Does handyman insurance cover work that causes damage after completion?

Yes — GL policies include completed operations coverage, which covers property damage or bodily injury caused by work you completed after the job is done. If your drywall work causes moisture damage 3 months later, or your electrical repair leads to a short circuit, completed operations covers the resulting claim up to your policy limit.

Do I need a contractor's license to be insured as a handyman?

It depends on your state and the scope of work. Most states require a contractor's license for work above a certain dollar threshold (typically $500–$1,000 per job). Working without a required license can void your insurance policy and expose you to fines. Check your state's handyman license threshold before quoting large jobs.

Does my personal auto insurance cover my work truck?

No — if you use your vehicle primarily for business (driving to job sites, hauling equipment, client visits), you need commercial auto coverage. Personal auto policies exclude regular commercial use, and if you have an accident while working, a personal auto policy can deny the claim. Commercial auto also covers cargo (tools on board) that personal auto does not.

Can ERGO NEXT cover my handyman business?

Yes. ERGO NEXT covers handymen and home repair businesses with instant online quotes and same-day COI.

Does handyman insurance cover work that causes damage after completion?

Yes — GL policies include completed operations coverage, which covers property damage or bodily injury caused by work you completed after the job is done. If your drywall work causes moisture damage 3 months later, or your electrical repair leads to a short circuit, completed operations covers the resulting claim up to your policy limit.

Do I need a contractor's license to be insured as a handyman?

It depends on your state and the scope of work. Most states require a contractor's license for work above a certain dollar threshold (typically $500–$1,000 per job). Working without a required license can void your insurance policy and expose you to fines. Check your state's handyman license threshold before quoting large jobs.

Does my personal auto insurance cover my work truck?

No — if you use your vehicle primarily for business (driving to job sites, hauling equipment, client visits), you need commercial auto coverage. Personal auto policies exclude regular commercial use, and if you have an accident while working, a personal auto policy can deny the claim. Commercial auto also covers cargo (tools on board) that personal auto does not.

Can ERGO NEXT cover my handyman business?

Yes. ERGO NEXT covers handymen and home repair businesses with instant online quotes and same-day COI.

Worker Type

Business Insurance for Handymen

Handymen work in clients' homes with tools that can cause real damage — and one bad repair job can lead to a costly property claim or personal injury lawsuit. The right insurance keeps your business running after the unexpected.

$55–$200/ monthSolo handymen: $55–$110/month for GL + tools. Handyman businesses with employees: $150–$300/month. Adding commercial auto: $80–$150/month additional depending on vehicle and driving record.

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Coverage Types for Handymen

These are the key insurance policies most relevant to your business type — ranked by importance.

🛡️

General Liability

Required

The foundation of handyman coverage. Covers property damage from your work (a nail gun through a pipe, a wall repair that damages wiring), bodily injury to clients or third parties, and completed operations liability for work that causes damage after completion.

🔧

Tools & Equipment Insurance

Highly Recommended

Covers tools and equipment stolen from your truck or damaged on the job. A handyman's truck with $5,000–$15,000 in tools is a prime theft target — homeowner's and personal auto policies rarely cover business tools adequately.

👷

Workers' Compensation

Required

Required in most states for any handyman business with employees or subcontractors. Falls from ladders, power tool injuries, and lifting injuries are among the most common handyman workers' comp claims.

🚗

Commercial Auto

Highly Recommended

A work truck is a core business asset. Commercial auto covers the vehicle for business use, cargo (tools on board), and hired/non-owned auto for subcontractors driving their own vehicles to your jobs.

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What You Need to Know

→Completed operations coverage under GL is critical for handymen — if your drywall repair causes water damage 6 months later, or your electrical work leads to a fire, completed operations covers that long-tail liability.
→Many states cap handyman work at a dollar-per-job threshold (typically $500–$1,000) before a contractor's license is required — exceeding that limit without a license voids many insurance policies.
→Tools left in a vehicle overnight are among the most commonly stolen items for tradespeople — a tools floater or inland marine policy covers theft and accidental damage beyond vehicle limitations.
→Commercial property managers, apartment complexes, and Airbnb hosts who hire handymen regularly require proof of GL and workers' comp before allowing work on their properties.
→ERGO NEXT covers handyman and home repair businesses with instant online quotes and same-day COI.

What Does It Cost?

$55–$200per month

Solo handymen: $55–$110/month for GL + tools. Handyman businesses with employees: $150–$300/month. Adding commercial auto: $80–$150/month additional depending on vehicle and driving record.

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Certificate of insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

The core coverage stack for handymen is: GL (property damage + completed operations), commercial auto (work vehicle), and tools insurance (theft + accidental damage). If you have employees or subcontractors, add workers' comp. Most solo handymen pay $650–$1,300/year for GL + tools coverage.

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