As a handyperson, you work different jobs on any given day, so it’s crucial to have the right insurance coverage to protect your livelihood. When it comes to the best insurance for a handyman business, it is important to find a company that focuses on the essentials: the right coverage, an affordable price, and a responsive customer service department.
I reviewed over 20 companies to find the five best handyman insurance companies.
- Simply Business: Best broker for buying insurance online
- Next Insurance: Best for handyman insurance
- The Hartford: Best for independent contractors
- Thimble: Best for short-term liability insurance
- Hiscox: Best for quick and affordable quotes
Insurance designed for small businesses – fast, simple, and affordable |
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Best Insurance for Handyman Business Compared
Quote Process | Instant COI | Financial Rating | Accessibility | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Online | General liability starts at $21 a month | ✓ | A- (Excellent) to A++ (Superior) | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET |
 | Online | Between $40 and $72 per month for general liability | ✓ | A- (Excellent) | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT |
 | Online | $67 per month for general liability | ✓ | A+ (Superior) | 24/7 call center |
 | Online | $99 per month for general liability | ✓ | A (Excellent) | Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET |
 | Online | $29 per month for general liability | ✓ | A (Excellent) | Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. ET |
Simply Business: Best Broker for Buying Insurance Online
Pros
- Great way to find handyman insurance quickly
- Top pick if you are looking to save money on insurance
- Great support services for customers
Cons
- Customer service not available 7 days a week
- Not all coverages are available online (e.g., property)
- Cannot file claims directly with Simply Business
Standout Features
- Simply Business is a one-stop shop for buying insurance from different providers, where you can quickly compare quotes and purchase a policy online.
- There is a dedicated agent to help you manage your policy if you prefer to speak with a representative.
- It allows you to save money by comparing the same coverages for different prices and then purchasing the one that is best for your business.
- Simply Business’s target customers are microbusinesses of 1-3 total employees.
Financial Stability: Travelers purchased Simply Business in 2017. One of the older insurance credit rating agencies, AM Best, rated Travelers an A++ (Superior).
Our Expert Opinion
Simply Business is the best overall broker for handyperson insurance because of its quote, policy purchase, and policy management systems. If you’re looking for affordable insurance quickly without compromising any quality, check out Simply Business. I’ve been doing research on companies for years, and I’m always surprised how in 10 minutes or less, it generates free quotes from top providers for you to compare. It even gives you the flexibility to tailor the limits and deductibles according to your needs.
This insurance broker’s weakness is the availability of customer service. While you can still purchase insurance during the weekend, if you want to speak with someone, its hours are weekdays only. While liability and workers’ comp are available online, some other coverages, like commercial property, are usually only available if you call and speak with a dedicated agent.
If you want to manage your policy using an app or be able to create and instantly share a certificate of insurance (COI) for work, then consider Next Insurance, our top-recommended handyperson insurance provider.
We received five quotes for handyman insurance in New Jersey. All of the quotes are for general liability insurance with an occurrence limit of $1 million and an aggregate limit of $2 million. A few of the policies had the option to add tools and equipment coverage to the quote.
- American Builders Insurance Company: $114.05 a month
- Markel: $177.40 a month
- Hiscox: $149.24 a month
- Harborway Insurance: $313.63 a month
- Accredited America: $421.20 a month
Between the cheapest and most expensive options, you could save $3,685.8 annually.
Simply Business is available in all 50 states. The quoting process is quick and easy—we received five quotes in less than 10 minutes. When you’ve made a purchase, you will receive a copy of the full policy and a COI.
Simply Business provides you with a personal account where you can manage your policy, add additional insureds, request a COI, and file a claim. The broker has also published a guide for contractors with state-by-state requirements to obtain any necessary licenses.
Users have given Simply Business high marks on third-party review websites. On the independent customer review site Trustpilot, Simply Business has a score of 4.6 out of 5 from over 1,200 reviews.
Next Insurance: Best for Handyman Insurance
Pros
- Save up to 25% when you bundle policies
- Professional liability is automatically included with general liability
- Flexible payment plans are available
Cons
- Customer service isn’t available 7 days a week
- No dedicated 24/7 call center
- Not all coverage is available everywhere
Standout Features
- Enables you to get insurance easily as it doesn’t require documents to request a quote or bind a policy
- Allows you to manage policy and claims and create COIs through its app, available on iOS and Android
- Offers tailored coverage to meet the different needs of commercial or residential technicians
- Limits of up to $30,000 for tools and equipment available
Financial Stability: Next is a newer carrier, but it has created a strong financial foundation to pay claims. AM Best rated Next Insurance an A- (Excellent).
Our Expert Opinion
Handypersons and general contractors comprise key industries for Next Insurance, so Next tailors its policies for businesses in the construction space—offering instant online insurance and the ability to generate and share a COI online or through the app for free. This makes Next one of the best providers of handyman insurance.
You can purchase inland marine coverage for tools and equipment as an add-on to general liability insurance. You can also choose from three levels of coverage: Basic, Pro, and Pro Plus, with limits for tools ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. The inland marine insurance covers equipment, miscellaneous tools, and borrowed tools and equipment.
