Handyman Insurance

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Find a handyman insurance policy that meets the needs of your business

Every job you do is different. You might be installing ceiling fans one day and fixing leaks or building shelves the next. Handyman insurance is designed to cover it all.

Whatever the task, the right policy prepares you for the wide range of risks that come with doing a little bit of everything. Insurance helps you worry less and lets you focus on your projects and customers.

What is handyman insurance?

Insurance for a handyman is customized business insurance coverage that protects you when you do jack-of-all-trades work. At a minimum, you should consider general liability handyman insurance in case you cause customer injuries or property damage while on site. But because each job can be so different, home repair professionals usually need insurance that covers a broader range of challenges than most businesses.

Protect your livelihood with Progressive Commercial. Our in-house agents work with trusted carriers to customize insurance that fits your business. Call us or start an online quote to learn more.

Why handyman business insurance is important

Since each job presents its own challenges and risks, having insurance means you're prepared in case of mishaps or accidents. And it saves you from paying entirely out of pocket for repairs or injuries.

For example, say you're installing an expensive appliance for a customer and accidentally dent it. They'll likely expect you to replace it. Your insurance coverage would minimize the financial impact on your business, so you can make it right for your customer without worrying about your bottom line.

Some clients, particularly commercial customers, may ask to see a certificate of insurance (COI) to make sure you're properly covered. Insurance can also be a helpful reputation builder when advertising your services.

Does a handyman need business insurance?

Yes, even sole proprietors should have insurance if they're providing handyman services. Luckily, no matter how you structure your business, you can customize your handyman insurance policy to only get the protection you need without paying for coverage you don't.

Businesses that provide other types of services can also benefit from insurance, including:

Repair technicians
Maintenance workers
Property maintenance technicians

Larger LLC operations with multiple crews might need coverage for workers, tools, and vehicles, along with protection for injuries and property damage.

How is handyman insurance different from contractors insurance?

Contractors insurance will typically have more protection and higher coverage limits than handyman insurance because of the nature of the work. A contractor generally oversees larger commercial and residential projects, while a handyman performs smaller, less risky jobs in homes and businesses.

Types of handyman insurance

Home repair professionals can benefit from a variety of coverages due to the wide-ranging nature of their work. Some of the most common include:

General liability (GL)

General liability is important for all businesses, especially if you work on other people's property. It helps cover costs if you accidentally cause injury or damage, and keeps you protected whether you're on a job site or at your office. Learn more about the benefits of general liability and how much GL costs.

Example: You're working in someone's home and the customer trips over your tools, injuring themselves. General liability insurance could pay for their medical bills.

Commercial auto

You'll need a commercial auto policy if you use your vehicle for work, like traveling to job sites. Most states require auto liability coverage in case you're responsible for an accident, but you can customize your policy with other auto coverages to give you more protection. We offer affordable commercial auto coverage for many pickup trucks, vans, and trailers commonly used by handyman contractors.

Example: While driving to a job, a deer jumps in front of your truck, causing you to hit a parked car. Your mandatory auto liability coverage will pay for the damage to the other car, while optional physical damage coverage can help repair your truck.

Business owners policy (BOP)

A business owners policy combines liability protection with commercial property coverage. It's popular with small business owners because of how easily you can customize it to your needs. Choose additional BOP coverages to expand protections for things like tools and equipment and machinery breakdowns.

Example: You run a handyman business out of your home. One day, a fire in the garage damages your tools and supplies. The property coverage portion of your BOP can pay to repair or replace the affected gear.

Inland marine

Standard commercial property insurance safeguards your business property when it's stored at your workplace. Adding inland marine insurance to your BOP expands your coverage, protecting your business assets even when you're transporting them to a job or storing them away from your premises.

Example: Someone breaks into your truck and steals your tools. Inland marine coverage could pay to replace the missing equipment.

Workers' compensation

Workers' compensation covers you and your employees for injuries or illnesses that occur at work. It pays for medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses. It also protects employers from lawsuits associated with workplace injuries. Learn more about workers' comp in your state or the cost of workers' compensation.

Example: A worker on your team injures themselves with a power tool, leaving them unable to work for several weeks. Workers' comp can cover the employee's medical bills and pay for a portion of lost wages while they recover.

Tools and equipment coverage for your handyman business

Your tools are at the heart of your business. You can add tools and equipment coverage to your BOP or general liability policy to help pay for repair or replacements. It protects your gear if it's stolen, vandalized, or damaged while in transit, in storage, or at a job site.

What does handyman insurance cost?

Many factors influence the cost of insuring your handyman business, including the type of work you do and whether you have employees. For example, a repair technician who performs dangerous, labor-intensive tasks can expect their rate to differ from a handyman who does lighter home improvement projects.

Insurers consider the following factors when calculating your premium:

Location
Type of work
Years in business
Claims history
Number of employees
Coverage needs

The cost of business insurance is an important concern for any small business, especially if you're just starting out or are on a tight budget. As a result, many companies look for the cheapest handyman insurance possible. While you don't want to overpay, you shouldn't compromise adequate coverage for a lower price. Make sure you get what you need to protect your business.