Painting Business Insurance Cost & Quotes (2026)
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Painter insurance typically costs between $4,560 and $19,600 annually for a $500K operation with $200K in payroll. That range comes down to two factors: what coverage you need and where you operate.
Every painting contractor needs two core policies. General liability (GL) covers third-party property damage and bodily injury claims, while workers’ compensation (WC) protects employees and is mandatory in most states once you hire.
But here’s what most painters don’t realize: your zip code can cost you more than your claims history.
A painter in North Dakota might pay $4,560 annually for full coverage. That same contractor in New York would face over $19,600. Location alone creates a $15,000 gap.
General liability scales with revenue, typically running 0.7% to 1.5% annually. Workers’ compensation is where it gets painful. Your Class Code 5474 rate depends on your state:
North Dakota: $2.54 per $100 of payroll New York: $13.20 per $100 of payroll
On $200,000 in payroll, that’s $5,080 versus $26,400 for rolling the same walls and spraying the same trim.
The silver lining: Strategic shopping can cut GL premiums by 34% to 46%. We show you where those opportunities exist, state by state.
Learn more about painter insurance to ensure comprehensive protection.
Painters performing mixed work should understand related classifications. Exterior prep may trigger carpentry insurance considerations. Drywall repair could affect drywall contractor insurance pricing. Pressure washing might invoke pressure washing coverage costs.
These benchmarks come from ContractorNerd’s analysis of painting business insurance quotes. See methodology
General Liability Premium Ranges:
National Average
0.7% to 1.5% of annual revenue
Favorable Markets
0.7% to 1.5% of annual revenue
Potential Savings
34% to 46% of current GL premium possible when moving from average to favorable market rates
Workers’ Compensation Rates
Class 5474
Painting
$2.54 to $13.20 per $100 payroll
Six Major Cost Drivers
Classification Codes
GL codes 98304/98305 and WC code 5474 set your base rates; proper classification can save thousands annually
Years in Business
Primarily affects GL rates; painters with 10+ years typically pay less than those under 5 years
Subcontractor Usage
Impacts both GL (uninsured sub exposure) and WC (payroll audits)
Business Size
GL scales with revenue; WC scales with payroll. High-efficiency operations benefit from better ratios
Claims History
GL claims affect rates for 3-5 years; WC claims impact your experience modification factor
Geographic Location
Creates 420% WC variation alone; GL varies by litigation environment and carrier competition
Painter General Liability Insurance Rates
Combined Interior/Exterior Painting Operations (GL Codes 98304/98305)
Most painting contractors perform both interior and exterior work, resulting in blended general liability rates. This classification covers residential repaints, commercial tenant improvements, and new construction finishes, with rates varying based on project mix.
Revenue Level
National Average
Favorable Rate
Potential Savings
High % of Revenue
$150,000
$2,090
$1,370
34%
0.9% to 2.0%
$500,000
$5,380
$3,190
41%
0.7% to 1.5%
$1,000,000
$10,510
$5,660
46%
0.7% to 1.6%
*Potential savings represent the possible reduction when moving from average to favorable market rates
GL Risk Advantages
for Residential Work
Controlled indoor environments reduce weather-related claims
Direct homeowner relationships enable clear communication
Limited catastrophic loss potential from standard brush and roller work
Predictable completed operations exposure
GL Risk Challenges
for Residential Work
Overspray incidents onto vehicles and landscaping
Property damage from ladder placement on surfaces
Color matching disputes discovered after project completion
Tool theft from work vehicles and jobsites
GL Risk Advantages
for Commercial Work
Controlled jobsite access reduces public exposure
General contractor oversight of safety protocols
Clear project specifications minimize scope disputes
Newer buildings reduce lead paint complications
GL Risk Challenges
for Commercial Work
Heights increase severity of fall-related claims
Business interruption claims from project delays
Multi-trade coordination complications
Contractual liability from indemnification clauses
GL Risk Challenges
for Residential Work
Water damage claims from fixture failures
Mold allegations from undetected leaks
Limited public exposure during off-hours work
Lower average claim severity than new construction
for Commercial Work
for Residential Work
Controlled jobsite access reduces public exposure
General contractor oversight of safety protocols
Clear project specifications minimize scope disputes
Newer building materials reduce corrosion claims
Workers’ Compensation Note: Painting contractors typically classify under 5474 with rates varying dramatically by state from $2.54 to $13.20 per $100 payroll. Those performing significant work above two stories or on metal structures may have split classifications under code 5037.
