Painters Insurance Cost & Coverage Guide

Q: If I accidentally spill a can of paint on a client's furniture, does my general liability insurance cover the cost to replace it?

Yes, this is an example of what general liability insurance is for. Your policy would cover the cost to clean, repair, or replace the client's damaged property, up to your policy's limits.

Q: Does my insurance cost more if I do exterior work on multi-story buildings compared to only doing interior jobs?

Yes, your insurance premiums will likely be higher. Exterior work, especially at height, involves greater risks (like falls from ladders or scaffolding) than standard interior painting, and insurance pricing reflects that increased risk.

Q: Are my paint sprayers and ladders covered if they are stolen from my truck?

Yes, your tools and equipment are covered if you have a Contractor's Tools and Equipment (or inland marine) policy. This policy is specifically designed to protect your gear from theft or damage while in transit or at a job site.

Q: Is it tax deductible?

Yes — insurance premiums are usually considered a business expense. But always check with your accountant for certain.

Q: If an employee falls off a ladder and breaks their leg, which policy covers their medical expenses?

Their medical expenses would be covered by your Workers' Compensation insurance. This policy is required in most states for businesses with employees and covers work-related injuries and illnesses.

Q: If wind carries overspray from my work site and damages a neighbor's property, is that covered?

Yes, damage from paint overspray to a third party's property (like a neighbor's car or fence) is typically covered by your general liability insurance policy.

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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.

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

Painter Insurance

Whether you’re painting interiors, exteriors, or commercial properties, your job comes with a unique set of risks. You’re responsible for your client’s property, your expensive equipment, and the safety of your crew. A single mishap could put your business’s finances in jeopardy.

Painters insurance is a suite of policies designed to protect you from the financial fallout of job site accidents, property damage, employee injuries, and lawsuits. Without it, you could be on the hook for costly legal fees, medical bills, and repair costs.

How Much Does Painters Insurance Cost?

The cost of painters insurance varies, but most painters pay a median price of $47 per month, or about $564 per year, for general liability coverage.

Your final premium will depend on several key factors, including your location, the number of employees you have, the type of work you do (interior vs. exterior), and your claims history. Here’s a look at the median costs¹for the most common policies painters purchase.

Insurance Policy	Median Monthly Cost	Median Annual Cost
General Liability	$46	$552
Workers’ Compensation	$184	$2,208
Tools & Equipment	$21	$252

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 Insurance Does a Painter Need?

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

This is the cornerstone of your insurance protection. It covers costs related to third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury claims.

Why You Need It: While painting an interior, you accidentally spill a can of paint on the client’s new sofa. Your general liability insurance can cover the cost to clean or replace the damaged furniture.

Median Cost: $46/month

Contractor’s tools & equipment (Inland marine)

Your paint sprayers, ladders, and other tools are essential to your business. This policy, also known as inland marine insurance, protects your gear from theft or damage, whether it’s at a job site, in your vehicle, or in storage.

Why You Need It: Your work van is broken into overnight, and your expensive paint sprayers and power washers are stolen. This coverage can help pay for their replacement so you can get back to work without a major financial setback.

Median Cost: $21/month

Workers’ comp

If you have employees—even just one part-timer—most states require you to have 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 falls from a ladder while painting a two-story home and breaks their wrist. Workers’ comp can cover their emergency room visit, follow-up appointments, and a portion of their lost wages while they recover.

Median Cost: $184/month

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If I accidentally spill a can of paint on a client’s furniture, does my general liability insurance cover the cost to replace it?

Does my insurance cost more if I do exterior work on multi-story buildings compared to only doing interior jobs?

Are my paint sprayers and ladders covered if they are stolen from my truck?

Is it tax deductible?

If an employee falls off a ladder and breaks their leg, which policy covers their medical expenses?

If wind carries overspray from my work site and damages a neighbor’s property, is that covered?

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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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