Trade coverage
A low-severity trade overall, but overspray, lead paint, and falls from heights drive the claims that do occur. Most losses are property damage rather than injury.
General liability responds to two different things for your trade. The first is injury or damage caused while you are working, which for painter work is overspray drifting onto a client's car or a neighboring property. 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; the trade has a predictable, low-severity loss profile that standard carriers write readily.
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 standard. 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 painter is moderate.
Almost always admitted; the trade has a predictable, low-severity loss profile that standard carriers write readily.
In order of how often we see them: Overspray drifting onto a client's car or a neighboring property; Lead paint dust disturbed in a pre-1978 home; Paint spilled on a driveway, hardscape, or interior flooring.
These four come up repeatedly: Pollution coverage for lead paint and solvents; Additional insured with completed operations; Waiver of subrogation. 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; Pollution liability.
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.
