Trade coverage
A wide scope of small tasks across many trades means unpredictable, mostly moderate claims from water, electrical, and property damage. Scope creep beyond competence is the recurring problem.
General liability responds to two different things for your trade. The first is injury or damage caused while you are working, which for handyman work is a small plumbing repair that leaks and damages a ceiling. The second is a claim that surfaces after you have finished, known as completed operations, and it is the half of the policy most often missing from a cheap quote.
Almost always admitted, though carriers frequently restrict the scope of work through policy wording rather than moving the risk to surplus lines.
These are the loss scenarios that drive claims for this trade, in the order we see them.
Each of these changes what the policy actually pays. Request them at quote stage.
General liability on its own leaves gaps that show up as denied claims rather than as missing coverage.
$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is common, though many carry only the minimum and some carriers write a lower per-occurrence limit given the limited scope of work. That is the limit, not the premium. The premium depends on your payroll, your state, your subcontractor use and your claims history, and it moves most with the hazard of the trade itself, which for handyman is moderate.
Almost always admitted, though carriers frequently restrict the scope of work through policy wording rather than moving the risk to surplus lines.
In order of how often we see them: A small plumbing repair that leaks and damages a ceiling; An electrical repair that causes a fire; Damage to a client's furniture, floors, or belongings while moving items.
These four come up repeatedly: Additional insured with completed operations; Waiver of subrogation; Per-project aggregate. Get them written into the quote rather than requested after binding, because that is where the delays come from.
Alongside general liability: Inland marine for tools; Commercial auto; Workers compensation.
Yes. Their policy defends them, not you. If your work causes damage, their carrier can pay the claim and then pursue you to recover it.
Classification and carrier appetite differ by trade, so it is worth seeing how yours compares.
Tell us your payroll, state and what your contract requires.