Painter Insurance Cost by State
50-State Interactive Heat Maps – General Liability & Workers Comp Analysis
Most painting contractors operate across both residential repaint and commercial construction markets. The data below reflects a typical blend of these operations, with rates varying based on the specific mix of interior and exterior work performed.
Painter Insurance Cost Metrics by State
Explore insurance costs and savings opportunities across the United States
Show State-by-State Data
| State | GL Premium Range | GL Savings % | GL Competitiveness | WC Rate (Class 5474) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 0.40% - 0.90% | 35.90% | 0 | $5.90 |
| Alabama | 0.70% - 1.20% | 27.70% | 90 | $5.55 |
| Arkansas | 0.40% - 1.30% | 46.00% | 50 | $2.81 |
| Arizona | 0.40% - 1.60% | 58.10% | 20 | $4.87 |
| California | 0.70% - 1.30% | 35.80% | 10 | $7.98 |
| Colorado | 0.30% - 0.80% | 55.60% | 40 | $4.60 |
| Connecticut | 0.40% - 1.30% | 46.90% | 30 | $7.97 |
| Delaware | 0.50% - 1.40% | 32.00% | 50 | $7.08 |
| Florida | 0.50% - 1.20% | 29.50% | 20 | $7.14 |
| Georgia | 0.60% - 1.90% | 47.30% | 100 | $12.23 |
| Hawaii | 2.10% - 3.10% | 22.60% | 0 | $7.48 |
| Iowa | 0.50% - 1.20% | 36.20% | 10 | $6.62 |
| Idaho | 0.70% - 1.10% | 17.00% | 50 | $8.85 |
| Illinois | 0.40% - 1.30% | 46.90% | 40 | $5.97 |
| Indiana | 0.30% - 0.90% | 41.40% | 50 | $2.60 |
| Kansas | 0.30% - 1.30% | 44.40% | 40 | $4.03 |
| Kentucky | 0.20% - 1.10% | 65.20% | 20 | $4.00 |
| Louisiana | 0.30% - 2.10% | 69.70% | 10 | $6.92 |
| Massachusetts | 0.60% - 1.00% | 27.90% | 50 | $4.05 |
| Maryland | 0.70% - 1.40% | 33.90% | 80 | $4.16 |
| Maine | 0.40% - 1.10% | 45.50% | 20 | $7.55 |
| Michigan | 0.50% - 1.10% | 43.20% | 50 | $5.12 |
| Minnesota | 0.70% - 1.90% | 41.70% | 80 | $7.87 |
| Missouri | 1.40% - 2.40% | 29.00% | 50 | $6.70 |
| Mississippi | 0.90% - 1.50% | 23.80% | 50 | $4.33 |
| Montana | 0.40% - 1.30% | 42.20% | 20 | $8.23 |
| North Carolina | 1.30% - 1.90% | 13.00% | 40 | $6.91 |
| North Dakota | 0.40% - 1.10% | 43.90% | 30 | $2.54 |
| Nebraska | 1.20% - 2.00% | 29.30% | 20 | $6.08 |
| New Hampshire | 0.70% - 1.10% | 17.60% | 20 | $7.28 |
| New Jersey | 0.30% - 0.90% | 42.90% | 80 | $12.59 |
| New Mexico | 0.30% - 1.20% | 57.80% | 50 | $5.38 |
| Nevada | 0.30% - 0.90% | 60.00% | 10 | $4.57 |
| New York | 0.40% - 1.10% | 28.90% | 0 | $13.20 |
| Ohio | 0.60% - 1.70% | 47.80% | 80 | $3.93 |
| Oklahoma | 0.50% - 2.10% | 62.70% | 70 | $6.27 |
| Oregon | 0.50% - 1.70% | 46.80% | 70 | $3.62 |
| Pennsylvania | 0.70% - 2.10% | 37.90% | 70 | $8.35 |
| Rhode Island | 0.60% - 1.90% | 60.60% | 40 | $8.10 |
| South Carolina | 0.40% - 1.40% | 53.40% | 90 | $8.43 |
| South Dakota | 0.40% - 1.30% | 54.20% | 50 | $5.15 |
| Tennessee | 0.60% - 1.10% | 22.70% | 100 | $4.42 |
| Texas | 0.50% - 1.10% | 21.20% | 90 | $2.96 |
| Utah | 0.50% - 1.50% | 35.80% | 80 | $4.38 |
| Virginia | 0.30% - 0.70% | 37.00% | 100 | $4.67 |
| Vermont | 0.40% - 1.00% | 34.40% | 10 | $8.36 |
| Washington | 0.20% - 1.30% | 61.50% | 20 | $5.48 |
