Contractors Insurance

General Liability Insurance for Contractors

General liability insurance provides coverage against costs associated with third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury. Having this type of coverage is essential for contractors, as your type of business carries greater risk for property damage and accidents.

Here’s why: Anything can happen when you’re a contractor. A customer might trip over tools left lying on the ground, or you might damage a client’s furniture unintentionally during a home remodeling project.

If you’re not protected with general liability insurance, you may be forced to pay for accidents and damages from your own pocket.

General Contractor Insurance Requirements

Wondering when you should get contractors insurance? While general contractor insurance requirements vary by state, we recommend getting insurance when you reach any of these milestones:

• When you work on your first project as a self-employed contractor
• When you applied for your contractor’s license
• When you hire your first part-time or full-time employee
• When you work with a subcontractor

Still not sure if you’re ready for contractors insurance? You can give one of our licensed insurance agents a call at (844) 654-7272. They’re always happy to help, even if you’re not ready to get insured.

Other Types of Insurance for Contractors

Wondering what coverage you may need to get with your contractors insurance policies? While we don’t offer all of these policies at this time, here are the coverages we commonly recommend:

General Liability Insurance:

At its very essence, general liability insurancecovers damages resulting from third-party accidents and physical injury.

For example, if your customer claims that a roof you built or replaced leaked after a storm, your policy could cover the cost to repair those leaks (and furniture that was damaged as a result of the leaks).

Contents Coverage:

This type of policy can come in handy for contractors, as it can cover your tools and equipment up to a certain amount. If you store your tools at home, you’ll need this policy, as your homeowners insurance won’t cover commercial equipment if it’s damaged or stolen.

Contents coverage can be added to your general liability insurance policy, so make sure to add it to yours!

Workers Compensation Insurance:

If an employee gets injured on the job, this insurance can cover resulting medical costs and lost wages. Carrying workers compensation can provide much-needed security, as having this coverage prevents an employee from suing your contracting business for workplace injuries.

Commercial Auto Insurance:

Commercial auto insurance typically covers accidental damage or physical injuries that occurred while your vehicle was being used for work purposes. This coverage is essential if you have a work truck or van, as your personal auto insurance won’t cover you if your vehicle is used for business purposes.

Types of Contractors We Insure

Simply Business insures a wide variety of contractors, including:

• Builder
• Carpenter
• Door & Window Installer
• Electrician
• Flooring Contractor
• Handyman
• Home Improvement Renovator
• HVAC Contractor
• Plumber
• Pressure Washer
• Sheet Metal Worker

Don’t see your business listed here? No worries — it takes just a few seconds to see if we have contractors insurance for your specific trade.

Contractor Insurance FAQs

What does general liability insurance cover for contractors?

General liability insurance can cover:

General liability insurance usually does not cover:

How much does contractors insurance cost?

The cost of your contractors insurance policy will largely depend on the type of work you’re doing, as well as the risks you face in your day-to-day work. For example, roofers may pay more for their policy, as they carry a higher risk for injury and property damage.

Want to figure out how much you’ll pay for your policy? While there’s no one right answer, the final price of your policy is usually determined by:

• Number of employees
• Areas you serve
• Services offered
• And more

Want to see how much your contractors insurance will cost? Just click here to answer a few questions about your business.

What does contractors insurance cover?

The great thing about business insurance for contractors at Simply Business is that it can be tailored to cover your specific needs. Whether you need just general liability or want coverage for your tools or equipment, too, we have the policies you need to protect your business.

What is contractors insurance?

Contractors insurance describes the insurance coverage that general contractors, subcontractors, and other trades may need to do business. Contractors insurance typically includes general liability coverage, contents coverage, and other policies designed to fit your needs.

Why do contractors need insurance?

Contractors like you need insurance coverage because without it, you and your business could be vulnerable to serious financial damages. For example, if you get sued for accidentally causing significant property damage to a customer’s home, you may have to pay for legal fees and damages out of your own pocket if you are not properly insured.

Many states require contractors to carry insurance, especially if they have employees or work on certain projects. Plus, if you want to be licensed as a contractor, you will need to show proof that your business is insured.

Additionally, many customers won’t work with you if you’re not insured!