Does a solo tradesperson (no employees) need workers' comp?

In most states, sole proprietors with no employees are exempt from mandatory workers' comp. However, many GCs and clients require all subs — including solo operators — to carry workers' comp. Check your state's requirements and your clients' contract terms.

What happens if I damage a customer's property while on the job?

General liability pays for the damage you caused (within policy limits), covers the legal defense if the client sues, and handles any settlement. Without GL, you would pay out of pocket — potentially wiping out weeks or months of income on a single job.

My tools were stolen from my work truck. Am I covered?

Only if you have tools and equipment (inland marine) coverage. Standard commercial auto policies cover the vehicle but NOT the contents. Homeowner's policies also exclude business property. An inland marine policy covers your tools wherever they are — including theft from your vehicle.

How quickly can a tradesperson get insured?

ERGO NEXT offers instant online quotes and same-day coverage for most trade categories. You can apply, get quoted, pay, and download your COI in under 15 minutes — ready for your next job.

Does a solo tradesperson (no employees) need workers' comp?

In most states, sole proprietors with no employees are exempt from mandatory workers' comp. However, many GCs and clients require all subs — including solo operators — to carry workers' comp. Check your state's requirements and your clients' contract terms.

What happens if I damage a customer's property while on the job?

General liability pays for the damage you caused (within policy limits), covers the legal defense if the client sues, and handles any settlement. Without GL, you would pay out of pocket — potentially wiping out weeks or months of income on a single job.

My tools were stolen from my work truck. Am I covered?

Only if you have tools and equipment (inland marine) coverage. Standard commercial auto policies cover the vehicle but NOT the contents. Homeowner's policies also exclude business property. An inland marine policy covers your tools wherever they are — including theft from your vehicle.

How quickly can a tradesperson get insured?

ERGO NEXT offers instant online quotes and same-day coverage for most trade categories. You can apply, get quoted, pay, and download your COI in under 15 minutes — ready for your next job.

Worker Type

Business Insurance for Tradespeople & Skilled Trades

In the trades, one bad day on a job site can cost more than years of premiums. The right insurance keeps your business running through the unexpected.

$55–$250/ monthElectricians and plumbers typically pay $80–$180/month for GL + tools coverage. Roofers and specialty contractors run $150–$250+/month due to higher risk classification.

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Coverage Types for Tradespeople & Skilled Trades

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

🛡️

General Liability

Required

Required by most GCs, property owners, and municipalities before you can work on a job site. Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage you cause on the job.

👷

Workers' Compensation

Required

Mandatory in most states for any trade business with employees. Covers medical costs and lost wages for work-related injuries — and protects your business from employee lawsuits.

🔧

Tools & Equipment (Inland Marine)

Highly Recommended

Covers your tools and equipment anywhere they travel — job sites, vehicles, storage. Standard property policies only cover equipment at a fixed location.

📋

Contractor's Professional Liability

Recommended

Covers design-build errors, specifications mistakes, and professional judgment claims. Increasingly required for electricians, HVAC contractors, and specialty trade professionals.

🚗

Commercial Auto

Highly Recommended

If you drive to job sites, your personal auto policy will not cover accidents while working. Commercial auto is required for any vehicle used in trade work.

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100% online. No broker call required. Get covered and download your Certificate of Insurance in under 15 minutes.

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Backed by Munich Re. 750,000+ businesses insured. Get your certificate of insurance instantly.

🏆A+ AM Best Rated (Munich Re)🏢750,000+ Businesses Insured⚡Get a Quote in 10 Minutes📄Instant Certificate of Insurance🕐24/7 Online Policy Management

What You Need to Know

→Most general contractors and property managers will require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before allowing you on a job site.
→Tools and equipment coverage travels with your gear — job site, vehicle, and storage — unlike standard property coverage.
→Your license may be suspended or denied if you cannot provide proof of required insurance during renewal.
→Subcontractors must carry their own insurance — you can be held liable for an uninsured subcontractor's actions on your job.
→ERGO NEXT covers most trade categories including electricians, plumbers, HVAC, general contractors, painters, and more.

What Does It Cost?

$55–$250per month

Electricians and plumbers typically pay $80–$180/month for GL + tools coverage. Roofers and specialty contractors run $150–$250+/month due to higher risk classification.

15 min

To get covered online

Broker fees

Instant

Certificate of insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

At minimum: general liability insurance (required by most clients and licensing boards). If you have employees: workers' compensation. If you drive to job sites: commercial auto. If you carry tools: tools and equipment (inland marine) coverage. Your specific trade may have additional state-mandated requirements.

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