Insurance for Handymen

Coverage for the jack of all trades.

Get comprehensive handyman insurance that covers the variety of work you do, protects against liability claims, and helps you land more jobs.

Licensed agents who understand handyman businesses deliver fast quotes, instant COIs, and expert support nationwide.

Illustration of a handyman performing home repairs, used in a 1-800-INSURANCE guide to help handyman businesses understand insurance needs for tools, job sites, and customer property.

Talk to a business insurance specialist

Licensed agents who understand your industry and get you competitive quotes fast.

Why Handyman Insurance Matters

Protect your business when you do a little bit of everything

Handyman work is unique because you do a little bit of everything—minor plumbing, basic electrical, drywall repair, painting, fixture installation, and more. Each task carries its own risks, from water damage to property damage to customer injuries. The right insurance covers the variety of work you perform without gaps in protection.

Most handymen need General Liability to cover property damage and injuries, and many choose to add Workers' Compensation even as sole proprietors for personal protection. Commercial Auto coverage protects your vehicle and the tools you carry. Many property managers and commercial clients require certificates of insurance before hiring handymen.

Handyman insurance is typically affordable because the work is generally lower-risk than specialized trades. However, state licensing laws vary—some states restrict the dollar value of jobs handymen can take or prohibit certain work types. Working with agents who understand handyman coverage helps ensure you're properly protected for the work you actually do.

Coverage Checklist

Recommended coverage for your business

The policies you need to protect your business and meet client requirements

General Liability

Required

Covers property damage and injuries from the variety of work handymen perform.

Avg. Cost
$400-$1,500/year

Workers' Compensation

Optional for sole proprietors but recommended. Required if you have any employees.

Avg. Cost
$2-6 per $100 payroll

Commercial Auto

Protects your vehicle and tools while traveling to job sites.

Avg. Cost
$1,000-$2,000/vehicle

Business Owners Policy

Bundled coverage that works well for many handyman businesses.

Avg. Cost
$400-$1,200/year

Industry Risks

Common risks you need to protect against

1
Property damage while performing repairs
2
Water damage from minor plumbing work
3
Customer injury from work you performed
4
Falls from ladders during jobs
5
Tool theft from vehicles
6
Damage to customer belongings during work

Real risks handymen face

See how the right insurance protects you when things go wrong

Risk

While replacing a faucet, you accidentally crack a water supply line, causing water damage to the cabinet and floor below.

General Liability

Pays for water damage repairs, cabinet replacement, and flooring—potentially $3,000-$10,000 in claims.

Risk

A customer trips over your toolbox while you're working and injures their ankle.

General Liability

Covers medical expenses and legal defense if the customer decides to sue.

Risk

Your van is broken into overnight and $3,000 worth of tools are stolen.

Commercial Auto + Inland Marine

Reimburses you for stolen tools so you can get back to work quickly.

Why Choose Us

Why handymen choose 1-800-INSURANCE

  • Affordable coverage designed for handyman businesses
  • Instant certificates of insurance for property managers
  • Coverage for the variety of work handymen perform
  • Tools and equipment protection
  • Fast quotes—often same-day coverage available
  • No minimum premium requirements for small operations
Illustration of a handyman reviewing building permits and home repair plans, used in a 1-800-INSURANCE guide to help handymen understand insurance needs for licensed work, projects, and customer property.

Ready to protect your business?

Get quotes from top carriers, instant COIs, and coverage that keeps you working.

Common questions

Handyman Insurance FAQs

What insurance do I need as a handyman?

+

Most handymen need General Liability at minimum. Add Commercial Auto if you use your vehicle for work. Workers' Comp is optional for sole proprietors but required if you have any employees.

Is handyman insurance expensive?

+

Handyman insurance is typically quite affordable—often $400-$1,500 per year for General Liability. The relatively low-risk nature of most handyman work keeps rates competitive.

Can I do electrical and plumbing work as a handyman?

+

This varies by state. Many states limit handymen to minor repairs and set dollar thresholds for project size. Work requiring permits typically requires a licensed specialist. Check your state's requirements.

Do I need insurance to work for property managers?

+

Most property managers require contractors to carry General Liability insurance and provide certificates of insurance (COIs). Having coverage opens up more job opportunities.

Protect Your Business Today

Our commercial insurance specialists understand your industry and can help you find the right coverage at the best price.