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A handyman's week can include a leaky faucet, a fence repair, a ceiling fan and a deck board, all at different houses. That variety is exactly what makes insurance tricky: a policy written for "carpentry" may not fit when you swap a light fixture or touch a water line. Asshield™ insures handyman and home repair businesses and compares several companies to find a policy whose class description matches the work you really do.
A handyman in Richmond replaces a toilet supply line for a client. Two days later the fitting lets go and floods a finished basement. The homeowner's insurer pays the claim, then goes after the handyman. His general liability policy, with completed-operations coverage, responds.
Where we see it locally
Across Lexington and Central Kentucky, handyman businesses serve older homes, rental owners and busy families. On the Emerald Coast, rental turnovers and condo repairs keep handymen busy between guests.
Handymen in Kentucky
Kentucky has no statewide handyman license, but electrical, plumbing and HVAC work is licensed at the state level, and local building permits apply to bigger jobs. Stay within what you're licensed for; insurance won't fix a licensing gap. Workers' comp is required once you have one employee, and business owners can choose to cover themselves.
Handymen in Florida
Florida limits what unlicensed contractors can do. Structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing work generally requires a state or local license. Keep your jobs within what you're licensed for, and describe your work accurately so the policy matches.
More: Contractors hub · General liability · Inland marine · Painters
Risks handymen face
Water damage
From plumbing fixes, the most common large claim in home repair
Work outside your class
Electrical, plumbing or roofing work your policy doesn't contemplate, or that requires a license you don't have
Completed operations
A repair that fails after you've left
Theft of tools
From your truck or van
Your own injuries,
If you're the only worker and don't carry comp on yourself
A typical handyman program
Every business is different. This is a starting point we tailor to your work, contracts and state.
General liability
With completed operations
How it worksTools & equipment
Inland marine
How it worksCommercial auto for your work vehicle
How it worksWorkers' compensation once you hire, or optionally for yourself
How it worksBusiness owner's policy if you have a shop
How it worksHave this handy
A list of the services you offer, with rough percentages; any trade licenses; annual revenue; employees or helpers; vehicle; tool values; and loss history.
Handyman insurance questions
Does handyman insurance cover small plumbing or electrical jobs?
It depends on how the policy describes your work and on what you're licensed to do. Tell us every service you offer so the policy matches.
What happens if a repair fails after I leave?
That's a completed-operations claim. Most contractor GL policies include it, but limits and exclusions vary.
Do I need workers' comp if I work alone?
In Kentucky, not usually for yourself, but many clients and property managers ask for it. Once you hire a helper, it's required.
Are my tools covered if my truck is broken into?
Only with inland marine or tools coverage. GL and commercial auto don't cover your tools.
We cover your assets
Compare handyman insurance with an independent agency
Tell us about your business once. We shop multiple carriers, explain the trade-offs in plain English, and handle certificates, audits and renewals after you bind.
Educational only — not a policy, quote, or coverage guarantee. Coverage, eligibility, and carrier availability vary by state, class of business, and underwriting. Policy language controls. Talk with a licensed Asshield agent about your situation.