For drywall contractors and business owners, securing the right insurance at competitive rates is crucial for protecting your business. At ContractorNerd, our proprietary quote platform connects you directly with contractor-friendly insurers who specialize in construction trades. Our tech-enabled platform and team of specialized agents understand the unique risks you face – from hanging heavy sheets and working at heights to managing dust exposure and installation liability.
The specialized nature of drywall work presents distinct challenges that require tailored coverage. You’re classified under Code 92338 (Commercial & Residential Remodel). Installation errors can lead to structural issues, moisture problems, or fire safety concerns that may not surface until months after completion. That’s why working with insurers who understand your trade is essential for both comprehensive protection and competitive quotes.
Our analysis of over 200 insurance quotes from drywall professionals nationwide, reveals that general liability quotes range from $570 to $9,510 annually depending on revenue, with potential savings of up to 60% between carriers. For workers’ comp, drywall contractors face rates of $3.50-$10 per $100 of payroll under codes like 5445 (Wallboard Installation) – higher than many trades due to injury risks.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Essential insurance coverages for every stage of your drywall business
- National quote benchmarks showing GL rates from 0.6% to 8.7% of revenue
- Workers’ compensation requirements and classification codes
- Strategies to reduce premiums by 15-30%
- Additional coverages for growing businesses
Get competitive quotes today through ContractorNerd’s platform and see why drywall contractors trust us to find the right coverage at the best rates. Let’s explore what insurance you need and how to get the most value for your premium dollars.
What Insurance Do Drywall Contractors Need?
Starting Out: Sole Proprietor
When you’re working on your own, these coverages form your foundation:
General Liability Insurance – Your first line of defense against damage claims and injuries on job sites
Tools & Equipment Coverage – Protects your specialized drywall tools and installation equipment from theft or damage
Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers vehicles used to transport materials and equipment between jobs
Installation Floater Insurance – Safeguards materials while they’re being installed at customer locations
Growing: Small Business with Your First Employee
As you bring on help and take on bigger projects, you’ll need:
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required by law once you hire your first employee
Umbrella Insurance – Provides extra liability protection when working on larger commercial projects
Bond Coverage – Often required to bid on commercial and government projects
Property Insurance – Essential if you’re renting warehouse space or maintaining a storage facility
Established: Business with Multiple Employees and Projects
With a growing team and diverse project portfolio, consider:
Enhanced Commercial Property Insurance – Comprehensive coverage for your warehouse, office, and equipment storage
Employment Practices Liability Insurance – Protects against employee-related claims like wrongful termination or discrimination
Cyber Liability Insurance – Critical if you process digital payments or store customer data
Professional Liability Insurance – Covers errors in specialized finishing work or design consultations
General Liability Insurance for Drywall Contractors
General liability insurance is essential protection for drywall contractors, covering:
- Property Damage – When drywall work damages a client’s property, floors, or existing structures
- Bodily Injury – If someone is injured by falling materials or trips over equipment at your job site
- Completed Operations – Protection after the job is done if drywall fails or causes damage; this is typically coverage added via endorsement
- Advertising Injury – Coverage for accidental copyright infringement in your marketing materials
Standard policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, which meets most commercial contract requirements.
General Liability Quote Benchmarks are for drywall contractor class Code 92338 – Commercial & Residential Remodel Covers drywall installation and taping for existing residential remodeling and all commercial work.
National Quote Ranges for Drywall Contractors
| Annual Revenue | National Average Quote | Favorable Rate Quote | Potential Savings | Low % of Revenue | High % of Revenue |
| $50,000 | $1,400 | $570 | 59% | 0.6% | 1.2% |
| $150,000 | $3,110 | $1,290 | 59% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| $500,000 | $9,510 | $3,790 | 60% | 3.5% | 8.7% |
Quote percentages typically range from 0.6% to 8.7% of revenue, depending on your claims history, experience, and safety practices.
The wide range between average and favorable quotes shows that shopping multiple carriers can save up to 60% on your general liability insurance. For detailed state-specific costs and requirements, see our comprehensive state-by-state guide on drywall contractor insurance costs.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Drywall Contractors
Workers’ compensation is mandatory in most states once you hire your first employee. Drywall contractors face premium rates from $3.50 to $10 per $100 of payroll – higher than many trades due to the physical demands and injury risks of the work.