The Hartford is a provider similar to Next Insurance but with a larger amount of available coverage, like commercial auto. If you drive and transport tools in a work van dedicated to your business, then consider The Hartford.
Quotes from Next usually come in three levels. We received the following quotes:
- Basic coverage was quoted at $1,787.75 monthly and included $1 million in total general liability insurance and $20,000 in professional liability insurance.
- Premier coverage was quoted at $1,827.84 monthly and included the same liability coverage as the basic, but with an added $5,000 for tools.
- Deluxe coverage was quoted at $1,976.50 monthly, with $2 million aggregate general liability coverage and $50,000 professional liability insurance. The policy also included $10,000 for tools and equipment.
The deductible for tools for both the premier and deluxe coverage is $500.
While Next is available in all 50 states, certain coverage may not be available depending on the state you’re in—for instance, inland marine isn’t available in New York.
Next Insurance has lower-than-average complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Currently, the insurer has over 3,500 user reviews on its website, with an average score of over 4 out of 5 stars.
One strength of Next is its app: you can manage your policy, file claims, and produce COIs for free and as often as you need one. I’ve downloaded the app—it is very user-friendly and easy to navigate, and it lets you have a lot of control over how you handle the policy.
The Hartford: Best for Independent Contractors
Pros
- You can reach claims or customer service 24/7
- Over 1 million small businesses are insured with The Hartford
- Once purchased, you’ll have instant access to your policy
Cons
- There is no app for commercial lines
- Usually, you are unable to purchase a policy online
- Handyman insurance is targeted more toward contractors
Standout Features
- Enables you to manage your policy and claims and request a COI through its online portal
- Has coverage for handypersons in multiple industries: plumbing, electricians, painters, or HVAC businesses
- Provides multiple coverages, depending on the project, through quotes online or over the phone
- Allows you to purchase nearly any type of core small business policy, along with countless endorsements, making the policy a perfect fit for your handyman business
Financial Stability: The Hartford has been in operation for more than 200 years and has proven its financial strength through multiple disasters. The Hartford’s AM Best rating is A+ (Superior)
Our Expert Opinion
The Hartford has developed core policies specifically for independent contractors and lets you create an instant COI to help with any job site requirements or bidding processes. This insurance company is also the only insurer listed in this guide with a 24/7 call center.
This provider’s terms are for six months to a year. If you are looking for short-term coverage, check out Thimble—it’s the only provider on this list with short-term liability insurance coverage.
For most lines of business and industries, including contractors, The Hartford generates an online quote. However, you usually need to call one of its reps to purchase a policy.
Unfortunately, we were unable to get an online quote despite several attempts and were instead referred to speak directly with The Hartford. Given the inherent risk associated with contractors, especially those in the construction industry, the provider referred us to an agent to review the specific risks of our industry.
If you work not only as a handyperson but also as a contractor, The Hartford offers independent contractor business insurance for longer-lasting projects. These policies will satisfy the requirements of any job site or general contractor. As a small business insurance provider, The Hartford offers the full range of coverage you need, including workers’ compensation, professional liability, a business owner’s policy (BOP), and commercial auto.
Customers are very happy with The Hartford’s service. Its complaints for commercial insurance are lower than the national average.
After purchasing your policy, you can manage your account, pay your premium, or file a claim online—and you can even call its service center 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you prefer to use a phone.
Its customers are happy with the claim experiences they’ve had with The Hartford. On its website, there are nearly 900 reviews for general liability claims with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Thimble: Best for Short-term Liability Insurance
Pros
- Flexible policy terms for coverage short-term periods
- Easily modify coverage for specific jobs
- You can get insurance in 60 seconds
Cons
- Nearly impossible to speak to anyone in person
- A third-party administrator handles claims
- No commercial auto insurance available
Standout Features
- Has an app on iOS and Android that lets you get a quote and buy a policy
- Enables you to manage your policy, submit a claim, or create and share a COI through the app
- Allows you to purchase insurance for an hour, day, week, month, or year for short-term projects, making it ideal for someone who finds work on apps like Taskrabbit
- Clearly outlines the coverage (what’s included and what’s not) during the quote process
Financial Stability: Thimble works with multiple carriers to provide insurance. The quoted policy below was through the National Specialty Insurance Company (NSIC). AM Best’s rating of NSIC is A (Excellent).
Expert Opinion
If you are just starting out as a handyperson or are only doing side work, Thimble is your best option. It is the only provider in this guide to directly offer short-term liability insurance by the day or month, and the coverage for short-term liability insurance is available immediately. Thimble also has annual policies if you’re looking for longer-term insurance.
However, the provider is available only on weekdays. I have called its number on more than one occasion, and there is no one to speak to. Instead, it provides different email addresses you can contact for different inquiries. Since it’s a managing general agent, it doesn’t handle claims directly. While Thimble is an excellent option for getting a quick quote, check out a broker like Simply Business if you’d like to compare quotes to save money.
