For plastering and stucco contractors, comprehensive insurance coverage is essential to protect against the unique risks associated with both interior and exterior finishing work. The specialized nature of plastering and stucco work—from ornamental plastering in historic buildings to modern exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS)—presents distinct challenges and potential liabilities. Application errors can lead to moisture infiltration, cracking, delamination, or structural issues that may not become apparent until months after project completion.
Finding the right plasterers insurance can be complex due to the specialized nature of the trade. ContractorNerd’s proprietary quote platform connects you with contractor-friendly insurers who understand your specific risks. Our team of tech-enabled and specialized agents streamlines the insurance shopping process, helping you compare multiple quotes quickly and efficiently.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- Insurance requirements by business stage – from sole proprietor to established contractor
- General liability quotes and coverage details – Class Code 98449, quotes ranging from 1.4% to 10%+ of annual revenue
- Workers’ compensation requirements – NCCI Code 5022, rates of $5-7 per $100 payroll
- Additional coverage options – commercial auto, tools & equipment, and bonding
This comprehensive guide explores essential insurance policies for plasterers and stucco professionals and expected quotes based on industry data across the US.
Ready to compare quotes from multiple insurers? Let ContractorNerd’s specialized team help you secure comprehensive plasterers and stucco contractor insurance coverage that fits your business needs. Get your quotes today.
What Insurance Do Plastering and Stucco Contractors Need?
Starting Out as a Sole Proprietor
- General Liability – Covers you if your work damages property or someone gets hurt on the job.
- Tools & Equipment Coverage – Protects your mixers, scaffolding, and tools from theft or damage.
- Commercial Auto – Required if you use your vehicle for work (hauling materials, tools, etc.).
Growing Small Business with Your First Employee
Everything above, plus:
- Workers’ Comp – Required by law when you have employees. Covers medical bills if workers get injured.
- Excess Liability Coverage – More protection for bigger jobs and higher dollar amounts.
- Bonding – Required for many commercial jobs.
- Property Insurance – If you have a workshop or storage space.
Established Business with Multiple Employees and Projects
Everything above, plus:
- Better Property Coverage – For larger facilities and more equipment.
- EPLI Coverage – Covers lawsuits from employees (discrimination, harassment, etc.).
- Cyber Protection – If you handle customer payments or data online.
General Liability Insurance for Plaster & Stucco Contractors
What General Liability Covers:
- Property damage you cause while working
- Bodily injury to others on job sites
- Legal defense costs if you’re sued
- Standard coverage limits: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Understanding Your Classification Code (98449)
Insurance companies use classification codes to group similar businesses and assess risk levels. Your code determines your base rates and what work is automatically covered.
Class Code 98449 – Plaster & Stucco Work typically covers:
- Exterior plastering and stucco on commercial buildings
- Buildings up to 3 stories in height only
- Standard application techniques and materials
What’s typically NOT covered under this code:
- Residential work (houses, condos, apartments)
- EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems)
- Swimming pools, spas, or decorative ponds
- Epoxy applications on foundations or building walls
Why This Matters: If you do work outside your classification, you might not have coverage. Always tell your insurance agent about all types of work you perform – you may need additional codes or endorsements.
Plaster & Stucco Contractor Quotes
Your general liability quotes depend heavily on your annual revenue and risk profile. Commercial exterior work up to 3 stories typically gets the most favorable rates.
| Revenue Level | National Average Quote | Favorable Rate | Potential Savings |
| $50,000 | $2,990 | $1,600 | 46% |
| $150,000 | $7,260 | $4,850 | 33% |
| $500,000 | $21,290 | $14,640 | 31% |
Quote ranges typically fall between 1.4% to 19.4% of annual revenue, with most contractors paying 3-6% for standard commercial work.
Important: These quotes are for exterior commercial plastering and stucco work only (buildings up to 3 stories). Residential work, EIFS systems, pools/spas, and epoxy foundation work are typically excluded and require different coverage.
