Painters insurance is one or several policies you purchase to protect your business from the financial loss that can result from a claim. The two most common types of painters insurance are general liability, which protects your business against claims that your operations caused harm or damage to a third party, and inland marine, which covers your painting equipment and tools. These two policies’ prices combined run anywhere from $2,900 to $8,550 annually.
One of the best ways to find affordable painters insurance is to compare offers from more than one carrier—and Simply Business is the best online broker for painting insurance. Answer a few questions about your business, and it will let you compare quotes from top-rated providers and then give you the option to purchase a policy online. Get a no-obligation, free quote, in just minutes.
Painters Insurance Cost
Painters insurance costs can vary greatly due to numerous factors, such as the type of painting work a business does and the number of policies it will need. Buying a business owner’s policy (BOP), which combines general liability and commercial property, can cost you around $2,080 to $9,400. Buying other coverages increases your overall costs.
Additionally, businesses with more employees, higher revenues, and riskier operations typically pay more. For example, a commercial painter who does exterior work and has multiple employees is going to pay more than a solo residential interior painter.
Policy | Estimated Annual Premium | Coverage Amount | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
General Liability | $2,700 to $7,700 | $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate | $0 |
Inland Marine | $200 to $850 | $15,000 | $1,000 |
BOP | $2,080 to $9,400 | $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate, and $15,000 property | Property deductible of $1,0000 |
Commercial Auto | $2,000 to $5,000 | $500,000 combined single liability limit | $0 |
How Business Operations Impact Painters Insurance Costs
Business operations have a big effect on insurance costs in any industry. However, for painting contractors, it can be the difference between getting a quote or not.
Many insurers will provide an online quote for policies for interior painters but decline to do any sort of online quote for painters who work on exterior jobs—particularly if the job takes them above three stories—because they have a greater chance of injuring others or themselves. This risk translates into the provider wanting to speak directly with the business owner to better understand the risk and safety measures.
To demonstrate the difference in cost, we got quotes for two painting contractors: one who only does interior painting and one who only does exterior work. Here’s what we found:
- General liability for the interior painter costs $2,700 to $4,450 per year
- General liability for the exterior painter costs $5,600 to $7,700 per year
While not exactly a scientific study, this shows that if you do exterior work, especially for commercial projects or on anything above three stories, then you can expect to pay a higher premium.
How To Save on Painters Insurance
As discussed, painters insurance costs can vary greatly, so the first step to saving money on insurance is to compare quotes from top providers via a broker. When doing research for this article, we received four quotes from a broker from four different providers. The quotes were the cheapest of the entire process of evaluating other carriers for our guide.
Besides that, most carriers should be able to offer painters a BOP. Also, many providers will offer an overall discount when you bundle coverages, with savings ranging from 10% to 20%.
For more tips, read our article on ways to save money on business insurance.
Types of Painters Insurance Policies
Every type of business insurance covers a particular type of loss, so painters need to evaluate their risk to determine which policies they need. Below are some of the most common policies and what they cover:
Insurance Policy Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
General Liability | Third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury |
Commercial Property | Business-owned property, specifically structures, and office equipment at listed locations |
Inland Marine | Listed tools and equipment—coverage isn’t limited to a specific location |
Commercial Auto | Liability and first-party coverage for any accident involving any commercial vehicles you own |
Surety Bond | Your promise to fulfill contractual requirements in a professional manner |
Workers’ Compensation | Medical costs and lost wages for employees who suffer workplace illness or injuries. |
General liability insurance is the most common type of policy a painter needs. It covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and reputational harm. A third party is essentially anyone who doesn’t work for your business, so general liability covers events like:
- Bodily injury: A customer suing for medical bills after you drop a paint can on their head
- Property damage: The cost of replacing your customer’s new flat-screen television after your assistant slams into it with a ladder
General liability is an essential policy for most businesses, but it’s especially important for painters because they work at customers’ homes and offices. Also, some states require general liability to obtain a painter’s license.
