The Hartford earned our top spot for the best small business insurer for handyman companies due to its high affordability and coverage scores. However, we recommend comparing quotes from our other top picks, including biBerk, Nationwide, and Simply Business.
Best Handyman Business Insurance
Updated: July 11, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The Hartford is the best business insurance company for handyman firms because it offers the best mix of good customer service and coverage.
The cheapest overall commercial insurance provider for handyman businesses is biBERK, with low monthly rates for various coverage types.
To shop for business insurance for your handyman business, assess the risks in your industry, consult agents and other similar organizations, and compare multiple options.
Best Business Insurance for Handyman Companies
| The Hartford | 95 | 97 | 91 |
| biBERK | 94 | 98 | 91 |
| Nationwide | 92 | 93 | 91 |
| Simply Business | 92 | 94 | 83 |
| Thimble | 90 | 95 | 81 |
| Coverdash | 90 | 90 | 83 |
| Chubb | 89 | 88 | 87 |
| Progressive Commercial | 89 | 93 | 81 |
| Hiscox | 88 | 91 | 87 |
| NEXT Insurance | 87 | 80 | 94 |
*All scores were based on a handyman business with two employees across professional liability, general liability, workers' comp and BOP policies.
1. The Hartford
pros
Lowest professional liability pricing
High coverage and customer scores
Trusted brand with strong claims support
cons
Fewer digital quote options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The Hartford ranks first for handyman businesses thanks to its strong affordability across policies and lowest professional liability pricing. It’s backed by an A+ from AM Best, giving contractors peace of mind when handling customer property or repairs. The Hartford is especially appealing to established handyman companies managing multiple projects or subcontracts. While the quoting process is less tech-driven than newer carriers, its service and stability work well for contractors.
2. biBerk
pros
Cheapest general liability and BOP
Backed by Berkshire Hathaway
Easy online policy management
cons
Doesn’t cover subcontractors
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
biBerk is a great choice for handyman professionals, offering the lowest general liability and BOP pricing in our review. Its policies are designed for small businesses and backed by the financial strength of Berkshire Hathaway.
Handyman contractors benefit from straightforward online quoting and fast certificate access. biBerk is ideal for owner-operated businesses that don’t work with subcontractors. For those that do, check coverage exclusions carefully.
3. Nationwide
pros
Strong service reputation
Competitive general liability rates
Works well for larger crews
cons
Fewer digital management features
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide provides good coverage for handyman companies that want dependable service from a major national brand. It ranks well for affordability and customer satisfaction, especially in general liability policies. This makes it a good match for multi-person teams or those taking on higher-value home improvement projects. While not as digitally advanced as some newer carriers, Nationwide is a trusted name with the coverage options and agent network to support growth.
Cheapest Business Insurance for Handyman Firms
Based on our study of business insurance pricing, biBerk offers competitive rates across multiple coverage types, ranking as the cheapest provider for general liability and BOP insurance.
However, this applies only to handyman companies with two employees and you may find lower rates elsewhere. Below are the most affordable providers by major coverage types.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance for Handyman Companies
With an average monthly rate of $175, biBerk offers the lowest-cost general liability insurance for handyman companies. Even so, consider getting quotes from the next-most-affordable insurers: The Hartford and Thimble.
| biBERK | $175 | $2,097 |
| The Hartford | $193 | $2,322 |
| Thimble | $201 | $2,413 |
| Simply Business | $212 | $2,540 |
| Nationwide | $227 | $2,729 |
| Progressive Commercial | $233 | $2,792 |
| Hiscox | $255 | $3,056 |
| Coverdash | $267 | $3,207 |
| Chubb | $286 | $3,438 |
| NEXT Insurance | $443 | $5,317 |
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance for Handyman Companies
For handyman businesses shopping for workers' comp insurance, Thimble tops our list as the most affordable insurer, with average rates of $40 per month or $481 yearly. However, you may also want to compare prices from other low-cost providers like Progressive Commercial, Simply Business, Hiscox and The Hartford.
| Thimble | $40 | $481 |
| Progressive Commercial | $43 | $519 |
| Hiscox | $45 | $538 |
| Simply Business | $45 | $536 |
| The Hartford | $45 | $545 |
| Coverdash | $46 | $550 |
| biBERK | $47 | $566 |
| NEXT Insurance | $47 | $560 |
| Nationwide | $50 | $604 |
| Chubb | $54 | $648 |
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance for Handyman Companies
The Hartford offers the most affordable professional liability insurance options for handyman companies, with low average monthly rates of $48. You may also want to compare prices from other low-cost providers like NEXT, Progressive Commercial and Thimble.
| The Hartford | $48 | $578 |
| NEXT Insurance | $50 | $605 |
| Progressive Commercial | $52 | $620 |
| Hiscox | $54 | $644 |
| Simply Business | $54 | $643 |
| Thimble | $54 | $646 |
| Coverdash | $55 | $660 |
| biBERK | $56 | $669 |
| Nationwide | $59 | $702 |
| Chubb | $63 | $757 |
Cheapest BOP Insurance for Handyman Companies
For handyman businesses seeking combined general liability and property insurance in a business owner’s policy (BOP), biBerk offers the lowest average annual rate at $2,710. That’s a savings of roughly $246 annually compared to The Hartford, the second most affordable option.
| biBERK | $226 | $2,710 |
| The Hartford | $246 | $2,956 |
| Thimble | $311 | $3,729 |
| Simply Business | $318 | $3,815 |
| Nationwide | $343 | $4,117 |
| Progressive Commercial | $346 | $4,156 |
| Hiscox | $382 | $4,583 |
| Coverdash | $387 | $4,649 |
| Chubb | $430 | $5,159 |
| NEXT Insurance | $644 | $7,729 |
What Type of Coverage Do You Need for a Handyman Business?
