ContractorNerd’s proprietary quote platform connects flooring contractors with specialist insurers in minutes – not days or weeks. Our tech-enabled agents use advanced tools to match your business with contractor-friendly carriers who understand the unique risks of flooring installation.
Whether you install carpet, hardwood, laminate, or vinyl, our specialized team analyzes your specific business needs through our proprietary technology to secure the right coverage at competitive rates. Get instant quotes today from insurers who actually want to work with flooring professionals. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Essential coverage types for every business stage – from sole proprietor to established company
- Real quote data from 200+ quotes showing general liability premiums ranging from $770-$7,630 annually based on business size
- Critical classification codes: GL Code 94569 for floor covering installation and Code 99746 for tile work
- Workers’ compensation quotes for codes 5478 (carpet/vinyl) and 5437 (hardwood) at $2.50-$4.50 per $100 payroll
- Additional coverage quotes including commercial auto ($1,200-$2,800/vehicle) and tools coverage ($400-$1,800 annually)
Let’s get started.
What Insurance Do Flooring Installers Need?
For flooring professionals, selecting the appropriate insurance coverage is crucial and varies based on the size and stage of your business. Here’s a guideline:
Starting Out Sole Proprietor
When you’re just beginning your flooring business, focus on these essential coverages:
General liability insurance – Your foundation of protection against common business risks
Tools & Equipment Coverage – Protects your specialized flooring tools and materials while you’re transporting or storing them
Commercial auto insurance – Required if you use a vehicle for work purposes
Growing Small Business with Your First Employee
As you expand and hire help, your insurance needs change:
Workers’ compensation – This becomes mandatory in most states once you have employees
Umbrella insurance – Provides extra liability protection, particularly important when working on expensive residential or commercial projects
Installation floater coverage – Protects flooring materials while you’re installing them at job sites
Established Business with 3+ Employees
A larger operation requires more comprehensive coverage:
Commercial property insurance – Essential for protecting your physical locations like workshops, showrooms, and storage facilities
Employment practices liability – Shields you from potential lawsuits related to employment issues
Cyber liability insurance – Important if you store customer information or use digital payment systems
General Liability Insurance for Flooring Contractors
General liability protects your business when things go wrong on the job.
What it covers:
- Legal defense costs for covered claims
- Settlements and court judgments
- Medical costs if someone gets injured
- Property damage (like damaging a client’s furniture during installation)
- Problems after job completion (like trip hazards from improper installation)
Coverage Limits:
- Standard: $1 million per incident / $2 million total annual limit
- Recommended minimum: $1 million (especially for commercial projects)
General Liability Quotes Analysis
General Liability Insurance Costs by Business Size
| Revenue Level | National Average | Favorable Rate | Potential Savings | Premium as % of Revenue |
| $50,000 | $1,370 | $770 | 44% | 1.7% – 3.8% |
| $150,000 | $2,810 | $1,710 | 39% | 1.1% – 2.3% |
| $500,000 | $7,630 | $4,500 | 41% | 0.9% – 2.0% |
Understanding the Numbers
Key Insight: Flooring contractors typically pay 0.9% to 3.8% of their revenue for general liability insurance. If you’re paying more, you could save thousands by shopping around.
Based on our analysis of over 200 quotes from leading insurance carriers across the United States, flooring contractors face significant variations in general liability insurance pricing. The data reveals potential savings ranging from 39% to 44% when comparing national averages to favorable rates available in the market.
Premium as Percentage of Revenue
Your insurance cost scales with your business:
- $50,000 revenue: Pay 1.7% to 3.8% of revenue
- $150,000 revenue: Pay 1.1% to 2.3% of revenue
- $500,000 revenue: Pay 0.9% to 2.0% of revenue
Cost Comparison by Business Size
Smaller Operations ($50,000 revenue): The national average premium of $1,370 annually can drop to $770—saving you $600 per year (44% less).
Mid-Size Contractors ($150,000 revenue): The $2,810 average can be reduced to $1,710—a 39% savings of $1,100 annually.
Larger Businesses ($500,000 revenue): Save $3,130 annually by securing favorable rates of $4,500 versus the $7,630 average.
Why Such Large Variations?
Money-Saving Tip: The 39-44% price differences show why shopping multiple carriers matters. Work with flooring insurance specialists who understand your specific risks.
The substantial differences between national average rates and favorable rates demonstrate the importance of:
- Shopping multiple insurance carriers
- Working with specialists who understand flooring contractor risks
- Properly classifying your business operations
- Maintaining good claims history and safety practices
Making Sense of Your Quote
Compare your quotes against these benchmarks. Quotes significantly above the national averages may indicate opportunities for savings. Quotes well below favorable rates might signal inadequate coverage.
For comprehensive state-by-state pricing data and detailed benchmarks across all business sizes, see our complete analysis of flooring contractor insurance cost to understand exactly what you should be paying in your market.
Classification Codes and Categories
Critical: Using the wrong classification code could void your coverage or lead to claim denials. Make sure you’re properly classified.
