Plumbers and plumbing contractors – getting the right insurance is crucial to protect your business. General liability insurance is a must-have in case your work accidentally causes damage or injury to clients or others. Without adequate coverage, a single lawsuit could shut down your business for good.
We’ve put together a guide specifically for you, covering what’s included in a policy, average costs, and how to get insured. For additional detail on GL, please read our in-depth guide on Liability Insurance for Contractors.
In addition, we’ve analyzed 770 plumber liability insurance quotes from top companies nationwide for plumbing businesses of various sizes. While your exact price and coverage may vary based on your specific risks, this overview provides a solid benchmark to help you make informed decisions about coverage.
What is Plumbers Liability Insurance?
As a plumber or plumbing contractor, you face risks every day on the job. General liability insurance, aka Plumbers Liability, is a must-have to safeguard your business from costly lawsuits and claims. What does it cover?
- Bodily injury: If someone gets hurt because of your work, like tripping over your tools, it covers their medical bills.
- Property damage: If you accidentally break something while working it pays for repairs or replacement.
- Personal injury: If you are sued for issues related to negligence or reputation harm.
- Completed operations: Covers injuries or damages that arise after you complete a project.
Plumbing work comes with high risks of property damage and injury. A burst pipe, gas leak, or sewage backup could lead to expensive lawsuits. Even with safety measures, accidents happen. General liability insurance gives you financial protection.
What Plumbing Risks Are NOT Covered By General Liability Insurance?
General liability insurance covers a lot, but not everything. Here are some things it usually doesn’t cover:
- Damage from work you’re not licensed or trained for.
- Injuries to your own employees (that’s what workers’ comp is for).
- Damage you cause on purpose or from doing something illegal.
- Damage from normal wear and tear or pipes slowly corroding over time.
- Mistakes in your work or damage to the work itself (like if you installed pipes wrong and they burst).
- Damage to your own tools and equipment.
- Accidents from driving (you need commercial auto insurance for that).
- Damage caused by products you installed after the job’s done (you need products liability insurance for that).
General liability insurance is important, but it doesn’t protect you from everything. Most plumbers also need other types of coverage, like Workers’ comp to cover injuries to your employees, commercial auto insurance for accidents in your work vehicles, inland marine insurance to protect your tools and equipment, and Umbrella insurance for extra protection in case of a big lawsuit. Having the right mix of insurance can help keep your business safe.
ContractorNerd’s Study: Cost of General Liability For Plumbers
As a plumber, having liability insurance is crucial to protect your business. We researched insurance costs with 770 quotes for plumbers in various states and for different business sizes. While the exact numbers may vary based on your specific situation, they provide a general idea of what you can expect to pay depending on the size of your plumbing business and your location. While precise rates are highly individualized, average annual premiums for plumbers typically range from:
- Sole Proprietor Plumber ($150K Revenue) – $3,000 to $7,000
- Small Plumbing Contractor ($500K Revenue) – $15,000 to $25,000
- Medium Plumbing Contractor ($1M Revenue) – $25,000 to $50,000
For a small plumbing contractor grossing around $500k per year, a typical premium may be in the $15k range, while a 5-person contractor doing $1 million in revenue may pay around $35k annually. Plans with $2 million coverage limits and no past claims often fall in the middle of these ranges.
New ventures beginning with no history may pay 25-50% more initially while insurers gauge risk. After successfully operating for several years with no incidents, premiums often decrease.
Here’s a table summarizing typical general liability insurance premiums for plumbers and plumbing contractors based on a sample of states. Each scenario assumes the following for each revenue size:
- $150K Revenue: Assumes 1 owner and 1 employee 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 4-5 employees with 10% subcontracting costs and 4 years of operating without claims.