| Wisconsin | 0.40% - 1.20% | 51.00% | 70 | $7.66 |
| West Virginia | 0.40% - 1.60% | 54.00% | 30 | $3.10 |
| Wyoming | 0.60% - 1.00% | 17.90% | 30 | $3.48 |
The four heat maps above provide instant visual insight into painting contractor insurance costs across all 50 states:
1. GL Premium Ranges – Visualize how general liability costs as a percentage of revenue vary nationwide, from as low as 0.7% in competitive markets to over 2.0% in high-cost states. Darker shades indicate higher premium ranges, helping you benchmark your current costs against regional averages.
2. GL Savings Opportunities – Discover potential premium reductions available through strategic shopping, ranging from 34% to over 46% depending on your state. This map reveals where shopping efforts yield the greatest returns.
3. Carrier Competition Levels – Unchanged
4. WC Rates per $100 Payroll – Compare workers’ compensation costs for painting Code 5474 across all states, from North Dakota’s nation-leading $2.54 to New York’s $13.20. This dramatic 420% variation significantly impacts total labor costs and competitive positioning.
What Does Painter Liability Insurance Cover?
Understanding GL Limit Structures
General liability limits significantly impact both premium costs and protection adequacy. Most painting contractors choose between three standard limit configurations:
$500K
Per Occurrence
$1M Limits
Aggregate
Suitable for smaller residential repaint work
Typical premium impact: Base rate
May not meet commercial contract requirements
$1M
Per Occurrence
$2M Limits
Aggregate
Industry standard for most painting contractors
Typical premium impact: No increase from base rate
Meets most residential and light commercial requirements
$2M
Per Occurrence
$4M Limits
Aggregate
Required for large commercial projects and municipal work
Typical premium impact: Moderate to significant increase from base rate
Often achieved through primary plus umbrella coverage
Deductible Strategies
Deductible selection provides premium flexibility while requiring careful cash flow consideration:
$0 Deductible
Maximum insurer responsibility from first dollar
Appropriate for new businesses with limited reserves
Premium impact: Base rate
$2,000 Deductible
Eliminates nuisance claims while preserving major loss protection
Provides minor to modest premium reduction
Requires maintaining operating reserves
Specialized Painting Endorsements
Faulty Workmanship Coverage
Available as a GL endorsement with sublimits, this coverage addresses allegations of improper surface prep, paint failure, or color matching errors. Critical for contractors providing specialty finishes, exterior work, or projects requiring specific coating systems beyond standard applications.
Tools & Equipment Coverage
While often available as a GL endorsement for hand tools, contractors with significant equipment investments should consider separate inland marine policies. Painters carrying airless sprayers, scaffolding, lifts, and pressure washers typically need substantial tool coverage.
