As a handyman in California, having proper insurance coverage is essential for protecting your business, meeting state requirements, and securing jobs. This guide breaks down the core insurance types California handymen need, with costs based on our analysis of actual quotes from leading carriers.

For more information on handyman insurance, visit our comprehensive overview.

General Liability Insurance for California Handymen

Based on analysis of over 850 quotes from leading carriers, here are typical costs for California handymen:

Revenue SizeAverage Premium% of RevenueFavorable RatePotential Savings
$150K$4,3002.90%$2,24048%
$500K$8,7901.80%$6,15030%
$1M$18,7001.90%$13,60027%

These premiums assume:

  • Clean claims history (5+ years without incidents)
  • $1M/$2M coverage limits
  • Class code 91344 for basic repair work under $2,500
  • 10% subcontractor costs

Worker’s Compensation Insurance for California Handymen

California requires workers’ compensation for handymen with employees. Based on analysis, California handymen typically pay $3,598 per employee annually.

Key factors affecting premiums:

  • $8,460 per $100,000 of payroll (moderate compared to other states)
  • Experience modifier rating impacts rates
  • Safety programs can reduce premiums
  • Claims history affects costs

Additional Business Insurance for Handymen in California

1. Tools & Equipment Insurance

  • Annual premiums: $200-$2,000
  • Policy limits: $5,000-$15,000+
  • Per-item limit typically $5,000

2. Commercial Auto Insurance

  • Cost: $1,500-$3,050 per vehicle annually
  • Standard limits: $100K/$300K/$100K
  • Higher limits recommended ($500K-$1M)

3. Contractor’s E&O Insurance

  • Annual premiums: $300-$1,000
  • Policy limits: $100,000-$1M+
  • Covers faulty repairs claims

4. Surety Bonds

  • Bond amounts: $5,000-$25,000
  • Premium: 1-3% of bond amount
  • Rates vary by credit score

5. Commercial Property Insurance

  • Cost: $1,000-$5,000 annually
  • Protects workshops and storage
  • Coverage based on property value

Get California Handyman Liability with ContractorNerd

ContractorNerd specializes in handyman insurance solutions with:

  • Instant online quotes from leading carriers
  • Data-driven pricing analysis
  • Specialized handyman expertise
  • Streamlined application process
  • Ongoing policy support

Our analysis shows typical savings:

  • Small operations ($150K revenue): 30-50%
  • Mid-size ($500K revenue): 25-40%
  • Large operations ($1M+ revenue): 20-35%

Contact us today for competitive quotes and expert guidance for your handyman business insurance needs.