Average Plumber General Liability Insurance Premiums by State
| State | $150K Revenue | $500K Revenue | $1M Revenue |
| Alabama | $7,600 | $23,300 | $45,600 |
| Alaska | $2,300 | $7,600 | $15,200 |
| Arizona | $7,400 | $20,200 | $43,000 |
| Arkansas | $5,600 | $22,600 | $34,300 |
| California | $6,200 | $31,100 | $50,500 |
| Colorado | $9,100 | $20,700 | $42,500 |
| Connecticut | $7,500 | $20,500 | $47,300 |
| Delaware | $6,600 | $17,200 | $34,900 |
| Florida | $5,900 | $27,400 | $63,300 |
| Georgia | $6,000 | $16,400 | $32,400 |
| Hawaii | $4,600 | $13,100 | $23,000 |
| Idaho | $5,900 | $24,200 | $29,600 |
| Illinois | $7,300 | $21,800 | $48,400 |
| Indiana | $7,200 | $23,300 | $48,400 |
| Iowa | $5,700 | $16,000 | $31,000 |
| Kansas | $8,800 | $13,400 | $31,200 |
| Kentucky | $7,100 | $19,300 | $39,100 |
| Louisiana | $12,100 | $41,800 | $80,600 |
| Maine | $5,900 | $16,200 | $30,900 |
| Maryland | $6,200 | $15,300 | $30,800 |
| Massachusetts | $6,300 | $16,300 | $31,400 |
| Michigan | $6,000 | $15,700 | $35,700 |
| Minnesota | $8,100 | $21,200 | $41,200 |
| Mississippi | $7,500 | $20,700 | $42,300 |
| Missouri | $5,400 | $14,200 | $27,700 |
| Montana | $8,000 | $24,700 | $51,400 |
| Nebraska | $5,000 | $12,800 | $25,900 |
| Nevada | $7,300 | $19,800 | $40,200 |
| New Hampshire | $7,500 | $19,300 | $38,800 |
| New Jersey | $11,200 | $31,100 | $57,900 |
| New Mexico | $7,500 | $22,300 | $44,900 |
| New York | $13,000 | $29,600 | $68,100 |
| North Carolina | $6,600 | $16,800 | $30,900 |
| North Dakota | $6,700 | $20,100 | $37,900 |
| Ohio | $5,700 | $13,700 | $26,700 |
| Oklahoma | $5,200 | $15,900 | $31,200 |
| Oregon | $8,900 | $21,000 | $44,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $9,400 | $28,000 | $55,300 |
| Rhode Island | $8,500 | $20,700 | $41,800 |
| South Carolina | $13,800 | $46,600 | $98,300 |
| South Dakota | $8,800 | $24,000 | $51,100 |
| Tennessee | $6,500 | $18,100 | $35,500 |
| Texas | $6,100 | $21,200 | $49,300 |
| Utah | $6,700 | $17,300 | $34,300 |
| Vermont | $6,200 | $16,000 | $32,500 |
| Virginia | $4,400 | $11,200 | $20,300 |
| Washington | $8,300 | $28,600 | $56,900 |
| West Virginia | $9,400 | $21,100 | $44,700 |
| Wisconsin | $7,100 | $18,500 | $36,500 |
| Wyoming | $6,200 | $16,800 | $34,300 |
As you see, premiums can vary significantly state to state. Not shown here is the significant differences in premiums across carriers. In many cases different carriers can price the same risk at a 2x+ multiple of another carrier. Clearly, it’s worthwhile to explore the market and understand how multiple carriers assess the risk of your plumbing business.
Contractor Nerd’s Study: Potential Savings for Plumbers Liability
Because risk profiles vary so much between contractors based on services, equipment, materials, locations, revenues, and past claims, standard “one size fits all” policies often leave plumbers underinsured or overpaying. Policy coverage is key.
Working with an independent insurance agent familiar with the plumbing industry helps structure tailored coverage and cost-saving measures like:
- Matching liability limits and deductibles to likely risk scenarios.
- Considering completed operations coverage timeframes.
- Meeting unique state/local insurance requirements.
- Incorporating relevant supplementary coverages like tools insurance.
- Tailoring policies or accessing group discounts.
- Excluding secondary risks when possible to lower premiums.
With professional guidance, plumbers avoid overpaying for unnecessary protections while still covering their largest liability risks. The peace of mind and sheer financial protection make general liability insurance an essential safeguard for any prudent plumbing business owner.
To better illustrate the value of working with an independent agent who specializes in working with plumbers and plumbing businesses, we’ve compiled some data below to illustrate what favorable insurance premiums look like and their implied savings as a percentage saving over the typical premiums above.
Favorable Rates & Implied Savings on Plumber General Liability Insurance Premiums
| State | $150K Revenue | $500K Revenue | $1M Revenue | |||
| Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | |
| Alabama | $4,100 | 46% | $11,100 | 52% | $18,500 | 59% |
| Alaska | $2,300 | 0% | $7,600 | 0% | $15,200 | 0% |
| Arizona | $3,200 | 57% | $16,300 | 19% | $28,000 | 35% |
| Arkansas | $4,600 | 18% | $15,700 | 31% | $23,200 | 32% |
| California | $3,100 | 50% | $21,100 | 32% | $44,600 | 12% |
| Colorado | $4,100 | 55% | $13,800 | 33% | $24,100 | 43% |
| Connecticut | $5,700 | 24% | $16,400 | 20% | $34,300 | 27% |
| Delaware | $5,700 | 14% | $12,600 | 27% | $21,100 | 40% |
| Florida | $2,600 | 56% | $23,800 | 13% | $60,400 | 5% |
| Georgia | $4,600 | 23% | $14,600 | 11% | $24,800 | 23% |