Common Classification Codes
- Code 5445 – Wallboard Installation: Primary code for drywall contractors installing sheetrock, taping, and finishing. Includes metal stud framing
- Code 5480 – Plastering/Interior: For interior plastering, drywall finishing, and acoustic ceiling work
Key Workplace Risks The high premiums reflect significant injury exposures:
- Back and shoulder injuries from lifting heavy drywall sheets and overhead work
- Falls from scaffolding and ladders
- Respiratory issues from drywall dust exposure
- Repetitive stress injuries from continuous physical labor
- Cuts from tools and metal studs
Reducing Your Premiums Contractors can save on premiums by:
- Implementing documented safety programs with regular training
- Providing proper PPE including dust masks and safety glasses
- Using mechanical lifts for heavy sheets when possible
- Maintaining a clean claims history
- Shopping multiple carriers for competitive rates
Important Notes
- Most states require coverage even for subcontractors and 1099 workers
- Accurate classification is critical – misclassification can result in costly audits
- Premium rates vary significantly by state due to different workers’ comp systems
Commercial Auto Insurance for Drywall Contractors
Commercial auto coverage is essential for any vehicle used for business, including personal trucks hauling materials. Standard limits of $100K/$300K/$100K may not adequately protect contractors transporting expensive equipment and materials. Consider higher limits for better protection against liability claims.
Tools & Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine)
Protects your specialized drywall equipment wherever it goes:
- Automatic taping tools and power sanders
- Spray equipment for texture application
- Scaffolding and lifts
- Material handling equipment
Premiums depend on equipment value, storage security, and claims history. Most policies cover theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance both on job sites and in transit.
Installation Floater Insurance
Provides critical coverage for materials from delivery through installation:
- Materials in transit to job sites
- Stored materials awaiting installation
- Materials during the installation process
Commercial projects with fire-rated and specialty materials often require higher coverage limits due to material costs.
Risk Management Tips for Lower Premiums
Reduce premiums 15-30% by implementing:
- Written contracts with clear scope and terms
- Regular safety meetings covering dust protection, lifting techniques, and tool safety
- Proper material storage procedures to prevent damage
- Equipment maintenance logs and inspection records
- Employee certifications in safety and installation techniques
Key tip: Insurance carriers reward contractors who can demonstrate documented safety procedures and professional training programs with significantly lower rates.
Drywall Contractor Insurance Quotes from ContractorNerd
Finding the right insurance coverage at competitive rates requires navigating a complex market of carriers, classifications, and coverage options. At ContractorNerd, we’ve built a proprietary quote platform specifically designed for contractors like you.
Our platform connects you with contractor-friendly insurers who understand the unique risks of drywall work – from heavy material handling to dust exposure to installation liability. These carriers specialize in construction trades and offer more competitive quotes than generalist insurers.
What sets us apart:
- Tech-enabled platform that compares multiple carriers instantly
- Specialized agents who understand drywall contractor operations
- Access to exclusive markets not available to general agencies
- Real-time quotes based on your specific business profile
We know which carriers offer the best quotes for new residential work versus commercial projects, and which provide the most comprehensive equipment coverage.
Get your customized insurance quotes today through ContractorNerd’s platform. In just minutes, you’ll receive competitive quotes from multiple carriers, all tailored to your specific drywall business needs. Don’t leave your business exposed or overpay for coverage – let our technology and expertise work for you.
Start your quote now and discover why drywall contractors trust ContractorNerd for their insurance needs.
Drywall Contractor Insurance FAQs
Do you need insurance to hang drywall?
Yeah, you’ll need general liability at minimum – most commercial jobs require $1M/$2M limits just to bid. Once you hire your first guy, workers’ comp is legally required in most states. If you’re solo, you can get by with GL and tools coverage, but bigger projects may require bonds too.
How much is drywall insurance?
General liability runs anywhere from $570 to $9,510 annually depending on revenue – that’s typically 0.6% to 8.7% of what you bring in. Workers’ comp hits harder at $3.50-$10 per $100 of payroll. A $150k revenue business usually pays around $3,110 for GL.
What insurance covers drywall repair?
Your general liability covers damage from drywall work – like if you punch through existing walls or materials fall and damage floors. Completed operations (usually an endorsement) protects you after the job’s done if drywall fails. Installation floater covers materials during install, and professional liability handles finishing work errors.
What insurance codes do drywall contractors use?
You’ll get classified under Code 92338 for commercial and residential remodel work. For workers’ comp, it’s Code 5445 for wallboard installation including metal studs, or Code 5480 if you do plastering and acoustic ceilings. Wrong classification means expensive audits, so get it right.