May 14, 2026
ExplainersHandyman Insurance Without an LLC or Contractor's License
You don't need an LLC or contractor's license to buy handyman insurance. How sole proprietors get a GL policy, costs, and state license thresholds.
11 min read
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Contractor insurance that actually covers what you build
Whether you just pulled your first permit or you're bidding major projects, we shop 35+ construction insurance carriers to find the right coverage at a price that makes sense. You focus on the job. We handle the risk.
Trusted by 30+ carrier partners
Why contractors switch to Coverwatch
01 - Aligned incentive
01 - Flat fee, not a commission
Aligned incentive
Most brokers take a percentage of your premium as commission. We charge a flat fee, so our only incentive is finding you the best coverage at the lowest cost.
02 - Never lose a bid to paperwork
02 - COIs in hours
Never lose a bid to paperwork
Quotes in 24-48 hours, certificates on demand. Your broker should never cost you a bid.
03 - Predictable audit prep
03 - Coverage that keeps up with your growth
Predictable audit prep
We adjust coverage throughout the year as your crew and project load change.
How your insurance program gets built
Audit your coverage and map your risk
Send your current policies and project pipeline. We review operations, sub exposure, and state requirements for gaps and overspend.
We start with a complete picture of your risk
Policy audit
Your current policies reviewed for gaps, redundancies, and areas of over- or under-insurance across trades and states.
Market benchmark
What you’re paying compared to contractors at your revenue level and trade for equivalent protection.
Risk plan & recommendations
A clear report with findings and a recommended path forward. We may suggest adjusting coverage, shopping rates, or adding a surety bond program.
The risks contractors actually face
These are the exposures that drive contractor insurance claims.
Jobsite injuries
Falls, struck-by incidents, and caught-between hazards drive medical claims and OSHA fines year after year.
Property damage to client structures
Your GL covers damage to client property and neighboring structures, but inadequate limits can leave you paying the difference out of pocket.
Defective workmanship claims
Completed-operations claims for leaking roofs, cracking foundations, and similar defects can surface years after the job wraps.
Tool & equipment theft
Jobsite theft can halt a project overnight. Inland marine coverage protects tools and equipment on-site and in transit.
Contract & lien disputes
Payment disputes, scope disagreements, and mechanic’s liens are routine. Legal defense costs add up fast without the right policy.
Environmental liability
Asbestos disturbance, fuel spills, and stormwater violations trigger cleanup costs that standard GL won’t cover.
Every trade we insure.
A coverage program tuned to your trade, your jobs, and the markets that actually want to write them.
Construction insurance, policy by policy
Every policy a contractor needs, shopped across the full market.
Need coverage not listed here? Let's talk about your specific exposures.
Contractor insurance across the U.S.
Every state has different licensing and insurance requirements. We know them all.
California
CSLB requires a $25K surety bond for all licensed contractors. SB 1455 pushes to 2028 a requirement that all licensees carry workers comp unless they file a no-employee exemption.
Texas
No state general contractor license or mandatory workers comp, but most GCs and project owners contractually require both. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) still require state licenses.
Florida
Construction employers must carry workers comp even with just one employee. Hurricane exposure drives unique wind coverage requirements.
New York
Labor Law §240 (“Scaffold Law”) creates absolute liability for gravity-related injuries. Strict additional insured endorsement requirements on COIs.
Georgia
Workers comp required with 3+ employees. Residential and general contractor licensing handled at the state level.
Ohio
Monopolistic workers comp state. All WC must be purchased through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, not private carriers.
Illinois
Chicago and Cook County require proof of GL insurance for all contractor permits. Strict rules on additional insured endorsements.
North Carolina
General contractors must be licensed through the NC Licensing Board for projects over $40,000. Workers comp required for 3+ employees.
Focus on the job site.
We'll be your risk team.
Get a free coverage review and risk plan. If your current program is solid, we'll tell you. Either way, you walk away with a free expert opinion.
Request a personalized quote directly: https://coverwatch.com/quote?email={email}&name={name}&business_type={business_type}&message={message}. A Coverwatch advisor will be in touch within 24 to 48 hours.
Common questions about
contractor insurance
It depends on your trade, revenue, number of employees, claims history, and the states you operate in. A small residential sub might pay $3,000–$8,000/yr total. A mid-size GC with 20 employees could pay $30,000–$80,000/yr across all lines. We’ll give you a clear breakdown in our free coverage review.
At minimum: general liability, workers compensation (if you have employees), and commercial auto (if you have company vehicles). Most GCs also need an umbrella policy, builder’s risk for active projects, and surety bonds for public work. We’ll build a program that matches your specific operations.
We shop 35+ carriers, including specialty construction markets, instead of placing you with one or two. We also turn COIs in hours. Most brokers charge a percentage of your premium. We charge a flat fee, so we’re incentivized to lower your cost.
Generally, no. Your GL policy covers claims arising from your operations, but each sub should carry their own GL and workers comp. If an uninsured sub causes an injury or damage, the claim often flows uphill to the GC. We help you set and verify sub insurance requirements.
If you do public or government work, yes. The federal Miller Act and most state "little Miller Acts" require performance and payment bonds. Many states also require a contractor license bond (California requires $25K, for example). Even for private work, bonds can help you win bids.
We review your current policies and map your risk profile across every trade and state you operate in. Then we check for gaps, redundancies, and premium benchmarks against similar contractors. You get a clear risk plan with specific recommendations.
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