| Hawaii | $4,500 | 2% | $10,200 | 22% | $14,300 | 38% |
| Idaho | $4,300 | 27% | $13,900 | 43% | $21,000 | 29% |
| Illinois | $2,400 | 67% | $17,200 | 21% | $34,700 | 28% |
| Indiana | $4,100 | 43% | $18,900 | 19% | $43,600 | 10% |
| Iowa | $3,700 | 35% | $14,100 | 12% | $23,500 | 24% |
| Kansas | $3,600 | 59% | $4,100 | 69% | $18,800 | 40% |
| Kentucky | $3,900 | 45% | $7,200 | 63% | $16,000 | 59% |
| Louisiana | $8,200 | 32% | $18,200 | 56% | $30,500 | 62% |
| Maine | $4,500 | 24% | $14,100 | 13% | $24,600 | 20% |
| Maryland | $4,300 | 31% | $13,600 | 11% | $24,800 | 19% |
| Massachusetts | $3,700 | 41% | $7,400 | 55% | $16,300 | 48% |
| Michigan | $2,900 | 52% | $14,600 | 7% | $28,900 | 19% |
| Minnesota | $3,500 | 57% | $8,600 | 59% | $19,300 | 53% |
| Mississippi | $4,300 | 43% | $11,900 | 43% | $19,900 | 53% |
| Missouri | $3,700 | 31% | $6,600 | 54% | $14,500 | 48% |
| Montana | $5,400 | 33% | $11,300 | 54% | $27,000 | 47% |
| Nebraska | $3,000 | 40% | $12,100 | 5% | $20,400 | 21% |
| Nevada | $3,800 | 48% | $7,900 | 60% | $17,500 | 56% |
| New Hampshire | $4,800 | 36% | $16,500 | 15% | $31,200 | 20% |
| New Jersey | $6,300 | 44% | $23,800 | 23% | $43,100 | 26% |
| New Mexico | $5,400 | 28% | $15,500 | 30% | $26,100 | 42% |
| New York | $9,200 | 29% | $26,000 | 12% | $58,800 | 14% |
| North Carolina | $4,000 | 39% | $12,700 | 24% | $25,200 | 18% |
| North Dakota | $4,000 | 40% | $12,700 | 37% | $21,100 | 44% |
| Ohio | $3,000 | 47% | $12,100 | 12% | $20,600 | 23% |
| Oklahoma | $4,100 | 21% | $13,000 | 18% | $29,700 | 5% |
| Oregon | $3,800 | 57% | $15,400 | 27% | $26,900 | 39% |
| Pennsylvania | $5,000 | 47% | $9,800 | 65% | $22,100 | 60% |
| Rhode Island | $6,300 | 26% | $16,600 | 20% | $27,800 | 33% |
| South Carolina | $6,400 | 54% | $40,300 | 14% | $80,200 | 18% |
| South Dakota | $5,100 | 42% | $14,600 | 39% | $24,200 | 53% |
| Tennessee | $3,800 | 42% | $7,000 | 61% | $15,300 | 57% |
| Texas | $2,200 | 64% | $15,800 | 25% | $37,400 | 24% |
| Utah | $4,100 | 39% | $14,900 | 14% | $25,000 | 27% |
| Vermont | $4,700 | 24% | $13,700 | 14% | $23,700 | 27% |
| Virginia | $3,200 | 27% | $5,800 | 48% | $12,500 | 38% |
| Washington | $4,300 | 48% | $18,800 | 34% | $43,300 | 24% |
| West Virginia | $4,500 | 52% | $11,800 | 44% | $19,700 | 56% |
| Wisconsin | $4,100 | 42% | $12,500 | 32% | $20,900 | 43% |
| Wyoming | $3,500 | 44% | $14,000 | 17% | $27,500 | 20% |
Reducing Plumbers Liability Premiums
As a plumber or plumbing contractor, there are several ways you can reduce your general liability insurance premiums. Start by comparing quotes from multiple insurance carriers, as rates can vary significantly. Consider bundling your policies to take advantage of multi-policy discounts. Maintain a good claims history and keep records of your safety practices and training. You may also want to consider slightly higher deductibles, join trade associations for group coverage deals, and only purchase the coverage you need by carefully reviewing exclusions.
To manage risks through safety and preventative measures, make sure you stay licensed and trained. Use equipment like sewer cameras to thoroughly inspect job sites before starting work. Implement employee safety protocols and protect clients from hazards using signs and barriers. Document pre-existing property conditions, get signed contracts that specify the scope of work, and always clean up thoroughly and do a final walk-through with the client.
When getting general liability insurance, work with insurance agents or brokers who specialize in policies for plumbers. These specialist agents can access plumber-specific coverage from multiple carriers, helping you find competitive pricing and customized coverage. They can also assist you in taking advantage of package discounts and provide guidance on policy terms, exclusions, and appropriate coverage limits.
By implementing smart cost control measures, strong safety practices, and working with specialized insurance agents, you can secure the liability coverage you need at the best available rates to protect your plumbing business.
Get Plumber Liability Quotes and Insurance from ContractorNerd
Running a plumbing business comes with risks. Make sure you have customized general liability coverage designed specifically for plumbers.
At ContractorNerd, our online tools simplify getting quotes from top providers. Just input key details about your plumbing services, locations, claims history and more. We’ll deliver tailored quotes for your review.
Our Platform Helps Plumbers:
- Obtain general liability quotes tailored for plumbing contractors
- Tailor limits to meet project requirements
- Access guidance from our network of licensed advisors
Don’t waste time worrying about insurance. Connect with top providers in minutes for obligation-free quotes tailored to your needs.