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General contractor insurance in Missouri
Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for general contractors in Missouri.
Find the right coverage
Insureon helps general contractors find construction insurance that matches your unique risks.
Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right property and liability coverage for your small business.
What are the most common policies for general contractors in Missouri?
General contractors may need different types of insurance depending on the work they do and their client contracts. These policies are the most popular for general contractors in Missouri, and often provide the best coverage for their insurance needs.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic risks, such as a client who trips over your toolbox and suffers a bodily injury. Bundle it with commercial property for savings in a business owner's policy.
BEST FOR
- Damaged customer property
- Product liability insurance
- Advertising injuries
Business owner's policy
A BOP bundles commercial general liability and commercial property coverage at a discount. It's often the most cost-effective type of insurance for general contractors.
BEST FOR
- Accidents that injure clients
- Client property damage
- Stolen or damaged business property
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers’ comp for general contracting businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
This policy covers the cost of injuries and property damage in accidents involving a general contractor’s vehicle. It can also pay for repairs to vehicles damaged by weather or vandalism.
BEST FOR
- Legal costs from an auto accident
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Contractor's tools and equipment insurance
This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of a contractor’s saws, nail guns, hammers, and other tools if they're lost, stolen, or damaged.
BEST FOR
- Equipment less than five years old
- Mobile equipment and tools
- Small tools
Professional liability insurance
This policy is also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O). It covers legal fees when a general contractor is sued over a mistake, such as using the wrong materials.
BEST FOR
- Accusations of negligence
- Failure to complete a project
- Work mistakes and oversights
Contractor surety bonds
A bond guarantees reimbursement for the client if a general contractor fails to fulfill the terms of a contract or adhere to building codes. Common bonds include bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.
BEST FOR
- Compliance with laws
- Incomplete jobs
- Breach of contract
Builder's risk insurance
This policy covers structures in progress and materials, often paying for damage caused by fire, vandalization, and non-severe weather events.
BEST FOR
- New construction
- Building renovation
- Worksite theft and vandalism
Contractors pollution liability insurance
Contractors pollution liability covers costs related to pollution, such as a lawsuit alleging harm caused from exposure to silica dust on a construction job site. It's sometimes referred to as environmental insurance.
BEST FOR
- Pollution events
- Spills during transport
- Lawsuits over contaminants
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
What insurance is required for general contractors in Missouri?
General contractors in Missouri must carry the following insurance policies to comply with county or state laws:
Workers' compensation insurance
If you own a construction or home improvement business in Missouri with one or more employees, your business is required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Workers' compensation insurance covers medical costs and disability benefits when a Missouri worker is injured on the job or develops an occupational illness. It's a key policy for the construction industry and related professions, such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.
Sole proprietors may not need workers' comp for their Missouri general contractor registration or license, but it's still a good idea to carry this insurance coverage. Personal health insurance doesn't cover work-related personal injuries, so it can save you from out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Commercial auto insurance
Business vehicles in Missouri must be covered by commercial auto insurance.
Commercial auto insurance protects vehicles owned by your general contracting company. It covers property damage and medical bills in an accident that a personal auto policy wouldn't cover, along with vehicle theft, weather damage, and vandalism.
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How much does insurance cost for general contractors in Missouri?
General contractors in Missouri who buy policies from Insureon pay an average premium of:
General liability: $100 per month
Workers' compensation: $395 per month
Commercial auto: $180 per month
Several factors affect the cost of general contractor insurance, including:
- Type of building construction, such as townhouses, multifamily homes, or offices
- Business property and equipment
- Business income and size
- Years of work experience
- Policy limits and deductibles
When do you need a general contractor business license in Missouri?
In Missouri, from St. Louis to Branson, general contractors are not required to carry a state-issued license, but they must be registered with the Secretary of State. While the state doesn't required licensure, the city or county in which you work will likely mandate a local-issued license.
Each city or county has its own requirements for obtaining a contractor's license, as well as different classes based on the type of work you do. It's best to check the local government page for your area to find the correct classification information and requirements.
One example is Kansas City. It has 10 license classifications:
- Demolition contractor class 1 and 2
- Electrical contractor class 1, 2, and 3
- Elevator contractor class 1, 2, and 3
- Fire protection contractor class 1, 2, and 3
- Gas-fired appliance contractor
- Mechanical contractor
- Pipe fitting contractor
- Plumbing contractor
- Residential building contractor
- Sign contractor
Licensure requirements in Kansas City include:
- Age 21 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Documentation of required skills, knowledge, and experience
- Liability insurance coverage with a minimum aggregate limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence
- The City of Kansas City, Missouri, listed as an additional insured on the policy
- Business license from the Kansas City Finance Department
- $55 non-refundable application fee
To register your Missouri business with the Secretary of State, visit the MO.gov website.
How do I get Missouri contractors liability insurance?
Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps general contractors in the state of Missouri save time and money shopping for business liability insurance and property insurance. Start an online application to get free quotes from top-rated U.S. insurance companies.
To get through the application quicker, have this information ready:
- Workforce details, such as the number and types of employees
- Current and projected revenue
- Business partnerships
- Insurance history and prior claims
- Commercial lease insurance requirements
A licensed insurance agent can answer your questions and help you find the right coverage to meet your business insurance needs. Small business owners can get their certificate of insurance shortly after they apply for quotes and pay for a policy.
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