Cheap Handyman Insurance
Cheap Handyman insurance protects against risks like accidents, theft, and lawsuits. Key coverages include general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and tool protection. Costs vary based on services, business size, and coverage. To save, bundle policies, pay upfront, and manage risks. Getting insured is easy: apply online, get quotes, and select coverage.
Choose the right coverage from trusted insurance providers.
Why do handymen need insurance?
When you’re a handyman, the work you do is filled with unique challenges. Every job presents different risks that can cause problems if things go wrong. That’s where having the right insurance policies comes in to protect your business.
Whether it’s a ladder accident, tool theft, or a customer filing a lawsuit, these unforeseen events can lead to costly consequences if you’re not prepared. By securing the right coverage, you’re not just protecting yourself, but also ensuring the smooth operation of your business when the unexpected happens.
What types of business insurance do handymen need?
Handymen face a variety of risks while working, and having the right business insurance policies is essential to protect against these risks. The most common types of business insurance that handymen need include:
Business owner’s policy
This policy conveniently bundles commercial property and general liability insurance into one cost-effective plan for dealers. A BOP is ideal for securing auto shop insurance and shielding businesses from financial losses.
Under this plan
Customer injuries
Damaged customer vehicles
Damaged business property
Commercial auto insurance
A policy designed for dealers and repair shops helps pay for property damage and medical bills after an accident. It is required in many states for businesses that own cars.
Under this plan
Car accident repair costs
Vandalism and theft
Weather damage
General liability insurance
This policy covers basic liabilities for auto service businesses, protecting against dealer risks like customer injury at a repair shop. To maximize savings, businesses can bundle it with property insurance or a business owner’s policy for broader coverage.
Under this plan
Customer injuries at a repair shop
Accidental vehicle damage
Slander and advertising injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ comp is required for auto shops in almost every state to cover employee injuries and related costs. It protects both employees and sole proprietors by handling work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
Under this plan
Employee medical expenses
Partial wage reimbursement
Lawsuits
Tools and Equipment Protection Plan
Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance helps protect your construction gear no matter where you go. This policy keeps your tools and equipment safe while you’re moving them (in transit) or using them at a jobsite. To qualify, your items usually need to be valued under $10,000.
Under this plan
Equipment less than five years old
Mobile equipment
Small toolsa
Professional Liability Protection Plan
Professional liability insurance for contractors, also known as errors and omissions insurance, protects against financial losses when a construction mistake or oversight causes a lawsuit. This policy is key for handling claims related to your work and promises made to clients.
Under this plan
Accusations of negligence
Failure to complete construction
Failure to use promised materials
How much does handyman insurance cost?
The cost of handyman insurance varies based on several factors, including the size and nature of your business. A handyman working solo will likely pay less than a repair shop with multiple employees. Here’s a breakdown of what influences the cost:
- Handyman services offered (e.g., drywall patching, pressure washing, paint touchups)
- Business equipment and property
- Business size and annual revenue
- Types of business insurance purchased
- Policy limits, deductibles, and any additional insureds or endorsements
These factors determine how much you’ll pay, so choosing the right policies can help protect your business and keep insurance costs affordable.
How do I get handyman insurance?
Getting cheap handyman insurance is a simple and straightforward process. If you have your business information ready, such as revenue and the number of employees, you can quickly apply for insurance coverage. With Eagle Nation, the process is broken down into three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application.
- Receive insurance quotes and select the right policies.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate of insurance (proof of insurance).
Eagle Nation’s licensed agents work with leading U.S. insurers to help you find the most affordable coverage options that suit your specific handyman services, whether you operate independently or have employees.
Two ways to start your coverage
Quotes online
Talk to an agent
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
Common questions about handyman business insurance
There isn’t a universal "handyman license", but some states or cities may require a general contractor's license depending on the type of work. Licensing is determined by local regulations and the type of jobs you perform. For minor jobs like gutter cleaning or light painting, you likely won’t need a license. However, for major work that requires a construction permit, such as renovations or structural work, a license is usually necessary.
The key differences between a handyman and a general contractor lie in their qualifications and scope of work. General contractors often handle large projects, require specialized education, and obtain licenses and insurance.
They may hire subcontractors for tasks like plumbing or electrical work. On the other hand, handymen typically focus on smaller maintenance and repair tasks like carpentry, pressure washing, or fixing leaks, without needing a specific license unless the job involves construction permits.
In addition to general liability and workers' compensation, there are other policies that are crucial for a handyman business:
- Builder’s risk insurance protects structures under construction from damages like fire or theft. It may be required by clients or building codes.
- Commercial property insurance covers your building and business assets such as tools, furnishings, and equipment against losses from fires, storms, or burglaries.
- Inland marine insurance safeguards tools and equipment while they are in transit or stored off-site.
- Commercial umbrella insurance provides extra coverage once your general liability, commercial auto, or employer’s liability insurance reaches its limits.
To reduce costs on general liability insurance, you can consider:
- Bundling policies: Purchasing multiple policies, like general liability and commercial property insurance together often comes with a discount.
- Paying upfront: Some insurers offer discounts for annual premium payments rather than monthly installments.
- Proactively managing risks: If your business has a clean claims history, you can lower your rates. This can be achieved through a comprehensive risk management plan, such as:
- Establishing protocols for handling client property
- Minimizing job site hazards
- Creating detailed safety checklists and reviews
- Establishing protocols for handling client property
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"Cheap handyman insurance offers great protection against accidents and theft. It’s easy to apply online, and the pricing is reasonable for all the essential coverages like general liability and workers’ comp."