Learn about license requirements and the most common handyman insurance policies in Arizona.
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Handyman contractors may need different types of insurance coverage depending on the work they do. These are the most popular insurance policies for Arizona contractors to protect against financial losses.
A general liability policy covers basic risks, such as accidental damage to a client's sink. Bundle with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy (BOP).
A BOP bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. It's often the most cost-effective type of insurance for handyman businesses.
Most states require workers’ comp for handyman businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from job-related medical costs that health insurance might deny.
A commercial auto policy covers third-party bodily injuries and property damage in accidents involving work vehicles. It can also cover vehicle theft and vandalism.
This type of contractor insurance helps pay for repair or replacement of a handyperson's hammers, saws, drills, wrenches, and other tools if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Professional liability insurance covers legal fees when a handyman is sued for a mistake or oversight. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
A surety bond is an agreement between a handyman contractor, a client, and an insurance company. It guarantees the insurer will reimburse the client if the contractor fails to fulfill their contract.
Builder's risk insurance covers a structure in progress and materials at a construction site. It's sometimes called course of construction insurance.
Pollution liability insurance can help pay for legal defense costs related to particulates or other pollution that came from your worksite. It's sometimes called environmental insurance.
Handyman insurance requirements in Arizona don't typically include general liability insurance. However, it's an essential policy for any business that works with customers. In some cases, you may be required to carry it to take on large-scale jobs.
A general liability insurance policy protects your business from legal expenses stemming from common mishaps, such as customer bodily injuries and property damage.
Most commercial leases require businesses to carry this coverage. Adding commercial umbrella insurance can boost your coverage on general liability insurance and other types of liability insurance.
Contractor general liability insurance can also help protect against advertising injuries, such as libel, slander, and copyright infringement. For example, it'll pay for your legal defense costs if a competitor sues your business for making a false statement about them on social media.
To meet state requirements, get licensed in Arizona, or secure large contracts, handyman businesses with one or more employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical bills and disability benefits for work injuries.
Some independent contractors and sole proprietors may have to carry workers' comp in Arizona to meet client contract requirements, even if they do not have any employees. Most policies include employer's liability insurance, which helps pay for workplace injury lawsuits.
Commercial auto insurance covers property damage and medical bills resulting from an accident involving your handyman business's vehicle. Depending on the coverage options you choose, it can also pay for vehicle theft, weather damage, and vandalism.
Minimum auto liability requirements for Arizona businesses are:
For vehicles that are used by the business but are leased, rented, or otherwise not owned by the company, you'll need a separate policy called hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA). This policy provides liability insurance, but it doesn't cover damage to the insured vehicle.
Personal auto insurance will typically not cover any driving for business purposes, which is why you may need supplemental coverage.
Licensure requirements in Arizona may sometimes include a surety bond, depending on the type of work you do and the size of the job.
A surety bond guarantees reimbursement for the client if a handyman fails to fulfill the terms of a contract or adhere to regulations. Common types of surety bonds include bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.
There’s no specific handyman license in Arizona. However, you may need a contractor’s license depending on the type of work you perform and the value of the project.
In general, if the total cost of labor and materials is $1,000 or more, or if the work requires a building permit, then you’ll need to be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). The ROC offers many license classifications, such as:
To qualify, you’ll likely need to pass an exam, demonstrate work experience, undergo a background check, and pay application and licensing fees. You’ll also need to meet the ROC’s insurance requirements, which typically include general liability coverage, workers’ compensation (if you have employees), and a contractor’s surety bond ranging from $2,500 to $100,000 depending on the license type.
How much you’ll pay for fees and insurance depends on your business structure, the classification you apply for, and whether or not you have employees.
Arizona handyman contractors who buy policies from Insureon pay an average of:
General liability: $72 per month
Workers' compensation: $54 per month
Commercial auto: $230 per month
Several factors affect handyman insurance premiums, including:
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