Understanding your correct classification code is crucial for accurate insurance pricing and coverage. Floor covering contractors typically fall under GL Code 94569 – Floor Covering.
GL Code 94569 – Floor Covering Installation
This classification includes:
- Carpet, laminate, and hardwood installation
- Epoxy application on floors only
- Floor waxing services
- Products and completed operations coverage
This classification EXCLUDES:
- Slip-resistant flooring installation
- Manufacturing or selling without installation
- Equipment rental to others
- Tile installation
Important: Tile, stone, marble, mosaic, or terrazzo installation requires GL code 99746. If you install both flooring and tile, each must be classified and priced separately.
Additional Classification Info:
- NAICS code for flooring contractors: 238330
- Different installation types have different risk levels and rates
- Commercial clients often require proof of proper classification
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Flooring Contractors
Workers’ comp covers medical bills and lost wages when employees get injured on the job.
Required by Law: Most states mandate workers’ comp once you hire your first employee. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe.
Classification Codes:
- Code 5478: Carpet, vinyl, laminate installation (excludes hardwood and tile)
- Code 5437: Hardwood floor installation, cabinets, interior trim
- Cost: $2.50 to $4.50 per $100 of payroll
Common Workplace Injuries
What puts your workers at risk:
- Knee injuries from constant kneeling
- Back strains from lifting heavy materials
- Repetitive stress from installation tools
- Burns from hot seaming equipment
- Chemical exposure from adhesives
- Breathing problems from dust
- Hand injuries from power tools
- Muscle strains from moving furniture
How to Lower Your Premiums
Safety Pays: Implementing these practices can reduce your workers’ comp costs by 15-30%:
- Provide regular safety training
- Use ergonomic tools and equipment
- Document all safety procedures
- Train proper lifting techniques
- Require protective equipment use
Other Coverage Flooring Contractors Consider
Commercial Auto Insurance
Protects vehicles used for your flooring business.
Coverage includes:
- Vehicle damage from accidents
- Liability for accidents you cause
- Protection while loading/unloading materials
- Coverage for mounted equipment
Standard Limits: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident / $100,000 property damage
Annual Cost: $1,500 to $2,500 per vehicle
Tools & Equipment Coverage
Protects your specialized flooring tools wherever they go.
What’s covered:
- Portable tools and equipment
- Leased or rented equipment
- Tools in transit or at job sites
- Specialized installation equipment
Annual Cost: $200 to $1,000+ (based on equipment value)
Installation Floater Insurance
Covers flooring materials from purchase to installation.
Protection includes:
- Materials in your vehicle
- Materials stored at job sites
- Materials during installation
- Theft, damage, or loss
Annual Cost: $500 to $2,500 (based on material values)
Additional Coverage Options
| Coverage Type | What It Protects | Typical Limits | Annual Cost Range |
| Commercial Property | Buildings, showrooms, inventory | Based on property value | $800 – $4,500 |
| Umbrella Policy | Extra liability protection | $1M – $5M | $450 – $900 |
| Employment Practices | Employee lawsuits | $100K – $1M | $800 – $4,500 |
| Cyber Liability | Data breaches, hacking | $100K – $1M | $250 – $800 |
Flooring Contractor Insurance Quotes from ContractorNerd
Contractor insurance, remodeled. ContractorNerd makes it incredibly easy for small-to-mid-sized flooring contractors to tailor coverage, get multiple quotes, and buy insurance in minutes. As trades-only specialists powered by thoughtfully designed technology, we’ve eliminated the complexity that traditionally burdens the insurance buying process.Our platform and team of experienced agents source competitive insurance quotes with tailored coverage specifically designed for the unique risks flooring professionals face. Stop overpaying for generic policies and get the specialized protection your business deserves. Get instant quotes today and experience insurance simplified.
Flooring Contractor Insurance FAQs
How much is insurance for a flooring company?
Flooring contractors typically pay 0.6% to 6.5% of revenue for general liability, so on $150k revenue you’re looking at $1,700-$2,800 annually. Workers’ comp runs $2.50-$4.50 per $100 payroll for codes 5478 (carpet/vinyl) or 5437 (hardwood).
Do flooring companies need insurance?
Flooring contractors typically pay 0.6% to 6.5% of revenue for general liability, so on $150k revenue you’re looking at $1,700-$2,800 annually. Workers’ comp runs $2.50-$4.50 per $100 payroll for codes 5478 (carpet/vinyl) or 5437 (hardwood).
What insurance codes do flooring contractors use?
Flooring installers use GL Code 94569 for carpet, laminate, and hardwood installation – but watch out, tile work needs Code 99746 instead. For workers’ comp, it’s Code 5478 for carpet/vinyl or Code 5437 for hardwood. Using the wrong code can void coverage or cause claim denials, so double-check you’re classified right.
Do I need workers’ comp as a flooring contractor?
If you’re solo, you’re usually exempt from workers’ comp requirements, but GCs might require it and the second you hire anyone – even a helper – it’s mandatory in most states. Flooring work costs $2.50-$4.50 per $100 payroll for workers’ comp.