Get State-Specific Quotes: Insurance rates vary significantly by state due to different regulations and claim histories. Check our comprehensive state-by-state cost guide for detailed quotes in your area.
Our analysis of plasterers and stucco contractor insurance cost data shows that contractors working exclusively on commercial projects under three stories can achieve premium reductions ranging from 31% to 46% through strategic carrier selection and proper classification.
Workers’ Compensation for Plaster & Stucco Contractors
NCCI Class Code 5022 – Masonry NOC covers plastering, stucco, and exterior masonry work. Rates typically range from $5-7 per $100 of payroll.
Why You Need It: Plastering and stucco work involves significant injury risks including:
- Falls from scaffolding and elevated platforms
- Back injuries from heavy material handling
- Respiratory issues from dust and chemical exposure
- Chemical burns from caustic materials
Lower Your Rates:
- Implement safety training programs
- Maintain proper scaffolding and safety equipment
- Provide appropriate PPE to all workers
- Document safety procedures and incident reports
Remember: Workers’ comp is required by law in most states once you have employees, and rates vary significantly by state and your safety record.
Other Coverages to Consider
Commercial Auto Insurance Required if you use vehicles for work – hauling materials, equipment, or traveling to job sites. Standard limits: $100K/$300K/$100K (per person/per accident/property damage).
Tools & Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine) Protects your specialized equipment:
- Mixing and pumping equipment
- Scaffolding systems
- Texture sprayers and power tools
- Finishing equipment
Installation Floater Insurance Covers materials during the vulnerable period from delivery through application and curing. Essential for expensive stucco and specialty plaster projects.
Lower Your Premiums:
- Maintain detailed safety training and project documentation
- Use written contracts with specific terms
- Keep equipment properly maintained and calibrated
- Hold regular safety meetings on lifting, respiratory protection, and scaffolding safety
- Implement quality control measures for all applications
Get Your Plasterers and Stucco Contractor Insurance Quotes Today
Insurance shopping doesn’t have to be complicated. ContractorNerd’s proprietary quote platform takes the guesswork out of finding the right coverage for your plastering or stucco business. Rather than spending hours calling multiple agents or filling out lengthy forms, our platform connects you directly with contractor-friendly insurers who specialize in your trade.
Our tech-enabled and specialized agents understand the unique risks you face—from scaffolding injuries to material application errors. They work exclusively with insurers who know the plastering and stucco industry and can provide appropriate coverage for your specific work, whether you’re doing exterior commercial projects, residential work, or specialized applications like EIFS systems.
Why Choose ContractorNerd:
- One platform, multiple quotes – Compare options from specialized insurers
- Industry expertise – Agents who understand plastering and stucco risks
- Streamlined process – No more calling dozens of insurance companies
- Appropriate coverage matching – Get quotes tailored to your actual work scope
Ready to secure the coverage your business needs? Don’t let insurance complexity slow down your business growth. Get your personalized quotes today and discover how easy insurance shopping can be with the right platform and specialized support.
Plasterer and Stucco Contractor Insurance FAQs
What insurance do I need as a plasterer?
At minimum, you’ll need general liability insurance to cover property damage and injuries. Once you hire employees, workers’ comp becomes mandatory (NCCI Code 5022, runs $5-7 per $100 payroll). Most contractors also grab commercial auto and tools coverage to protect their mixers, scaffolding, and equipment from theft.
How much does insurance cost for plasterers and stucco contractors?
General liability typically runs 3-6% of your annual revenue for standard commercial work. So if you’re pulling in $150K yearly, expect to pay around $7,260 for coverage. Rates vary wildly by state though.
What insurance codes do plasterers and stucco contractors use?
You’ll use Class Code 98449 for general liability, which covers exterior plastering and stucco on commercial buildings up to 3 stories. Workers’ comp falls under NCCI Code 5022. Heads up – residential work, EIFS systems, and pool work usually aren’t covered under 98449 and need additional endorsements.