- Is there a separate deductible for tools and equipment in transit between sites?
- If a client requires an additional-insured endorsement, is there a fee?