ContractorNerd simplifies how tile and stone contractors buy insurance through our proprietary quote platform built exclusively for construction trades. By combining cutting-edge technology with specialized agents who understand your industry, we deliver multiple quotes from contractor-friendly insurers in minutes—not days or weeks.
Our platform isn’t just another insurance website. We’ve partnered with insurers who specifically understand tile and stone contractor risks, from expensive material protection to waterproofing liabilities that can emerge months after completion. Our tech-enabled specialists guide you through the exact coverage you need, whether you’re a solo installer or managing a full crew with a showroom.
We’ve analyzed over 200 insurance quotes for tile and stone professionals nationwide to bring you unparalleled transparency on coverage and quote benchmarks. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Essential coverage by business stage – from solo contractors to established businesses with 3+ employees
- General liability insights – Classification Code 99746 coverage details and quote ranges of $680-$6,940 annually based on revenue
- Workers’ compensation essentials – NCCI Class Code 5348 requirements and typical quotes of $3-$6 per $100 of payroll
- Critical additional coverages – commercial auto, tools & equipment, installation floater, and contractor bonds
- Quote optimization strategies – proven methods to demonstrate lower risk and secure favorable quotes
Whether you’re protecting your first wet saw or managing complex commercial installations, this guide provides the insights you need to make informed insurance decisions.
What Insurance Do Tile Contractors Need?
Starting Out Sole Proprietor
As a solo tile installer just getting started, focus on these essential coverages:
General liability insurance protects you from damage claims and injuries that might occur on job sites.
Tools & Equipment coverage (also called Inland Marine) covers your specialized cutting tools and installation equipment against theft or damage.
Commercial auto insurance is necessary if you use vehicles to transport materials and equipment to job sites.
Installation floater insurance protects high-value materials like expensive stone or custom tiles while they’re being installed at a customer’s location.
Growing Small Business with Your First Employee
When you hire your first employee and grow to 2-3 workers, you’ll need to add:
Workers’ compensation insurance, which becomes mandatory once you have employees to cover workplace injuries.
Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection beyond your general liability limits, especially important when working on high-end residential or commercial projects where potential claims could be larger.
Established Business with 3+ Employees
As your tile and stone business grows beyond three employees, consider these additional protections:
Enhanced commercial property insurance if you’ve opened a showroom or warehouse to display samples and store inventory.
Employment practices liability insurance protects against employee-related claims like wrongful termination or discrimination.
Professional liability insurance becomes important if you offer design consultation services alongside installation.
Cyber liability insurance covers data breaches and cyber attacks, essential if you process digital payments or store customer information electronically.
General Liability Insurance for Tile & Stone Contractors
What General Liability Covers
General liability insurance forms the foundation of protection for tile and stone contractors, covering third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage that occur during your operations. This includes situations like a client tripping over your equipment, damage to a customer’s existing flooring during removal, or water damage from improperly sealed tile work discovered months later.
Standard policy limits are typically structured as $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, meaning the insurance will pay up to $1 million for any single incident and up to $2 million total for all claims during the policy period. These limits generally provide adequate protection for most residential and commercial tile installation projects.
Understanding Your Classification Code
Tile and stone contractors typically fall under Classification Code 99746, which specifically covers installation and repair of tile, stone, marble, mosaic, or terrazzo materials on floors, walls, and countertops. This classification includes grout cleaning and exterior work up to three stories in height.
However, it’s crucial to understand what this classification excludes: swimming pool work, roofing operations, retaining walls, foundation work, and waterproofing services. If you perform any of these excluded services, you’ll need additional classification codes and coverage to ensure proper protection.
Cost Considerations
General liability insurance costs vary significantly based on your revenue, claims history, and location. Based on national benchmarks for tile contractors:
| Revenue Level | National Average | Favorable Rate | Potential Savings | Low % of Revenue | High % of Revenue |
| $50,000 | $1,260 | $680 | 46% | 0.6% | 1.2% |
| $150,000 | $2,520 | $1,610 | 36% | 1.1% | 2.5% |
| $500,000 | $6,940 | $4,040 | 42% | 2.9% | 6.6% |
These costs typically represent 0.6% to 6.6% of revenue, with well-managed businesses achieving rates at the lower end of this range through strong safety programs and clean claims histories.
