Insurance for Painters
Coverage that protects your work and your business.
Get comprehensive painter insurance that covers property damage, protects your crew, and meets contractor requirements for residential and commercial jobs.
Licensed agents who understand painting contractors deliver fast quotes, instant COIs, and expert support nationwide.
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Licensed agents who understand your industry and get you competitive quotes fast.
Why Painter Insurance Matters
Protect your business from the risks of painting work
Painting may seem lower-risk than other trades, but property damage claims can add up quickly. Paint spills on flooring, overspray on vehicles, ladder damage to walls—one mistake can cost thousands. Add in fall risks from ladders and scaffolding, plus exposure to chemicals and fumes, and painters face real liability that requires proper coverage.
Most painters need General Liability to cover property damage and injuries, Workers' Compensation for employees (required in most states), and Commercial Auto for vehicles carrying equipment. Exterior painters working at heights need to pay special attention to fall coverage and may face higher workers' comp rates.
Your rates depend on whether you do interior or exterior work, residential or commercial jobs, and whether you work at heights. Lead paint abatement requires specialized coverage. Working with agents who understand painting contractor insurance helps ensure you're properly covered without overpaying.
Coverage Checklist
Recommended coverage for your business
The policies you need to protect your business and meet client requirements
General Liability
RequiredCovers paint damage, overspray, and property damage claims from your painting work.
Workers' Compensation
RequiredRequired for employees. Covers falls, chemical exposure, and repetitive strain injuries.
Commercial Auto
Protects your vehicles carrying paint, equipment, and ladders to job sites.
Business Owners Policy
Bundled coverage combining liability, property, and business interruption at a lower cost.
Industry Risks
Common risks you need to protect against
Real risks painters face
See how the right insurance protects you when things go wrong
Risk
Your crew accidentally spills a 5-gallon bucket of paint on a client's hardwood floor, requiring complete refinishing.
General Liability
Pays for floor repair or replacement—potentially $5,000-$15,000 in damage from a single accident.
Risk
Your crew accidentally spills a 5-gallon bucket of paint on a client's hardwood floor, requiring complete refinishing.
General Liability
Pays for floor repair or replacement—potentially $5,000-$15,000 in damage from a single accident.
Risk
A painter falls from a ladder while cutting in a second-story exterior and breaks their arm.
Workers' Compensation
Covers emergency care, surgery if needed, and lost wages during recovery.
Risk
A painter falls from a ladder while cutting in a second-story exterior and breaks their arm.
Workers' Compensation
Covers emergency care, surgery if needed, and lost wages during recovery.
Risk
Wind carries overspray onto three vehicles parked in a neighboring driveway, requiring professional detailing.
General Liability
Pays for vehicle detailing or repainting—protecting you from claims that could total several thousand dollars.
Risk
Wind carries overspray onto three vehicles parked in a neighboring driveway, requiring professional detailing.
General Liability
Pays for vehicle detailing or repainting—protecting you from claims that could total several thousand dollars.
Why Choose Us
Why painters choose 1-800-INSURANCE
- Affordable coverage for residential and commercial painters
- Instant certificates of insurance (COIs) for property managers and GCs
- Coverage for both interior and exterior painting work
- Protection against overspray and property damage claims
- Agents who understand painting contractor classification codes
- Fast quotes for new businesses and experienced contractors
Commercial insurance experts
Essential coverage for painters
Compare quotes and get the specific policies your painting business needs
Ready to protect your business?
Get quotes from top carriers, instant COIs, and coverage that keeps you working.
Common questions
Painter Insurance FAQs
What insurance do I need as a painting contractor?
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Most painters need General Liability (for property damage like spills and overspray), Workers' Compensation for employees, and Commercial Auto for work vehicles. Additional coverage may be needed for lead paint work.
Does painter insurance cover damage to client property?
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Yes. General Liability covers accidental damage you cause while working—including paint spills on floors, overspray on vehicles, and damage from ladders or equipment.
Is exterior painting more expensive to insure than interior?
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Often yes. Exterior work involves fall risks from heights, weather-related issues, and overspray concerns. Your classification code and rates may differ based on the type of painting you primarily do.
Do I need special insurance for lead paint removal?
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Yes. Lead paint abatement requires specialized coverage and certifications. Standard painting policies may exclude lead work. You'll need pollution liability and proper EPA/state certifications.
Protect Your Business Today
Our commercial insurance specialists understand your industry and can help you find the right coverage at the best price.