What insurance does a handyman need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to handymans — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
General LiabilityRequired
$50–$120/mo
Essential for all handymen. Covers property damage and injuries caused by your work.
Tools & Equipment
$15–$35/mo
Covers your tools against theft, damage, and loss at job sites and from your vehicle.
Commercial AutoRequired
$80–$180/mo
Covers your work vehicle and tools in transit. Personal auto policies exclude business use.
Surety Bond
$10–$30/mo
Many states require handymen to be bonded. Protects clients if you fail to complete work.
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Top risks for handymans
- Property damage during repairs
- Client injury on job site
- Stolen tools from vehicle or site
- Vehicle accident en route to job
- Work quality dispute
How much does insurance cost?
Most handymans pay $80–$200/month for a complete coverage package. Your exact cost depends on your state, annual revenue, whether you have employees, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Do handymen need to be licensed and insured?
Requirements vary by state. Most states require general liability insurance and a surety bond for handyman businesses. Some states require additional licensing for specific trades.
What if I damage a client's property during a repair?
General liability insurance covers accidental property damage you cause while working. This is one of the most common claims for handymen.
How much does handyman insurance cost per year?
Solo handymen typically pay $800–$2,000/year for general liability plus tools coverage.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most handymans can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.