Painters’ Insurance Cost
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Painting Business Insurance Cost
Good prep is everything when you’re a painter –– and the right commercial painting insurance can help cover you if something goes wrong like damage, injuries, or theft on the job.
Let’s break down what painters’ insurance costs, what affects the price, and how Simply Business makes getting coverage easier and more affordable.
How Much Does Painters’ Insurance Cost?
Depending on your coverages, painters pay a median price of $47 per month, or $564 per year.
Here’s a snapshot of what our customers typically pay for commercial painting insurance:
Monthly Painters‘ Insurance Costs1
Under $25
1% of customers
$25 to $95
78% of customers
Over $95
21% of customers
1Data from Simply Business customers specializing as a “painter” 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 painters insurance.
What you pay depends on a few key things, including: the type of work you do, the size of your crew, and the type of coverage or policy you choose. But most painters pay under $95 per month for commercial painting insurance.
These numbers are based on real policies purchased through our site. But getting a great premium isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about working with a partner that understands your business. And because we work with a range of trusted insurers, you’ll see coverage options to match your business, so you can choose a customized package that works for you and your budget.
Coverage Options for Commercial Painting Insurance
Whether you’re a solo operator just starting out or a seasoned pro with a growing crew, we can help you find personalized coverage to fit your needs and budget.
There’s no one-size-fits-all policy, but here are some of the common coverage options painting business owners typically consider:
General liability
A foundational coverage to help handle costs from third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury.
Contractor’s equipment and small tools
Also known as inland marine insurance, this coverage can financially protect equipment and inventory that is in transport or stored offsite.
Workers’ comp
Coverage to help take care of employees who get sick or injured on the job. Most states require this coverage for small businesses with full- or part-time employees. It also can benefit business owners who don’t have employees.
How Much Does Painters’ General Liability Insurance Cost?
Based on the policies we’ve sold, painters pay a median cost of $46 per month, or about $552 per year, for general liability insurance. It’s a foundational coverage to help handle costs from third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury.
Here’s a snapshot of what our painters typically pay for general liability insurance:
Monthly Painters’ General Liability Insurance Costs2
Under $25
0% of customers
$25 to $95
92% of customers
Over $95
8% of customers
2Data from Simply Business customers specializing as a “painter” who purchased a GL insurance policy from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
What you pay depends on a few key things, including: the type of work you do, the size of your business, and the amount of coverage you choose. But most painters pay under $95 per month.
To learn more about general liability insurance, check out our helpful general liability cost guide.
How Much Does Contractor’s Equipment and Small Tools Insurance Cost?
Painters pay a median cost of $21 per month, or about $252 per year, for contractor’s equipment and small tools insurance — also known as inland marine insurance. This coverage can financially protect your tools, equipment, and inventory while in transport or stored offsite.
Here’s a snapshot of what our painters typically pay for contractor’s equipment and small tool insurance:
Monthly Contractor’s Equipment and Small Tool Insurance Costs3
Under $25
37% of customers
$25 to $95
52% of customers
Over $95
2% of customers
3Data from Simply Business customers specializing as a “painter” who purchased a tools and equipment insurance policy from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
The cost of contractor’s equipment and small tool insurance — also known as inland marine — depends on the value of your tools and equipment and the type of work you do. But most painters pay under $95 per month.
To learn more about contractor’s equipment and small tool insurance, check out our helpful contractor’s equipment and small tools cost guide.
How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cost?
Painting business owners pay a median of $184 per month or $2,208 per year for workers’ comp. Most states require workers’ comp for small businesses with full- or part-time employees –– it can help take care of your crew if they get sick or injured on the job.
Here’s a snapshot of what our painters typically pay for workers’ compensation insurance:
Monthly Workers’ Comp Insurance Costs4
Under $150
35% of customers
$150 to $250
33% of customers
Over $250
32% of customers
4Data from Simply Business customers specializing as a “painter” who purchased a WC insurance policy from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
Your workers’ comp premium is calculated based on the type of work your crew perform, your claims history, and your payroll, among other factors. But most painters pay under $250 per month.
To learn more about workers’ compensation insurance, check out our helpful workers’ comp cost guide.
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What Affects Painters’ Insurance Cost?
If you’ve searched online for commercial painting insurance, you’ve likely seen a wide range of prices — and no clear reason why. The truth is there isn’t a set price because the cost depends on several key factors, including:
Type of work you do
Interior work on homes can cost less to insure than exterior or high-rise jobs that involve ladders or scaffolding.
Business size
Painters who work for themselves typically pay less than businesses with multiple crews working at multiple sites.
Location
Rates may vary by state and city as a result of local laws, risk levels, and foot traffic in your area.
Number of employees
More employees can mean more exposure to accidents and higher workers’ comp premiums.
Coverage type & limits
The more painters’ insurance coverage you need the more you’ll likely pay.
Your claims history
If you’ve had past claims, that could bump up your rate.
Your experience
Have you been in business for years with no claims? That could work in your favor.
Some Ways to Save on Commercial Painting Insurance
Use ladders properly, secure tools, and follow basic jobsite safety — fewer accidents often mean lower premiums.
If you have helpers, make sure they’re trained on tool use, hazard spotting, and customer etiquette to avoid costly claims.
Put steps in place to prevent future mishaps.
Store tools securely and consider alarms — theft claims can drive up costs.
Cover or store materials properly and secure ladders or debris to reduce storm-related losses.
Some carriers offer monthly payments, which you can take advantage of to spread the cost out over the year.
Shop around
Simply Business provides customized coverage options from top-rated small business insurers — all in just 10 minutes. We do all the leg work so you can sit back, compare quotes, and save.
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with top insurers who specialize in small business coverage. No one size fits-all solutions here. We’ve worked with thousands of business owners like you so we have a good idea of what different businesses need. We get it, you do one web search and the results can be overwhelming, and not in a good way. We can save you from that. We’re ready when you are, it takes just a few minutes online. Enter some information about your business and some pretty cool technology shops for great coverage at competitive prices in just seconds. You choose and purchase the coverage that works for you. Not to worry we’ve got licensed insurance pros to help you over the phone then we zip your certificate of insurance and other policy documents straight to your inbox. That’s how easy it is to insure your business with Simply Business.
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More Commercial Painting Insurance FAQs
It’s a type of insurance that can help handle costs that can result from accidentally damaging a customer’s property, having your tools stolen, or being hit with a lawsuit.
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.
Because even a single accident or lawsuit could cost your business thousands out of pocket. Commercial painting insurance helps protect you from a financial hit like that — so that one mistake doesn’t turn into a major setback.
Yes — insurance premiums are usually considered a business expense. But always check with your accountant for certain.
The right combination of policies can cover damage to someone’s property, stolen equipment, and sick or injured employees.
You can get a full quote in about 10 minutes — and an estimate even faster, with just 3 quick questions.
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 your 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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