Yes, a handyman needs insurance before starting the first job
Many customers ask for proof of insurance before hiring you. This is normal. Insurance protects the customer. If you break something or someone gets hurt, you might owe money. That is general liability, a different kind of insurance.
Insurance is not a guess. When you get a quote, you get the real price. You can pay for it online, by card. Start your quote to get started.
What kind of insurance does a handyman need?
Two kinds of insurance come up for a handyman: workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance. UNO sells workers' comp only.
Workers' comp is for injuries at work. But if you work alone, you can get a ghost policy. A ghost policy is for the owner only. That means no employees and no subcontractors of any kind, even subs who carry their own insurance or hand you a certificate. If anyone else works for you — an employee, a subcontractor, a 1099 worker, day labor, or a family member who helps — you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. A ghost policy proves coverage exists but does not cover you personally. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it, so it pays no medical bills or lost wages to you.
Work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program. If any of your handyman work goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead.
General liability is for damage or injury to others. If you break something or someone gets hurt, it helps pay for repairs or medical bills. Many customers will ask for this kind of coverage before letting you start work.
How to get insurance before your first job
Getting insurance is simple. You can get your quote online in minutes. You don’t need to talk to a salesperson. You just answer a few questions about your business and get a quote. The quote will show you the real price. You can pay for it right there, by card. The premium is fully earned, so once the policy is issued there is no refund. After you pay and sign, Cimarron issues your policy within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. Then you can get a certificate of insurance to show to the customer.
Your quote uses a class code. This is a number that tells the insurance company what kind of work you do. It helps set your price. But it does not change the coverage. Your coverage is the same no matter what the code is.
After Cimarron issues your policy, you can get a certificate of insurance. This is a form that shows the customer you have coverage. It has your name, the insurance company, the policy number, and the coverage dates. It does not have all the details of your policy. If you want to read the full policy, you should download a copy. It is important to know what your policy covers and what it does not.
What happens if you don’t have insurance?
If you don’t have insurance and you break something or someone gets hurt because of your work, you must pay for it out of your own pocket. This can cost a lot of money. It can also hurt your reputation. If you don’t have insurance and something goes wrong, people may not want to hire you again. Insurance helps protect your business and your money.
Many states do not require workers' comp for a one-person business with no employees. For example, Virginia does not require it for a sole proprietor with no employees and no subcontractors. But many customers, contractors, and property owners will not let you work without proof of insurance. It is a requirement for many jobs.
What to do if you are unsure about your insurance needs
If you are not sure what kind of insurance you need, you can read more about being your own business. You can also read about certificates of insurance and how they work. But the best way to know is to get a quote. You can start your quote. It is free to get a quote. You only pay if you buy the policy. It is the best way to know what your insurance costs and what it covers.
Don’t wait. Many customers will not wait for you to get insurance. They want proof before you start. You can’t do the job without it. It is better to get insurance before you start working. Get your quote today and start your first job with confidence.