For one-day general liability coverage that started at the time of the quote and ended at 11:59 p.m. on the same day, we were quoted $28.73. This was for general liability insurance with $1 million in total coverage.
Policies come with $1 million or $2 million limits. The policy is strictly for liability with no equipment or property coverage
While Thimble doesn’t have a 24/7 call center, the app functions as one, allowing you to obtain a quote, purchase a policy, manage it, and file a claim on your phone.
If you’re a handyperson who does jobs in the evening or on the weekend as a side hustle, Thimble’s app makes it easy to get short-term coverage. You can get a quote and purchase a policy for a specific job—and have an instant COI to show to the customer.
Despite being a newer company, Thimble’s reviews continue to grow in the right direction. There are almost 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot from policyholders, garnering an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Hiscox: Best for Quick & Affordable Quotes
Pros
- Get a fast quote online
- Policies are designed for home-based businesses
- Purchase same-day coverage online
Cons
- Only available on weekdays
- Complaints are average to higher than average
- Does not have commercial auto insurance
Standout Features
- Offers flexible payment options without added fees to accommodate the budget for your business
- If you need higher limits or other coverages, you can adjust your policy as your business grows
- Allows you to create and download an instant COI through your online account
- Has general liability, professional liability, inland marine, and workers’ compensation
Financial Stability: Hiscox’s AM Best rating is A (Excellent).
Our Expert Opinion
Hiscox offers discounts for home-based businesses. It generates quotes online within minutes, and the prices are some of the lowest you will find—partly because the limits may be lower than the average limit of $1 million. It targets smaller businesses, so if you’re a handyperson operating out of your home, this is the best option. The provider’s handyperson policy covers a range of industries, including plumbing and HVAC services.
As a traditional provider, Hiscox services the policy and handles claims in-house. Claims responsiveness—a quick turnaround time from when you file the claim to when they resolve it—is a continued emphasis by Hiscox. However, it does not have a 24/7 claims call center, so if you would like the same type of service but with 24-hour availability, check out The Hartford.
We received a quote for $2,399 annually for a general liability policy for a home-based handyperson business. It offered a monthly option with $599.70 down and then 10 payments of $179.93. The policy came with a total limit of $300,000 with no deductible but did not have the option to insure your tools.
Most insurance policies have a section that details coverage restricted to a specific territory and time. Hiscox covers your work anywhere in the world—so long as you file the claim in the US, a US territory, or Canada. Honestly, I’m not sure what type of work a handyman would do outside of the US—but it is a nice feature to have.
While Hiscox does not have a 24/7 call center, its webpage functions like one. You can access and manage your policy, request a COI, and file a claim online. If you do need to speak with someone, you can email or call Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Some carriers will require an upfront payment or a down payment along with fees for a monthly plan, but Hiscox has flexible payment options without fees. However, there are more complaints than expected per the NAIC.
How We Evaluated the Best Insurance for Handyman Businesses
We determined the best handyman insurance companies using our proprietary evaluation system. We focused on the customer’s handyman insurance needs and paid particular interest to convenience, financial ratings (AM Best), customer service, types of policies offered, and the overall experience as a policyholder for a specific company. Since insurance premiums continue to rise, we also factor in the average cost of general liability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Handyman insurance provides protection for your business for claims filed, either due to liability against you or damage to your property. Depending on the size of your business, you should consider these four policies:
- General liability is for third-party claims of injury and property damage.
- Commercial property repairs or replaces your property, including tools and equipment, that may be damaged, lost, or stolen.
- A business auto policy is a coverage you should consider if your van or truck is used as more than a commuter vehicle. If you have a vehicle solely for work or a converted van with tools and equipment shelves lining it, then you should look into commercial auto coverage.
- Workers’ compensation is necessary, depending on your state, if you employ anyone for your business.
Handyperson insurance quotes consider the risk, experience, and location of the job, among other factors, so the total cost depends on the details of your business. According to our research, a liability policy’s average monthly cost is between $22 and $166.
A certificate of insurance is proof of liability insurance. Commonly called a COI, it is often required when bidding or working on a job. Sometimes, the general contractor requests to be listed as an additional insured, and the COI will reflect this request. You can learn more in our guide on what a COI is, which includes a sample certificate.
While there is no nationwide requirement for this industry, general liability will likely be required in most situations. If you need to be licensed, the licensing board almost always requires general liability. Most municipalities will require it, and some, like Chicago, have stringent requirements for insurance, even for handyman businesses.
Every state except Texas and South Dakota requires workers’ compensation insurance. However, the threshold for when it is required changes. Sometimes, it is one employee, and sometimes, it is three or four. If your business is growing and you are hiring employees, make sure you are compliant with the insurance you provide.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re installing a ceiling fan or hanging drywall, it’s important to have the right coverage. We’ve taken the time to find you the best handyman insurance companies and designated Next Insurance as the best overall insurer. Complete a short online questionnaire and receive a quote in minutes.
