Getting the right insurance is a must to protect your business. General liability insurance is key in case your work accidentally causes damage or injury to clients or anyone else. Without enough coverage, just one lawsuit could put you out of business.
This guide is tailored for handymen — it covers what’s in a policy, typical costs, and how to get insured. For additional detail on GL, please read our General Liability Insurance for Contractors Guide.
To help you out, we’ve also analyzed a sample of 714 handyman liability insurance quotes from top companies across the country for different size businesses. Your exact price may be different based on your specific risks, but this overview gives you a good benchmark Use this info to make smarter choices about coverage.
What is Handyman Liability Insurance and What Does it Cover?
General liability insurance protects your business from lawsuits related to accidents, injuries, or property damage that might happen while you’re working. If you accidentally damage a client’s property or if someone gets hurt because of your work, they could sue you. General liability insurance would cover the costs of defending you in court and paying for any damages or medical bills, up to the limits of your policy. Handyman work comes with risks, like:
- Damaging floors, walls, or appliances during repairs
- Tools or materials falling and injuring someone
- Improper wiring causing a fire
- Plumbing leaks leading to water damage
- Someone tripping over your tools or cords
General liability insurance protects you from:
- Bodily injury: Medical costs and damages if someone is injured due to your work.
- Property damage: Repair expenses if you accidentally damage a client’s property.
- Personal injury: Defends against lawsuits related to negligence or reputation harm.
- Completed operations: Covers injury/damage claims that arise after you finish a project.
What Handyman Risks Are NOT Covered By General Liability Insurance?
When it comes to general liability insurance, it’s important to know what’s not covered. Here’s the scoop:
- If you do work you’re not trained or licensed for, you’re not covered.
- If your own employees get hurt, that’s workers’ comp, not general liability.
- If you intentionally damage something or break the law, you’re not covered.
- Normal wear and tear or gradual damage over time isn’t covered.
- If the damage is from something that was already a problem before you started working, like a leaky roof, you’re not liable.
- If you mess up your own work, like installing a tile wrong, fixing it isn’t covered.
- Your own tools and equipment aren’t covered by general liability if they get damaged on the job. That’s what inland marine insurance is for.
- If you’re driving around for work and cause damage, that falls under commercial auto insurance, not general liability.
- If you sell or distribute any products and they cause problems, you need separate product liability insurance.
So, while general liability insurance is great, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why most handyman businesses need other types of insurance too, like workers’ comp, commercial auto, inland marine, and umbrella insurance.
ContractorNerd’s Study: Cost of General Liability For Handymen
As a handyman, it’s important to have liability insurance to protect your business. We looked into 714 GL quotes for handymen in different states and for various business sizes. While the numbers may not match your specific situation perfectly, they give you a rough idea of what to expect based on the size of your handyman business and where you work. Here’s a quick rundown of what we discovered.
While precise rates are highly individualized, average annual premiums for handymen typically range from:
- Sole Proprietor Handyman ($150K Revenue) – $1,700 to $7,000
- Medium Handyman Contractor ($500K Revenue) – $4,300 to $17,000
- Large Handyman Contractor ($1M Revenue) – $8,900 to $47,000
For a sole proprietor handyman grossing around $150K per year, a typical insurance premium may be around $3,300 annually, while a 3-person contractor doing $500K in revenue may pay $9,000.
New handyman ventures starting without history may pay 25%+ more initially, as insurers need time to evaluate the risk. After successfully operating for several years without incidents, premiums often decrease, reflecting a more favorable risk assessment.
Below is a table summarizing typical general liability insurance premiums for handymen and handyman contractors based on a sample of states. Each scenario assumes the following for each revenue size:
- $150K Revenue: Assumes 1 owner with ~10% subcontracting costs and 4+ years of operating without claims.
- $500K Revenue: Assumes 1 owner and 2-3 employees with ~10% subcontracting costs and 4+ years of operating without claims.
- $1M Revenue: Assumes 1 owner and 5-6 employees with ~10% subcontracting costs and 4+ years of operating without claims.