For detailed pricing specific to your state’s requirements and market conditions, explore our comprehensive tile contractor insurance cost analysis featuring state-by-state benchmarks and real savings opportunities ranging from 33% to 83%.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Tile & Stone Contractors
Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory in most states once you hire your first employee. Tile and stone installers typically fall under NCCI Class Code 5348, which covers ceramic tile, marble, granite, and stone installation for floors and countertops, including interior finish work.
Common Workplace Injuries
The physically demanding nature of tile work creates specific injury risks. Back injuries from lifting heavy stone slabs and materials are the most common claims. Knee damage results from hours spent kneeling on hard surfaces during installation. Workers also face cuts and lacerations from wet saws and sharp tile edges, respiratory issues from silica dust exposure, and slip and fall injuries on wet surfaces.
Work Comp Rates
Workers’ comp rates for tile contractors typically range from $3.00 to $6.00 per $100 of payroll, depending on your safety record, location, and claims history. This translates to $1,500-$3,000 annually for every $50,000 in payroll.
Contractors can achieve lower rates by implementing documented safety training programs, requiring proper PPE (knee pads, dust masks, safety glasses), conducting regular equipment maintenance, and maintaining a clean claims history. A strong safety program can reduce premiums by 20-40% over time while protecting your workers and business.
Commercial Auto Insurance for Tile Contractors
Commercial auto insurance protects vehicles transporting materials and equipment to job sites. Standard coverage includes $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 limits (per person/per accident/property damage). Annual premiums typically range from $1,400 to $3,200 per vehicle, depending on vehicle type, driving records, and usage patterns. Consider higher limits if you transport expensive stone slabs or operate multiple vehicles.
Tools & Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine)
This coverage protects your specialized equipment wherever it goes. Essential for tile contractors’ wet saws, mixing equipment, laser levels, and other portable tools. Annual premiums range from $100 to $2,200 based on equipment value and storage security. Most policies cover theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance both on job sites and in transit.
Installation Floater Insurance
Protects high-value materials from delivery through installation completion. Critical when working with expensive marble, granite, or custom tiles. Premiums range from $700 to $3,000 annually based on project values. This coverage fills the gap between when materials leave the supplier and when the customer accepts the finished work.
Contractor Bonds
Many states and municipalities require license bonds. Premium costs depend on bond amount and your credit score:
- $10,000 bond: $150-$1,000
- $25,000 bond: $225-$2,500
- $50,000+ bonds: 1-5% of bond amount
Better credit scores mean lower premiums. Some large commercial projects may require performance bonds separately.
Reducing Your Premiums
Lower your insurance costs through proven safety measures: documented training programs, written contracts for all work, regular equipment maintenance, and proper job site safety protocols. Maintaining a clean claims history and implementing dust protection measures can reduce premiums by 15-30% over time. Consider working with an insurance broker specializing in construction trades to ensure proper coverage while minimizing costs.
Tile & Stone Insurance, Remodeled.
ContractorNerd makes it incredibly easy for tile and stone contractors to secure the right insurance coverage through our proprietary quote platform designed specifically for construction trades. We’ve partnered with contractor-friendly insurers who understand your unique risks – from expensive material damage to waterproofing liabilities that can surface months after project completion.
Our tech-enabled platform combined with specialized agents who know the tile and stone industry means you get more than just quotes – you get expert guidance on the exact coverage you need. Whether you’re a solo installer protecting your first wet saw or an established contractor with a showroom and crew, our streamlined process delivers multiple competitive quotes in minutes, not days.
As trades-only specialists, we’ve completely remodeled the contractor insurance experience to work the way you do – fast, efficient, and built for the job site. Get your customized tile contractor insurance quotes today and experience how the right technology and expertise can protect your business while saving you time and money.