5 Best Handyman Insurance Companies & Quotes for 2022
Nathan Weller is an Insurance Expert focusing on insurance for small business. He has 15 years experience in insurance operations, FNOL, and claims handling.
You know as a handyman that you’ll do different jobs on any given day. We understand the importance of a quick quote with quality coverage, easy access to your policy, a streamlined claims process, and a company that cares about you. Using our proprietary rubric focusing on financial stability, customer satisfaction, convenience, and policies offered, we reviewed nearly 20 insurance companies to find the five best insurance providers for your handyman business:
- The Hartford: Best Overall for Handyman Insurance
- Acuity: Best for House Flippers
- Hiscox: Best for Home Based Handyman
- Thimble: Best for Handyman Side Hustle
- Simply Business: Best for Fast, Affordable Coverage
Best Handyman Insurers Compared
Quote Process | Accessibility | Instant Certificate of Insurance | Financial Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Available online | 24/7 call center | ✓ | A+ Superior |
 | Available online | 24/7 call center | ✓ | A+ Superior |
 | Can start online but may have to call to finish | Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time | ✓ | A Excellent |
 | Available online | Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET | ✓ | A Excellent |
 | Compare quotes online | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET | ✓ | A++ Superior |
The Hartford: Best Overall Provider for Handyman Insurance
The Hartford
Overall Score: 4.50
OUT OF 5
What We Like
- Short-term liability
- Quick, online quote
- Instant access to policy
What's Missing
- No app for commercial lines
Deciding Factors
- Online portal: Access to policy documents instantly
- Short-term: Insurance for short-term projects
- Quick application: Easy and quickly get a quote
- Multiple coverages: Available depending upon the project
The Hartford, with a score of 4.5 out of 5 in our system, is our overall best handyman insurance provider. It achieved this ranking because of financial strength, nationwide availability, the flexible policy it created for handypersons, and customers’ positive response. It’s also our leading small business provider. While there are areas for improvement in convenience, such as creating a mobile app, the overall user experience is still excellent.
Cost & Coverage
We obtained a quote of $11 for a handyman to install a ceiling fan. The liability policy was for three hours of coverage with a $300,000 limit.
In 2020, the Small Business Innovation Lab, a division of The Hartford, released Putty, short-term insurance for small projects. Policies start at $7 and can cover projects ranging from two hours to two weeks. It offers a general liability policy from $300,000 to $1 million limits. The Hartford also provides contractor and independent contractor business insurance for longer-lasting projects.
Customer Satisfaction & Convenience
After purchasing your policy, you can manage your account, pay your premium, or file a claim online. The Hartford has a 24/7 service center if you prefer to use a phone.
Customers are satisfied with The Hartford. Its complaints for commercial insurance are lower than the national average.
Financial Stability
The Hartford has been in operation for more than 200 years and has proven, through multiple disasters, its financial strength. AM Best has given it an A+ Superior rating.
Acuity: Best for House Flippers
Acuity
Overall Score: 4.25
OUT OF 5
What We Like
- 24/7 claims services
- In-house claims team
- Certificate of insurance (COI) available online
What's Missing
- No app
- Policy is for contractors working on larger projects
Deciding Factors
- Financial strength: Excellent financial rating
- Access: Available in more than 30 states
- Tools: Option to insure tools under liability
- Independent agents: To discuss policy options
In our evaluation, Acuity Insurance received a 4.25 out of 5, which reflects its low complaints level, 24//7 availability, and online quoting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a dedicated app for its commercial lines. It’s the best provider for contractors who work on homes because of its contractor liability policy, which is designed for small project work on a building no larger than two stories. It allows you to work as either a general contractor or a subcontractor on a larger project.
Cost & Coverage
We received an online quote for $614 annually for a liability policy with a limit of $500,000. Included were coverage for your property and $5,000 for tools and equipment. You could purchase this online or review it with an agent before buying.
Acuity provides coverage for more than 50 classifications, including carpentry, painting, and electrical work.
Customer Satisfaction & Convenience
There are 24/7 claims services provided by its in-house adjusters. They are available weekdays for questions, either by chatting online or calling them.
A unique service, Acuity provides expert advice. Every industry it covers employs an expert who can help you with your business-related questions. For contractors, there is John, who has more than 35 years of experience, including working in carpentry and contract negotiation.
While not the lowest on this list, its complaints are lower than the national average.
Financial Stability
Founded in 1925 and insuring contractors for more than 40 years, Acuity is an established provider. AM Best has given it an A+ Superior rating.
Hiscox: Best for Home-based Handyman
Hiscox
Overall Score: 3.75
OUT OF 5
What We Like
- Independent agents
- Partner with multiple online brokerages
- Online account management
What's Missing
- Only available on weekdays
Deciding Factors
- Payment options: Flexible options to meet your business needs
- Additional insureds: Can be added easily to your COI
- Industries covered: Numerous classifications covered
- Worldwide coverage: Work done anywhere is covered
Hiscox posted a 3.75 out of 5 in our ranking because of its convenience and available policies. Founded in 1901, it has a history of financial resiliency and offers discounts for home-based businesses. So, if you’re a handyman operating out of your home, this is the best option. Its handyperson policy covers a range of industries, including plumbers and HVAC contractors.
Cost & Coverage
While Hiscox offers online quotes, we couldn’t obtain one and were directed to call an agent to discuss our business needs. However, according to Hiscox, a survey of 50,000 small business owners and policyholders found that 95% paid less than $50 monthly.