Commercial property insurance covers the repair or replacement of business-owned property if it’s damaged by a covered event. Commercial property is the first-party coverage bundled with general liability in a BOP.
Normal wear and tear isn’t covered by property insurance. Typically, painters can get office space and equipment covered when these are damaged by events like fire, theft, and vandalism. Any painting business that owns a building should consider commercial property insurance.
Inland marine is a commercial property coverage that isn’t tied to a specific location; instead, the coverage follows the listed equipment. So, if you rent a location or run your painting business out of your home, you will want to consider this coverage for your tools and equipment. Many providers will offer it as an add-on to general liability.
Commercial auto insurance helps cover repair bills and medical costs related to auto accidents, depending on the type of coverage you add to your policy. Most states require drivers to have some liability coverage, but painters can also choose additional coverage like collision, comprehensive, uninsured and underinsured motorist, and medical payment insurance.
If you have a large van or truck that is primarily used for your painting business, check with your personal auto carrier, as it may not cover it. Any business with a dedicated vehicle for its commercial operations will need commercial auto insurance.
Did you know: Many painters and independent contractors who have tools stored in commercial vehicles often make the mistake of assuming their auto insurance covers items stolen out of the vehicle—this isn’t the case. Instead, the claim would be filed on the inland marine policy.
A surety bond is a financial guarantee between three entities:
- The principal, or you, the business owner.
- The obligee, or the client who wants you to get a bond.
- The surety, or the company that issues the bond.
By issuing a surety bond, the bond company is guaranteeing that you will perform a job ethically and according to your client’s requirements. If your client files a claim, the bond company covers the client’s damages but expects you to reimburse the costs.
Some states may require you to have a surety bond, and some jobs will require one before you can bid on it.
Nearly every state requires painters with employees to get workers’ compensation insurance to cover their staff’s work-related injuries or illnesses. Coverage typically includes medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. Coverage requirements vary by state and can carry penalties for not having a policy if you’re supposed to, so it’s a good idea to learn your state’s requirements.
Where To Get Painter Insurance
Finding painting insurance isn’t hard. There are several paths to getting covered. You can contact a provider directly for a quote. You can reach out to a local agent who will then work with you and a carrier to get insured. Another option is to work with a broker. The advantage of a broker is they will work for you to find insurance from multiple carriers. Finally, you can check out our buyer’s guide. We went ahead and evaluated over 20 providers to find the best companies offering painting insurance.
Painter Insurance Requirements by State
Some states require painters to have certain insurance, bonds, or both before they can receive a license or registration. Some states classify painters as general contractors and have additional requirements. You can click below to find a brief description of the requirements in your state.
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, for projects that exceed $50,000 | Yes | Proof of liability insurance | Alabama Licensing Board for Contractors |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, for projects that exceed $5,000 | Yes | Surety bond required to apply for license | Arizona Registrar of Contractors |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, for projects that exceed $2,000 | Yes |
|
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, for projects that exceed $500 | Yes |
|
Employment Development Department |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Check at the city, county, or local level | General liability insurance typically required by local governments | N/A |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes, once you accept contracts that exceed $200 per project or totally $1,000 per year | None | Department of Consumer Protection |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Delaware Divisions of Revenue |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Proof of liability coverage Workers’ comp, if you have employees | Department of Business and Professional Regulation |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No state license required, but cities and counties may have their own requirements | Yes | Proof of liability coverage | Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, for projects exceeding $2,500 | Yes |
|
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes, for projects that exceed $2,000 |
|
Idaho Contractors Board |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | Illinois Department of Revenue |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | N/A |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes, if projects exceed $2,000 in total value for the year | None | Iowa Division of Labor |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, but only if you’re working with lead paint | Check at the city, county, or local level | None | Kansas Department of Health and Environment |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | N/A |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
|
State Licensing Board for Contractors |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No, but painters need to be certified by the state if they handle lead paint; otherwise licensing is handled at the local level. | No | Workers’ compensation, if you have employees | N/A |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, for home improvement projects | Yes |
|
Maryland Department of Labor, Home Improvement Commision |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No, if you work solely on painting projects | Yes | None | Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | None | Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, if you contract directly with a homeowner or provide service in more than one skill area | Yes |