How to Lower Your Painter Insurance Cost
Strategic Shopping Timeline
General Liability Renewal Approach
Begin shopping 75-90 days before renewal to allow proper underwriting and negotiation. Submit applications to 5-7 carriers simultaneously, emphasizing safety programs and claims-free history. Avoid last-minute shopping which limits options and prevents premium financing arrangement if needed.
Workers’ Compensation Timing
Start WC shopping 60 days prior to renewal, particularly when seeking alternative rating factors or retro programs. With Code 5474 rates varying 420% by state, carriers need time to properly evaluate your operations. Coordinate WC renewal with GL when possible to maximize account credits.
Workers’ Compensation Optimization Strategies
Classification Code Management
Proper employee classification can generate substantial savings. A painter with $200,000 payroll in New York at $13.20 per $100 pays $26,400 annually. The same payroll in North Dakota at $2.54 per $100 costs only $5,080. Document time allocation through daily work logs and separate payroll records by work height and project type.
Payroll Segregation Tactics
Separate clerical employees from field classification for significant savings. A $40,000 clerical salary saves thousands when properly classified versus Code 5474 field rates. Maintain detailed records showing physical separation from painting operations. Estimators and project managers who never perform field work may qualify for lower-rated codes.
Experience Modification Management
Focus on claims under $10,000 which disproportionately impact mod calculations. Implement return-to-work programs reducing lost time claims. Consider deductible programs to eliminate frequency-driven mod increases. A 0.80 mod versus 1.20 mod saves 33% on manual premium.
Premium Audit Preparation
Organize records by classification code before audit. Exclude overtime premium from payroll calculations. Document subcontractor certificates of insurance. Proper audit preparation prevents unexpected additional premiums and supports classification arguments.
General Liability Cost Reduction
General Liability Renewal Approach
Formalized safety programs with weekly toolbox talks, documented training, and written procedures support premium credits. Focus on ladder safety, fall prevention, and overspray procedures given painting-specific exposures. OSHA 10/30 certifications and lead-safe work practices demonstrate sophistication carriers reward.
Subcontractor Management
Require certificates showing appropriate GL limits from all subs. Implement written agreements transferring liability. Track insurance compliance through dedicated software. Uninsured subcontractor exposure can significantly increase GL premiums.
Claims Management
Report claims immediately regardless of perceived merit. Investigate and photograph all incidents thoroughly. Never admit liability or promise payments. Maintain 5-year claims history documentation for underwriting credits.
Contract Review Protocols
Avoid blanket hold harmless agreements accepting others’ negligence. Limit liquidated damages to reasonable amounts. Require mutual waiver of subrogation on larger projects. Poor contracts create uninsurable exposures affecting renewals.
Methodology
Data Source
These insurance cost benchmarks come from ContractorNerd’s proprietary analysis of painting contractor insurance quotes across all 50 states, representing thousands of pricing data points. As a licensed insurance agency, we have direct access to actual carrier pricing from A-rated insurers.
What the Numbers Represent
- General liability premiums: Actual market rates shown as a percentage of revenue, reflecting low-end and high-end pricing (0.7% to 1.5% nationally)
- Workers’ compensation rates: Current manual rates for NCCI classification 5474 (Painting), before experience modifications or schedule credits
- GL classification codes: 98304/98305 (Combined Interior/Exterior Painting Operations)
- Revenue tiers: $150K, $500K, and $1M annual revenue
- Savings calculations: Difference between national average and favorable market rates
Assumptions
- Standard coverage forms ($1M/$2M GL limits)
- Clean claims history (no claims in past 3 years)
- No significant endorsement modifications
- Standard painting operations (residential repaints, commercial tenant improvements, new construction finishes)
Limitations
These rates are for informational and comparative purposes only. Your actual premium will depend on your specific business characteristics, claims history, location, work height, and carrier underwriting. Get a personalized quote for accurate pricing.