By law, most businesses need workers' comp insurance if they have employees and commercial auto insurance for any business vehicles. Many clients or contracts also require businesses to carry general liability insurance before starting work. A surety bond may also be necessary in certain industries, especially when contracts require guarantees of service or compliance.
RECOMMENDED HANDYMAN BUSINESS COVERAGE
You should get general liability insurance for your handyman business because it covers common risks like bodily injury, property damage and legal defense costs. Professional liability insurance also works well if you work under client contracts or provide specialized services. It’s particularly helpful for handyman businesses with commercial contracts or high-risk jobs, like technical, legal, or customized services.
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance for Your Handyman Company
Here's a step-by-step method for finding the best and cheapest business insurance for your handyman company.
- 1
Decide on coverage needs before buying
Think about what could go wrong in your business, get advice from similar businesses, talk to agents and research the types of business insurance. This will give you a balanced perspective on your coverage needs and prevent you from being convinced to get excessive coverage.
- 2
Research costs
To ensure you get the best deal, research average costs for your business profile and determine which providers offer the cheapest rates overall. This will give you a measuring stick for how much you're saving when comparing quotes and which companies to start with.
- 3
Look into company reputations and coverage options
To further narrow your list, research what customers say on online rating sites and forums to get a more comprehensive look at company services. Also, so you're covered for what you actually need, research coverage options to ensure you're covered for the right items.
- 4
Compare multiple quotes through different means
The best way to find the best deal is to compare multiple quotes for apples-to-apples coverage. Pricing differs by your comparison method, whether with captive agents, comparison sites, company websites or independent agents.
- 5
Reassess annually
Your business situation will change, influencing your rates and coverage needs. Repeat these steps annually to ensure you still have the best deal.
How to Decrease Your Handyman Business's Liability Risk
Reducing liability risk helps handyman businesses to keep insurance costs down. We've organized risk mitigation strategies by business type or risk tier to help you keep your insurance costs low.
Handyman Business Risk Type | Included Types of Handyman Businesses | Risk Mitigation Tactics |
|---|---|---|
Highest | Structural work, roofing repairs, electrical or plumbing jobs | Limit work to permitted scopes only. Require proper trade certifications and licensing. Use PPE, circuit testers, and GFCI procedures. Enforce jobsite walkthroughs and document all hazards before work begins. |
Moderately High | Deck construction, major appliance installs, demolition, fence or gate building | Follow equipment training protocols (lifts, saws, anchors). Document material specs and installation plans. Use signed client approvals for layout or finish changes. Perform post-job safety reviews. |
Moderate | Interior painting, drywall repair, fixture replacement, tiling | Use moisture testing tools and PPE (masks, gloves). Secure work areas with signage or tape. Use checklists for prep, application, and cleanup. Document pre-existing conditions. |
Moderately Low | Furniture assembly, mounting TVs or shelving, caulking | Use stud finders and weight-rated fasteners. Offer load disclaimers in writing. Educate clients on maximum weight ratings. Avoid work above standard height thresholds unless trained. |
Lowest | Estimates, consulting, non-physical handyman services | Provide written scopes of work and disclaimers. Avoid giving advice outside insured services. Maintain professional liability coverage. Retain all communication and approval records. |
Best Insurance for Handyman Business: Bottom Line
The Hartford is the best insurer for handyman business insurance, while biBerk offers the cheapest option overall. Don't forget to check pricing from Simply Business and Nationwide. Always compare quotes, consult other businesses and research company reputations before buying.
Handyman Business Insurance: FAQ
Below, we answer common questions about handyman business insurance.
Who offers the best handyman business insurance overall?
The Hartford offers the best business insurance for handyman companies, boasting a stellar customer service rating and an impressive MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100. biBERK is a close contender with superior affordability.
Who has the cheapest business insurance for handyman companies?
Here are the cheapest business insurance companies for handyman companies by coverage type:
- Cheapest general liability insurance: biBERK at $175 per month
- Cheapest workers' comp insurance: Thimble at $40 per month
- Cheapest professional liability insurance: The Hartford at $48 per month
- Cheapest BOP insurance: biBERK at $226 per month
What business insurance is required for handyman organizations?
Workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees) and commercial auto insurance (if you own business vehicles) are legally required for handyman businesses, with requirements varying by state. While not legally mandated, general liability insurance and surety bonds are effectively required by most commercial clients and property leases.
How much does handyman business insurance cost?
Business insurance costs for handyman companies depend on the services offered, location, and number of employees. Below are average monthly costs for key policies:
- General liability: $249 per month
- Workers comp: $46 per month
- Professional liability: $55 per month
- BOP insurance: $363 per month
How We Chose the Best Handyman Business Insurance
We selected the best business insurer for handyman companies based on the following criteria:
- Affordability (50% of score): The lower a company's costs compared to the competition based on our base profile for four core coverage types, the better it performs.
- Customer service (30% of score): We scored providers on overall customer satisfaction using industry studies, customer review forum ratings and public forum sentiment analysis from sites like Reddit.
- Coverage (15% of score): We scored business insurance for this category based on the flexibility, payment and actual coverage options.
- Financial stability (5% of score): Using financial stability industry ratings from companies like AM Best and Moody's, we created an overall rating to judge how likely a company is to pay out claims compared to the competition.
All pricing in this article is based on the following base profile to represent the vast majority of small businesses in all states:
- Handyman business with two employees
- Coverage: $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year for all but BOP, which includes the same coverage plus $5,000 of business property coverage
- $150,000 in payroll
- $300,000 annual revenue
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- AM Best. "Hartford Fire Insurance Company." Accessed June 16, 2025.