|
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Mississippi State Board of Contractors |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | None | Missouri Secretary of State |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes, if you have employees | Workers’ compensation | Department of Labor and Industry |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, if you are working in a county with a popluation of over 100,000 | Yes |
|
Nebraska Department of Labor |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Nevada State Contractors Board |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | New Hampshire Secretary of State |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, but only if you work with lead paint | Yes | None | New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs for registering. Painters that work with lead paint need a license from the same division or the Department of Environmental Protection Compliance & Enforcement or the Department of Law and Public Safety |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | NA |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | Local governments in New York often require insurance. | New York State Business Express |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, if jobs exceed a total value of $30,000. | Yes | None | North Carolina Licensing Board for Contractors |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, if jobs exceed a total value of $4,000 | Yes |
|
State of North Dakota New Business Registration |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | None | Ohio Secretary of State |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | None | Oklahoma Secretary of State |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Oregon Construction Contractors Board |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, but only if you work with lead paint | Yes |
|
The Pennsylvania One-Stop Shop |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No, but if you work on a pre-1978 home you may need a license from the Lead Hazard Control firm | Yes |
|
Contractor’s Registration and Licensing Board |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required when working on a commercial project valued higher than $5,000 | Yes |
|
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No, but local governments may require licensing | No |
|
South Dakota Secretary of State |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, a Home Improvement License is required for residential remodeling projects valued between $3,000 and $25,000. Jobs that exceed $25,000 require a contractor’s license | Yes |
|
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | Texas Secretary of State |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Yes |
|
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | Vermont Secretary of State, Business Services Division |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, license class depends on the value of individual project. Special license required for handling lead or asbestos | Yes | None | Department of Professional Occupational Regulation |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
|
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, if your projects are worth more than $1,000 | Yes |
|
West Virginia Division of Labor |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | NA |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | None | NA |
| State License Required? | State Registration Required? | Insurance Requirements | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | N/A | None | https://mybusiness.dc.gov/login |
Commercial Painting Insurance vs Residential Painting Insurance
While there is no real difference in the type of coverage for painters who focus exclusively on commercial or residential painting, there are some important differences when it comes to getting insurance.
- If your business paints commercial properties, coverage may be harder to find if you paint a significant number of units or paint higher than two stories. Many state and local authorities will require a minimum level of coverage to be licensed to do commercial work, so it is important to ensure your coverage is up to date.
- If the focus of your business is residential painting, a local authority may still require you to purchase insurance. The main difference will be in the quoting process where the emphasis will be on materials used, risk procedures and, again, the height of the job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most likely, yes. If you have employees, depending on the state, you will have to get workers’ compensation. For many jobs you work on, or if you are pursuing a contractor license, you will need some level of insurance for painters. The alternative way of looking at this question is what will the cost be of not having insurance if something goes wrong?
Painting liability insurance costs anywhere from $2,700 to $7,700. The price will reflect the type of painting you do, the risk associated with it, and whether you are working residential or commercial jobs.
Inland marine is the best choice to protect your painting tools and equipment. This type of insurance follows the items around wherever they go—from job site to job site. It is often available as an endorsement on a general liability policy.
A certificate of insurance, sometimes called proof of insurance or COI, is a document that verifies you have covered what type of coverage and who is covered. If you work with contractors or as a painting contractor, when bidding on a job or working with a general contractor, a COI will often be involved and may need to be modified to add insureds to it.
Bottom Line
Painters insurance is a wise investment, whether you are an independent contractor, a residential or commercial contractor, or an interior painter. Insurance requirements for each painting business will be unique, but each business needs at least some level of liability coverage.
To ensure that you get the coverage your business needs without overpaying, it’s important to find the right insurance provider. Simply Business, one of our best painting insurance companies, offers policies through an easy-to-understand application. Answer a few simple questions, and you can compare prices and purchase a policy online without needing to speak directly with anyone.
