Is it required by law?

It depends on your state and if you have employees. But whether it’s required or not, we strongly recommend having coverage. In fact, many clients and landlords may require it before doing business with you.

Handyman Insurance Cost & Coverage Guide

Q: If I accidentally knock over a can of paint and ruin a client's carpet, is that covered by my general liability insurance?

Yes. Accidental property damage is a core part of general liability insurance. Your policy can cover the costs to clean or replace the stained portion of the client's carpet, up to your policy limits.

Q: Does my insurance rate go up if my services include jobs that require climbing on ladders or scaffolding?

Yes, it often does. Performing work at height is considered higher risk than ground-level jobs. Insurance companies factor this increased risk of falls and injuries into your premium, which may result in a higher rate.

Q: Are my power tools covered if they are stolen from my truck while I'm at a hardware store buying materials?

Yes, if you have Tools & Equipment insurance (also known as inland marine insurance). This policy is specifically designed to protect your gear from theft or damage while it is in transit or away from your primary business location.

Q: A client is asking for a "certificate of insurance." What is that and how do I get one?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document that proves you have active insurance coverage. It outlines the types of policies you have and your coverage limits. We provide a COI for free, and you can access it online 24/7 as soon as you purchase your policy.

Q: If I hire a helper for a large job and they get hurt, am I responsible for their medical bills if I don't have workers' compensation?

Yes, you likely would be. In most states, if you hire help and don't have workers' compensation, you could be held personally responsible for their medical bills and lost wages. This can lead to significant financial and legal trouble.

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Handyman Insurance Cost

As a handyman, you’re the go-to pro for tackling a client’s to-do list. But your diverse work, from plumbing repairs to furniture assembly, comes with unique risks. An accidental water leak, a customer tripping over your toolbox, or stolen power tools can lead to thousands of dollars in unexpected costs. Handyman insurance is your financial safety net, protecting your business so one mishap doesn’t put you out of business.

This guide will break down the essential insurance coverages for handymen, what they typically cost, and how you can get the right protection for your business. We’ve got you covered.

Handyman Insurance

Your jack-of-all-trades skill set means you face a variety of risks every day. Handyman insurance is a suite of policies designed to protect your business from the financial consequences of job site accidents, property damage, employee injuries, and lawsuits. Without the right coverage, you could be personally responsible for paying for costly legal fees, medical bills, and equipment replacement. Many clients will also ask to see proof of insurance before hiring you, making it a crucial part of running a professional business.

How Much Does Handyman Insurance Cost?

The cost of handyman insurance varies, but most handymen pay a median price of $72 per month, or about $864 per year, for a policy package. Your final premium will depend on several factors, including your location, whether you have employees, the types of jobs you do (e.g., plumbing vs. painting), and your claims history.

Here’s a look at the median costs¹ for the most common policies handymen purchase.

Insurance Policy	Median Monthly Cost	Median Annual Cost
General Liability	$55	$660
Workers’ Compensation	$173	$2,076
Tools & Equipment	$21	$252

¹Data from Simply Business customers specializing as “handyperson” who purchased at least one or a combination of general liability, tools and equipment, or workers’ compensation policies from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Reflected price tiers may not include purchase of all available policies under handyman insurance.

What Insurance Does a Handyman Need?

While every handyman’s business is different, most professionals need a combination of the following coverages to be fully protected from common on-the-job risks.

General liability

This is the foundation of your insurance protection. It covers costs related to third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury claims that happen as a result of your work.

Why You Need It: While installing a new cabinet, you drop a heavy tool and crack an expensive floor tile. Your general liability insurance can cover the cost to repair or replace the damaged flooring.

Median Cost: $55/month

Tools & equipment (Inland marine)

Your power tools, ladders, and other equipment are essential for your business. This policy protects your gear from theft or damage, whether it’s at a job site, in your work truck, or in storage.

Why You Need It: You stop at a hardware store for materials, and someone breaks into your truck, stealing your collection of power tools. This coverage can help pay for their replacement so you can get back to work.

Median Cost: $21/month

Workers’ comp

If you have employees—even just a part-time helper for big jobs—most states require you to carry workers’ compensation. This policy covers medical bills and lost wages for employees who get injured or become ill on the job.

Why You Need It: An employee you hired to help with a deck repair falls off a ladder and injures their back. Workers’ comp can cover their hospital bills and a portion of their lost wages while they recover.

Median Cost: $173/month

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If I accidentally knock over a can of paint and ruin a client’s carpet, is that covered by my general liability insurance?

Does my insurance rate go up if my services include jobs that require climbing on ladders or scaffolding?

Are my power tools covered if they are stolen from my truck while I’m at a hardware store buying materials?

A client is asking for a “certificate of insurance.” What is that and how do I get one?

If I hire a helper for a large job and they get hurt, am I responsible for their medical bills if I don’t have workers’ compensation?

Is it required by law?

The Simply Business Difference

Simply Business is a digital insurance brokerage. That means we’re not tied to one insurer. Instead, we partner with a range of top-rated carriers and use smart technology to match you with policies that fit your specific business, your risks, and budget.

Maybe you’re just starting out and want solid protection without overspending. Or maybe you’re growing fast and need coverage that can grow with you. Either way, we’re here to help — with a choice of affordable policies and small business expertise to help you get the coverage you need.

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