Running a handyman business in Missouri? You’ll need the right insurance to protect yourself, your work, and your tools. Handyman insurance quotes in Missouri can start at about $22 a month, but your actual cost depends on what you need and the size of your business.
This type of insurance usually covers liability, your tools, and sometimes worker’s comp if you have employees.
Finding a good insurance quote isn’t as hard as it sounds. Plenty of providers offer quick online quotes or free phone calls, so you can figure out what fits your business.
Knowing the basics about costs and coverage helps you pick a policy that works—without paying for stuff you’ll never use.
Key Takeaways
- Handyman insurance costs change depending on coverage and business size.
- You can get fast quotes online or with a quick phone call.
- Comparing policies is the best way to find what actually works for you.
Understanding Handyman Insurance in Missouri
It’s important to know what coverage is out there, what Missouri requires, and the risks you face every day. That way, you can make smarter choices for your business.
Types of Coverage Available
Handyman insurance usually starts with general liability. This covers injuries or property damage that happen because of your work.
It protects you if a client or someone else gets hurt, or if you accidentally damage something.
If you’ve got employees, workers’ compensation is a big one. Missouri makes it mandatory if you have five or more workers.
Workers’ comp helps cover medical bills and lost wages if someone gets hurt on the job.
You might also want commercial auto insurance if you drive for work, and tools and equipment coverage to protect your gear from theft or damage.
Legal Requirements for Missouri Handymen
Missouri doesn’t have a statewide handyman license, but you’ll have to follow local city or county rules. These can be different depending on where you work.
Sometimes you’ll need a contractor’s license, based on the type of job or your location.
If you have five or more employees, you must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if you’re solo, it’s smart to consider coverage—medical bills can be brutal.
General liability insurance isn’t required by law, but most clients will want to see proof before they hire you.
Common Risks Faced by Handyman Businesses
Handyman work comes with its share of risks—client injuries, property damage, and tool theft, just to name a few.
Someone could slip at your worksite, or your tools could cause an accident. Sometimes, things just break.
Tools get stolen or damaged too, and replacing them out of pocket can be expensive.
How to Get Accurate Handyman Insurance Quotes Missouri
Getting the right quote means sharing details about your business, checking out different providers, and knowing what drives your costs in Missouri.
It’s worth taking your time here, since it can save you money and headaches later.
Information Needed for Quote Requests
When you’re asking for a quote, be ready to talk about what you do, how long you’ve been doing it, and how big your business is.
Insurers want to know your annual revenue, how many employees you’ve got, and where in Missouri you work.
They’ll ask about the tools you use and if you’ve had any past claims or incidents. The more details you give, the more accurate your quote will be.
Comparing Local Insurance Providers
Check out several insurance companies that know Missouri and the handyman trade. Local providers usually get the risks you face and the state’s rules.
You can get free quotes from places like NEXT Insurance or Progressive Commercial.
Look for companies that offer coverage tailored for handymen, and see how easy it is to get a policy online. Reviews from other business owners can be helpful too.
Make a list—compare coverage limits, prices, and how good their customer service is.
Understanding Cost Factors in Missouri
Your insurance price depends on your business size, the work you do, and a bunch of other things.
General liability insurance in Missouri often runs between $500 and $800 a month, but that can change with your coverage limits and risk level.
Things like your claims history, number of employees, and annual income matter too. Local crime rates and weather can even play a role.
Knowing these details helps you understand why prices are all over the place.
Tips for Choosing the Right Policy
You want insurance that actually fits your business and protects you from the stuff that really happens. Focus on how much coverage you actually need, what it’ll cost, and what isn’t covered.
Assessing Coverage Limits
Coverage limits are the max your insurance will pay for a claim. Think about how big your jobs are and how much your tools are worth.
Higher limits cost more, but they’ll save you if something big goes wrong.
Most handymen should look for at least $1 million per occurrence in general liability. If you’re working on bigger projects, maybe add umbrella coverage.
If you’ve got employees, double-check your workers’ comp limits. And don’t forget—damage to your own tools or vehicles might not be included unless you add extra coverage.
Evaluating Deductibles and Premiums
The deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance helps. Higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums, but you’ll pay more if something happens.
Premiums depend on your coverage, where you work, and how big your business is. In Missouri, expect to pay between $500 and $800 a month for standard general liability and umbrella coverage.
Try to balance what you can afford each month with what you’d actually have to pay if you file a claim. Get a few quotes and see what feels right—don’t just grab the first one you see.
Reading Policy Exclusions
Exclusions are what the policy won’t cover. These might be certain types of damage, tools, or specific work activities.
Always check these sections—seriously, nobody likes surprises later on. Some policies leave out work involving specialized trades, like electrical or plumbing, unless you pay for extra coverage.
You’ll also see exclusions for damage caused by subcontractors. Work done on buildings where you don’t have permission? That’s often not covered either.
It’s worth paying attention here. Missing these details could leave you with gaps in your protection.