What insurance does a plumber need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to plumbers — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
General LiabilityRequired
$100–$200/mo
Essential for all plumbers. Covers property damage and injuries caused by your work, including water damage.
Workers CompensationRequired
$150–$300/mo
Required in most states for any employees. Plumbing has above-average injury rates.
Commercial AutoRequired
$80–$180/mo
Covers your service van and any driving done for work.
Surety BondRequired
$20–$50/mo
Required for licensing in most states. Protects clients if you fail to complete work or cause damage.
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Top risks for plumbers
- Water damage from work
- Employee injury on job site
- Stolen tools from vehicle or site
- Vehicle accident
- License bond requirements
How much does insurance cost?
Most plumbers pay $200–$500/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
How much general liability does a plumber need?
Most plumbing licenses require $500K minimum. Most experienced plumbers carry $1M–$2M given the high cost of water damage claims.
What is a plumber's surety bond?
A surety bond is a guarantee to your clients. If you fail to complete work or cause damage, the bond pays the client.
Is water damage covered by GL insurance?
Most general liability policies cover water damage caused by your work. However, there are often exclusions for faulty workmanship — check your policy carefully.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most plumbers can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.