Contractor Insurance Cost: Trade-by-Trade Benchmarks

Why contractors should think in programs, not policies

A roofing contractor's program looks nothing like a handyman's. The lines on the policy are the same — GL, WC, auto, tools, umbrella — but the dominant cost driver is different. Roofers are driven by WC. Handymen are driven by GL. GCs are driven by sub-contracted work warranties. Electricians and plumbers are driven by completed-operations and faulty workmanship endorsements. Treat your insurance as a program, not a stack of standalone policies.

Trade benchmarks

• Handyman: $500–$900 GL · $0 WC if no employees · $0–$1,200 tools
• Electrician (residential): $900–$1,600 GL · WC at ~$3/$100 payroll · $1,200 tools
• Plumber (residential): $1,000–$1,800 GL · WC at ~$4.50/$100 payroll · $1,200 tools
• HVAC: $950–$1,700 GL · WC at ~$4/$100 payroll · install floater $1,500
• Roofer (residential): $5,500–$11,000 GL · WC at $18–$26/$100 payroll · $0–$1,000 tools
• General contractor (residential remodel): $2,400–$4,500 GL · sub-contracted work warranty
• Landscaping (with mowing): $900–$1,800 GL · auto and tools dominate the program
• Painter: $700–$1,300 GL · WC at ~$5/$100 payroll · ladder/scaffold endorsement
• Concrete: $2,200–$3,800 GL · WC at ~$8/$100 payroll · equipment schedule