Average General Liability Insurance Premiums for Handyman
| State | $150K Revenue | $500K Revenue | $1M Revenue |
| Alabama | $3,300 | $8,900 | $18,500 |
| Alaska | $1,900 | $4,700 | $10,200 |
| Arizona | $2,400 | $6,900 | $14,700 |
| Arkansas | $2,200 | $6,100 | $12,300 |
| California | $4,200 | $8,800 | $19,000 |
| Colorado | $3,300 | $8,100 | $16,500 |
| Connecticut | $4,900 | $13,900 | $28,700 |
| Delaware | $4,800 | $11,500 | $24,400 |
| Florida | $3,700 | $10,600 | $23,000 |
| Georgia | $2,400 | $5,500 | $11,000 |
| Hawaii | $2,600 | $7,300 | $15,400 |
| Idaho | $2,300 | $6,300 | $13,100 |
| Illinois | $4,900 | $13,500 | $28,300 |
| Indiana | $2,600 | $7,700 | $15,200 |
| Iowa | $2,200 | $6,600 | $13,400 |
| Kansas | $2,700 | $7,900 | $16,600 |
| Kentucky | $2,500 | $7,100 | $14,200 |
| Louisiana | $7,100 | $17,400 | $47,000 |
| Maine | $2,800 | $7,600 | $16,000 |
| Maryland | $2,100 | $5,600 | $11,700 |
| Massachusetts | $2,900 | $8,300 | $17,200 |
| Michigan | $2,600 | $7,400 | $15,400 |
| Minnesota | $2,700 | $8,800 | $17,900 |
| Mississippi | $3,800 | $11,300 | $22,600 |
| Missouri | $2,700 | $7,400 | $15,000 |
| Montana | $3,200 | $7,600 | $15,300 |
| Nebraska | $2,400 | $7,700 | $15,500 |
| Nevada | $5,000 | $13,400 | $27,600 |
| New Hampshire | $3,600 | $10,000 | $19,800 |
| New Jersey | $5,700 | $16,200 | $33,900 |
| New Mexico | $3,500 | $10,400 | $19,300 |
| New York | $5,300 | $13,000 | $25,600 |
| North Carolina | $2,200 | $5,800 | $12,100 |
| North Dakota | $2,900 | $8,800 | $18,200 |
| Ohio | $2,300 | $7,100 | $14,100 |
| Oklahoma | $2,300 | $7,000 | $14,200 |
| Oregon | $2,700 | $7,100 | $15,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $7,000 | $16,500 | $36,400 |
| Rhode Island | $4,200 | $11,300 | $23,000 |
| South Carolina | $5,500 | $13,800 | $29,400 |
| South Dakota | $3,800 | $11,000 | $22,300 |
| Tennessee | $2,900 | $7,600 | $16,100 |
| Texas | $2,900 | $7,700 | $16,200 |
| Utah | $2,700 | $7,800 | $16,200 |
| Vermont | $2,300 | $6,900 | $14,700 |
| Virginia | $1,700 | $4,300 | $8,900 |
| Washington | $3,500 | $9,200 | $18,800 |
| West Virginia | $4,000 | $10,700 | $26,800 |
| Wisconsin | $2,800 | $8,800 | $18,600 |
| Wyoming | $1,900 | $5,800 | $12,400 |
These figures should be used as a guide, and specific premiums can vary based on factors like location, type of handyman services offered, and other unique characteristics of the business. It may be beneficial to consult with an insurance professional who specializes in the handyman industry to get an accurate quote tailored to your particular situation.
Contractor Nerd’s Study: Potential Savings For Handyman Liability
Handymen, every job and business is different. That means standard insurance policies might not fit your needs – you could end up paying too much or not having enough coverage.
The key is working with an insurance agent who knows the handyman business. They can help tailor your coverage and find ways to save you money, like:
- Setting liability limits and deductibles that match your likely risks
- Making sure you have the right coverage timeframe for completed work
- Meeting special state or local insurance rules
- Adding extra coverage for things like your tools
- Getting you discounts or special policies
- Cutting out coverage you don’t need to lower your costs
With an agent’s help, you can avoid overpaying while still covering your biggest risks. Having that protection and peace of mind is a must for any smart handyman business owner.
To show you the difference it can make, check out the study below. The numbers we’ve gathered illustrate what you could save by working with an agent who specializes in insuring handymen like you.
Favorable Rates & Implied Savings on Handyman General Liability Insurance Premiums
| State | $150K Revenue | $500K Revenue | $1M Revenue | |||
| Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | |
| Alabama | $1,700 | 48% | $6,100 | 31% | $11,400 | 38% |
| Alaska | $1,400 | 26% | $4,600 | 55% | $9,100 | 11% |
| Arizona | $1,300 | 46% | $4,200 | 71% | $9,000 | 39% |
| Arkansas | $800 | 64% | $2,100 | 83% | $4,900 | 60% |
| California | $1,400 | 67% | $4,600 | 76% | $11,000 | 42% |
| Colorado | $1,600 | 52% | $5,300 | 68% | $9,500 | 42% |
| Connecticut | $3,000 | 39% | $10,700 | 63% | $20,000 | 30% |
| Delaware | $2,000 | 58% | $6,500 | 73% | $12,000 | 51% |
| Florida | $2,500 | 32% | $7,200 | 69% | $15,900 | 31% |
| Georgia | $1,600 | 33% | $3,800 | 65% | $8,700 | 21% |
| Hawaii | $1,700 | 35% | $4,100 | 73% | $9,700 | 37% |
| Idaho | $1,400 | 39% | $4,300 | 67% | $9,200 | 30% |
| Illinois | $2,800 | 43% | $9,100 | 68% | $19,300 | 32% |
| Indiana | $1,600 | 38% | $3,800 | 75% | $8,800 | 42% |
| Iowa | $1,900 | 14% | $6,000 | 55% | $11,000 | 18% |
| Kansas | $1,900 | 30% | $7,100 | 57% | $13,400 | 19% |
