Insurance for Handyman
in Pennsylvania
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General Liability insurance for a Handyman in Pennsylvania
A General Liability insurance policy protects contractors providing handyman services from outside claims of bodily injury and property damage. It helps cover your legal fees and the cost of compensating the third-party or otherwise remedying the situation. Policies typically cover you whether you are actually liable or not. This form of insurance may also be sold as Commercial General Liability (CGL) or “slip and fall” coverage.
Why is handyman insurance important in Pennsylvania?
Handymen are the “jack of all trades” of the contractor world. Clients rely on you for a whole host of home maintenance projects, from fixing a leaky faucet to replacing shingles on the roof. You’re prepared for any job they might have, but are you prepared for everyday accidents?
Think about this: You’re working in a client’s home and leave your toolbox in the middle of the floor. The client trips over it and receives a large emergency room bill due to their injuries. They insist that you pay their medical bill, since you left the toolbox out.*
It may have been an accident, but you could still be liable and need to compensate the client. The same might be true if you accidentally damage their property. These types of claims and lawsuits can be devastating for small business owners. General Liability insurance for a handyman in Pennsylvania can help in these cases, by shielding your bank accounts from the costs of third-party liability claims.
Did you know?
Handymen in Pennsylvania who do more than $5,000 in home improvement work each calendar year must register as a Home Improvement Contractor and provide proof of General Liability insurance.
Why become a Handyman in Pennsylvania?
The home improvement industry is booming, with a reported $600 billion spent by homeowners on improvements, maintenance, and emergency repairs in 2021. While some homeowners may try their hand at DIY projects, many do not have the time, skill, or patience to follow them through. Handymen in Pennsylvania could be poised to take advantage of future growth in this area.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that there were 54,180 general maintenance and repair workers in Pennsylvania in 2020. That same data projects that job growth for these positions, including general handyman services, will be 8% from 2020 to 2030. That’s as fast as the average growth for all occupations in the U.S.
Pennsylvania’s employment rate for general maintenance and repair workers is strong. Philadelphia is one of the top ten metro areas for employment in this area. Furthermore, State College has one of the highest concentrations of maintenance and repair jobs in the nation.
The average yearly salary for a general maintenance and repair worker in Pennsylvania is $43,500 (as of 2020). This is higher than the national average of $40,850. Earning potential can be even higher, depending on where in the state you work. For instance, the average salaries in Philadelphia and State College are both over $47,000.
Handyman registration in PA
If you are offering handyman services in Pennsylvania, you may need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor. This is a requirement of the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA), which protects homeowners from fraud and unfair business practices. Handymen who do not register or meet the insurance requirements cannot provide handyman services in the state and may be fined.
Any handyman who completes more than $5,000 of home improvement work in a calendar year must register with the Office of the Attorney General. You will also need to provide proof your General Liability insurance policy, which must include at least $50,000 of personal injury liability coverage and $50,000 of property damage coverage.**
What does General Liability insurance for a handyman cover?
Handyman General Liability insurance typically covers:
- Third-party bodily injury
- Third-party property damage
Most policies will cover your expenses associated with a claim or lawsuit. This includes things like attorney’s fees, court costs, and compensation to the harmed party.
Handyman insurance in Pennsylvania that covers general liability claims will provide protection even if you are not at fault. It can be expensive to resolve a baseless claim, and the last thing you probably want is for something like this to derail your business. A General Liability policy can help keep this from happening, whether the allegations made against you are true or not.
What is not covered?
Typically, a General Liability policy does not cover events such as (but not limited to):
- Personal injury and workers’ comp claims
- Damage to your tools, equipment, and other personal property
- Intentional damage to a third-party’s property
Steps may be taken to minimize risks to your handyman business and help avoid claims. Other forms of insurance, like Workers’ Compensation and handymen tool insurance in Pennsylvania, can also help protect your business and assets.
How much does handyman insurance in Pennsylvania cost?
There are many factors that go into calculating your General Liability insurance premiums (the amount you will regularly pay for your policy). This means that you might pay a different amount for your coverage than other handymen, even those working in the same city.
The cost of General Liability insurance is impacted by things such as:
- Your qualifications and experience – This may include any relevant training you’ve completed or licenses you hold, plus how long you’ve been working as a handyman.
- Where you work – If your business in based in a large city, such as Philadelphia, you might pay more for a policy than a handyman working in a small town.
- Your claims history – A history of general liability claims may increase your premiums, because it might be riskier to insure you.
- How much coverage you need – Higher levels of coverage usually mean higher premiums. You may need to keep a minimum level of coverage to work as a handyman in the state.
If you would like to know how much a General Liability insurance policy for your business will cost, comparing quotes from different insurers is an easy way to find out. This can also help you weigh your options and find a policy that fits your handyman business’ needs.
With BizInsure, comparing quotes for handyman insurance in Pennsylvania is easy. There’s no complicated paperwork, just 10 questions or less for most occupations. Start comparing quotes online now, and get covered in 10 minutes.
Other common trades we cover
Contractors with many different specialties may need General Liability insurance in Pennsylvania. We also help cover:
Why choose BizInsure for handyman insurance in Pennsylvania?
Handymen from Philadelphia to Pittsburg are comparing handyman insurance in Pennsylvania with BizInsure. Here’s why:
Applying is easy
There’s no complicated paperwork to fill out. Most business owners need to answer just 10 questions or less to get their quotes.
Top quality partners
Our insurance partners are A-rated or better, with competitively priced policies for Pennsylvania contractors.
Get covered quickly
With just 5 minutes to get quotes and 10 minutes to buy, you’ll be insured before you know it! Plus, your proof of insurance is sent instantly by email once you purchase.
Quality customer support
Our licensed agents are ready to help, whether you buy online or over the phone.
Compare insurance for a handyman in Pennsylvania today, start your online application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Insurance mandatory for handyman businesses in Pennsylvania?
General Liability insurance is mandatory for some handyman businesses in Pennsylvania. If you do more than $5,000 of home improvement work during a calendar year, then you must register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the state Attorney General’s office. You will need to provide proof of your General Liability insurance when you register.
Registered handymen must have personal injury liability coverage of at least $50,000 and property damage coverage of at least $50,000. If you fail to register or maintain a minimum of General Liability insurance, you will not be allowed to offer your services in Pennsylvania and may face a fine.
Please contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for up-to-date information on how to register as a handyman and your business insurance responsibilities.
What risks does a handyman face on the job?
Handymen may face many general liability risks while they are working. Safe work practices can help manage these and potentially help you avoid many claims and lawsuits. But if an accident does still happen, your General Liability policy is there to protect you and your business.
As a handyman, you often enter client’s homes or work on their land. This creates opportunities for accidents, which can lead to a general liability claim or lawsuit. You could accidentally damage a client’s belongings or cause them to injure themselves.
Similar risks may also exist in your workshop or offices. Property damage or injury claims can come from other members of the public besides your clients. Delivery people, vendors, and subcontractors might also bring a claim if an incident occurs on your premises.
Does handyman insurance cover my equipment? Does handyman insurance cover my work vehicles?
Your General Liability insurance policy will not cover your personal equipment or work vehicles. These policies are designed to shield your business against outside or third-party claims of property damage or bodily injury.
Other types of insurance, such as handyman tool insurance in Pennsylvania or commercial auto insurance, can help protect your small business’ tools, equipment, and vehicles.
