Construction and trades

Contractor insurance for construction and trade businesses

Customers, general contractors, and many towns want proof of insurance before you start a job. Kaufman Insurance Group compares contractor insurance from multiple companies for trades of all sizes, from one-person crews to growing construction businesses.

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  • General liability, tools, and commercial auto options
  • Certificates of insurance when you need them
  • Coverage for many trades and specialties

Personal & Commercial · Quick Quotes – Good Rates · Great Companies

As an independent agency, we compare contractor insurance from the companies we work with. The companies that can quote you depend on your type of business, your operations, where you work, and each company’s own rules.

  • GEICO
  • Progressive
  • National General
  • Grange
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Travelers
  • Nationwide
  • Foremost
  • Chubb
  • The Hartford
  • Lemonade
  • Hagerty
  • Clearcover
  • CNA
  • Hiscox
  • State Auto
  • Steadily
  • Obie
  • Open Road
  • Neptune Flood

These logos show some of the insurance companies Kaufman Insurance Group may be able to quote as an independent agency. Showing a logo does not mean the company endorses us. Which companies can offer you coverage depends on the type of insurance, where you live, and each company’s own rules.

The basics

What contractor insurance is

Contractor insurance is not one policy. It is a group of business policies that protect construction and trade companies from the most common risks of the job: injuring someone, damaging a customer’s property, having tools stolen, crashing a work truck, or an employee getting hurt.

The most requested piece is general liability, which helps pay if your work causes injury or property damage to someone else. Many customers and general contractors will not let you on a job without a certificate of insurance showing it. Depending on your business, you may also need commercial auto, tools and equipment coverage, workers compensation, and an umbrella policy.

Every trade has different risks. A roofer works at heights, a plumber can cause water damage, and a landscaper uses heavy mowers near people and property. That is why we look at your specific work, not just a general contractor label.

Required by contracts

Many general contractors and property owners require specific coverage and limits, and ask to be added to your policy.

Required by law

Workers compensation rules and some licensing requirements depend on your state, trade, and number of employees.

Know what you are choosing

Coverages contractors commonly need

These are the building blocks of most contractor insurance programs.

General liability

Helps pay for injuries and property damage your work causes to others, including legal defense.

Tools and equipment

Often called inland marine coverage. Helps replace tools and equipment that are stolen or damaged on the job or in transit.

Commercial auto

Covers trucks and vans used for work, including employees driving them.

Workers compensation

Required for most businesses with employees. In Ohio it comes from the state. For employees in other states, we can help as it comes up.

Builders risk

Covers a building while it is under construction or renovation, depending on who is responsible for the project.

Umbrella or excess liability

Adds higher liability limits above your other policies, which some contracts require.

Trades we help

Contractor insurance by trade

Choose your trade to learn about the risks and coverage that matter most for your work.

Don’t see your trade? Call us. We help many other contractors, too.

Get a QuoteCall (330) 486-8404

How Kaufman helps

How we help contractors

We are an independent agency, so we can compare contractor coverage from multiple companies and put the pieces together for you.

Tell us about your work

Share your trade, the type of jobs you do, your crew size, your vehicles, and any contract requirements.

We compare companies

An agent reviews options from the companies we work with and explains how each policy fits.

Get certificates fast

Choose your coverage. We can issue certificates of insurance and add customers as additional insureds when your policy allows.

We focus on Ohio and North Carolina, and we can also help contractors in most other states. Tell us about any contract insurance requirements up front so your policies match what your customers need.

Common questions

Contractor insurance questions

What insurance does a contractor need?

Most contractors start with general liability. Many also need commercial auto, tools and equipment coverage, and workers compensation if they have employees. Contracts may require an umbrella policy or specific limits.

What is a certificate of insurance?

A certificate of insurance is a one-page document that shows your policies, limits, and dates. Customers and general contractors ask for it to confirm you are insured.

What does additional insured mean?

An additional insured is another party, such as a general contractor or property owner, who is given certain protection under your policy. Many contracts require it.

Does general liability cover my own tools?

No. General liability covers injuries and damage to others. Your tools need separate tools and equipment coverage, often called inland marine.

How does workers compensation work for contractors in Ohio?

In Ohio, workers compensation is run by the state through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, so Ohio employers get it there rather than from an insurance agency. If your business has employees working in states outside Ohio, Kaufman Insurance Group can help with workers compensation for those states as it comes up. Rules for owners who work alone vary, so check with the state.

Related coverage

Related business coverage

General liability insurance

Protection if your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property.

Explore general liability

Commercial insurance hub

See all the business insurance we can help with, from liability and property to vehicles and contractors.

Explore commercial insurance

Ready to protect your contracting business?

Start a contractor insurance quote online, or contact us with questions. An agent will help you compare options.

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Prefer to talk? Call (330) 486-8404.

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