The handyperson’s policy is a general liability policy. While it doesn’t list your tools and equipment coverage, it states the policies are tailored for your business needs and offers property insurance.
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 United States, a US territory, or Canada.
Customer Satisfaction & Convenience
While Hiscox does not have a 24/7 call center, its webpage functions like a 24/7 call center. You can access and manage your policy, request a COI, and file a claim online.
Some carriers will require upfront payment or a down payment along with fees for a monthly plan, but Hiscox has flexible payment options without fees.
Financial Stability
AM Best, one of the oldest insurance credit rating agencies, has given Hiscox an A Excellent rating.
Thimble: Best for Handyman Side Hustle
Thimble
Overall Score: 3.75
OUT OF 5
What We Like
- Flexible policy terms
- Easy to use website
- Affordable policies
What's Missing
- Only available on weekdays
- Claims handled by third-party administrator
Deciding Factors
- App: To easily manage policy and claims
- Short-term: Liability coverage available
- Instant COI: Available in 60 seconds
- Coverage and exclusions: Clearly listed
Thimble Insurance received a score of 3.75 out of 5 because of the variety of policies available for handypersons, ease of access to your policy, and convenience of the Thimble app. Because you can quickly get a quote and purchase a short-term policy via its app, it’s the perfect choice for someone who does odd jobs as a side hustle.
Similar to Putty by The Hartford, Thimble offers short-term liability insurance ranging from hours to months at a time. However, it’s only available on weekdays and doesn’t handle claims directly because it’s a managing general agent.
Cost & Coverage
One day of coverage for a liability policy with a limit of $1 million was $23.93. Thimble’s policies come with $1 million or $2 million limits. The policy is strictly for liability with no equipment or property coverage.
Thimble provides a list of excluded activities when you go through the quote process, giving you a good idea of what isn’t covered in the purchase.
Customer Satisfaction & Convenience
Thimble is the only provider on this list with an app for commercial insurance. While it doesn’t have a 24/7 call center, the app functions as one with the ability to obtain a quote, purchase a policy, manage it, and file a claim on your smartphone.
Financial Stability
The quoted policy above was through National Specialty Insurance Company, which has an AM Best rating of A Excellent.
Simply Business: Best for Fast, Affordable Coverage
Simply Business
Overall Score: 3.75
OUT OF 5
What We Like
- Quick online quotes
- Purchase online
- Financial support of travelers
What's Missing
- No app
- Only available on weekdays
Deciding Factors
- Policy documents: Available immediately
- Additional services: Like a COI
- Compare prices: Quick quotes online
- Comprehensive coverage: Has multiple options
In our ranking, Simply Business received a 3.75 out of 5 because of its solid financial position, wide range of policies, and quick online quoting process. It’s an online broker that provides quick, affordable quotes, and you can purchase the policy online. If you’re a handyperson who doesn’t want to shop around but wants a one-stop shop for your policy, this is your best option.
Its greatest weakness is availability as it’s available on weekdays and doesn’t have an app. Availability becomes a bigger issue when filing a claim, as it refers you to whichever carrier you purchased the policy from. If you have lost the original documents or are unsure who your carrier is, you must wait until Simply Business’s business hours.
Cost & Coverage
When shopping for a handyman policy, Simply Business provided five quotes from carriers, including Hiscox. The average price for the policies was $977 annually, and there was no information about monthly payments.
The policies were for a general liability policy for the term of a year with a $1 million limit. There was no coverage in the policy for your tools.
Customer Satisfaction & Convenience
The quoting process is quick and easy—we received ours in less than 10 minutes. Once you purchase a policy, Simply Business provides you with a personal account where you can manage your policy, add additional insureds, or request a COI.
There is also a guide for contractors with state-by-state requirements to obtain any necessary licenses.
Financial Stability
Travelers purchased Simply Business in 2017 and has a financial rating of A++ Superior from AM Best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Handyman Insurance?
Handyman insurance provides protection for your business for claims filed, either because of liability against you or damage to your property. Depending on the size of your business, there are typically four policies you want. General liability is for third-party claims of injury and property damage, while commercial property is to repair or replace any of your property, including tools and equipment, which may be damaged, lost, or stolen. You’ll want to purchase a business auto policy if you have a work van or truck that doubles as more than just a means of transportation. Finally, depending upon your state, you’ll need workers’ compensation if you employ anyone as part of your business.
Who Should Get Handyman Insurance?
Anyone who works as a handyperson should look into this coverage. At the very least, most states will require handyman liability insurance if you seek a contractor’s license.
What Does Handyman Insurance Cost?
Handyman insurance quotes consider, among other factors, the risk, experience, and location of the job. According to Insureon, a liability policy’s average monthly cost is $65. Through The Hartford’s Putty, policies start at $7. At Hiscox, the majority pay less than $50 a month.
Methodology
We determined which insurance companies would be the best for your handyman business with our in-house proprietary evaluation system. We reviewed nearly 20 insurance providers and presented the five with the highest scores.
In evaluating insurance companies, we focused on the customer’s 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 provider.
Most only care about insurance when they need it. We wanted to ensure that we recommend something that, should that moment come, you’ll feel comfortable with your purchase.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re installing a ceiling fan or hanging drywall, it’s important to ensure you have the right coverage. We’ve taken the time for you to find the five best handyman insurance providers—with The Hartford being the best overall. Complete a short online questionnaire and receive a quote in minutes or call (888) 219-3051.