| Kentucky | $1,500 | 40% | $3,600 | 75% | $8,600 | 39% |
| Louisiana | $3,200 | 55% | $9,800 | 79% | $21,400 | 54% |
| Maine | $1,700 | 39% | $5,700 | 64% | $10,600 | 34% |
| Maryland | $1,100 | 48% | $3,000 | 74% | $6,600 | 44% |
| Massachusetts | $1,600 | 45% | $5,200 | 70% | $9,500 | 45% |
| Michigan | $2,100 | 19% | $6,700 | 56% | $12,300 | 20% |
| Minnesota | $2,300 | 15% | $7,700 | 57% | $15,800 | 12% |
| Mississippi | $2,300 | 39% | $7,900 | 65% | $14,600 | 35% |
| Missouri | $2,300 | 15% | $6,500 | 57% | $8,700 | 42% |
| Montana | $1,700 | 47% | $3,900 | 75% | $5,400 | 65% |
| Nebraska | $1,800 | 25% | $5,900 | 62% | $11,800 | 24% |
| Nevada | $3,400 | 32% | $9,500 | 66% | $20,500 | 26% |
| New Hampshire | $2,000 | 44% | $5,700 | 71% | $12,100 | 39% |
| New Jersey | $4,400 | 23% | $13,400 | 60% | $29,400 | 13% |
| New Mexico | $2,400 | 31% | $7,800 | 60% | $14,300 | 26% |
| New York | $5,100 | 4% | $13,000 | 49% | $25,600 | 0% |
| North Carolina | $1,000 | 55% | $3,200 | 74% | $6,700 | 45% |
| North Dakota | $2,300 | 21% | $7,700 | 58% | $15,300 | 16% |
| Ohio | $1,800 | 22% | $6,500 | 54% | $12,500 | 11% |
| Oklahoma | $1,800 | 22% | $6,200 | 56% | $11,500 | 19% |
| Oregon | $1,100 | 59% | $3,300 | 79% | $6,900 | 55% |
| Pennsylvania | $4,000 | 43% | $12,500 | 66% | $27,600 | 24% |
| Rhode Island | $2,400 | 43% | $8,100 | 65% | $14,800 | 36% |
| South Carolina | $1,600 | 71% | $4,900 | 83% | $9,600 | 67% |
| South Dakota | $3,000 | 21% | $10,200 | 54% | $18,900 | 15% |
| Tennessee | $1,400 | 52% | $3,800 | 76% | $8,300 | 48% |
| Texas | $1,900 | 34% | $5,300 | 67% | $11,500 | 29% |
| Utah | $1,800 | 33% | $5,800 | 64% | $10,500 | 35% |
| Vermont | $1,900 | 17% | $6,300 | 57% | $12,600 | 14% |
| Virginia | $1,100 | 35% | $2,800 | 69% | $6,000 | 33% |
| Washington | $2,300 | 34% | $6,400 | 66% | $15,000 | 20% |
| West Virginia | $2,100 | 48% | $6,900 | 74% | $16,200 | 40% |
| Wisconsin | $2,100 | 25% | $7,400 | 60% | $17,600 | 5% |
| Wyoming | $1,300 | 32% | $4,400 | 65% | $9,400 | 24% |
Reducing Handyman Liability Premiums
The key is finding a balance between affordable premiums and the right coverage for the specific risks handymen face. With the right policy, you can have financial security and focus on doing quality work. When shopping for general liability insurance, look for an independent agent or broker who really knows the handyman business. They’re better than a standard insurer or local broker without this specialty. Here’s why:
- They work with lots of insurance companies, both big and small, that cater to handymen. This means more options for you.
- They can recommend special features or add-ons that fit the unique services handymen offer. You can get a policy that’s tailored to you.
- They can clearly explain all the details of the policy, like what’s covered, what’s not, and what the limits are. This insider knowledge is gold.
Working with a handyman insurance expert gives you access to more insurance carriers and a policy that’s custom-built for your specific needs and risks. This way, you get the best coverage and value for your money.
In addition to finding a great agent, there are a number of ways handymen can lower their insurance bills:
- Train your team on handyman safety, like using tools and ladders properly. This can mean fewer claims and lower rates.
- Join a handyman association. They might have group plans with better rates.
- Take classes on managing risks in the handyman business. It shows insurers you’re serious about safety.
- Choose a higher deductible where it makes sense. This can lower your premiums.
- Bundle your insurance policies (like liability, auto, property) with one company for discounts.
- Look into payment plans to spread out the cost over time.
- Work with an insurance broker who specializes in policies for handymen. They can shop around for the best deal.
- If your work is seasonal, see if you can pay only when you’re actively working on jobs.
Here you can learn more how a handyman can reduce general liability risks.
Get Handyman Liability Quotes and Insurance from ContractorNerd
Running a handyman business comes with risks. Make sure you have customized general liability coverage designed specifically for handymen.
At ContractorNerd, our online tools simplify getting quotes from top providers. Just input key details about your handyman services, locations, claims history and more. We’ll deliver tailored quotes for your review.
Our Platform Helps Handymen:
- Obtain general liability quotes tailored for handyman services
- Tailor limits to meet client requirements
- Access guidance from our network of licensed advisors
Don’t waste effort worrying about insurance. Connect with top providers in minutes for obligation-free quotes tailored to your needs.