Painters Insurance: Coverage, Cost and Top Providers
Add on tools and equipment coverage to protect your gear from damage or theft.
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Managing Editor Whether painting is your full-time business or your side hustle, you need business insurance to protect your financial interests.
At a minimum, painters need general liability insurance, which helps shield their business against claims that they caused injury or damage. Other coverage, like workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance, may also be required depending on the business setup.
Here are more details about business insurance for painters, including cost, coverage options and top providers.
What types of business insurance do painters need?
Painters may need the following types of business insurance. Exact coverage needs will depend on your business’s size and operations.
| Type of insurance | What it pays for | Find a provider |
| Third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage. May be required by your city or state. Clients may also require proof of liability insurance. | ||
| Legal costs related to claims of mistakes or negligence, including breach of contract or missed deadlines. | ||
| The cost to replace structures and physical assets, such as tools or building materials, that are damaged due to fire, vandalism or other covered events. (Note: Can be combined with general liability insurance with a business owner’s policy.) | ||
| Expenses related to accidents, such as property damage and injuries, when driving a covered vehicle for business purposes. | ||
| Medical bills for employees and/or contractors who suffer a work-related illness or injury. Required in most states if you have at least one employee. | ||
| Tools and equipment insurance | The cost to repair or replace lost, damaged or stolen tools, including ladders, workbenches and stand lights. This coverage protects equipment whether it's in your vehicle, in a trailer or on a job site. |
How much does business insurance cost for painters?
Most painters need multiple types of business insurance. We’ve broken down what painters typically pay for each type of coverage using median rate data from Insureon, an online marketplace for small-business insurance.
- General liability insurance for painters: $50 per month, $600 per year.
- Workers’ compensation insurance for painters: $275 per month, $3,320 per year.
- Commercial auto insurance for painters: $135 per month, $1,600 per year.
- Tools and equipment coverage for painters: $15 per month, $170 per year.
Actual rates will depend on the size of your business, where it's located and your prior claim history, among other factors. The cost can also vary greatly from one provider to the next, so get multiple quotes and compare coverage limits and premiums before purchasing a policy.
Top options for painting insurance
These providers offer a full range of business insurance for painters and have strong financial ratings (excellent or superior) from AM Best, a trusted credit rating agency focused on the insurance industry.
State Farm: Best overall customer satisfaction
Pros:
- One of the top providers for overall customer satisfaction according to J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. small commercial insurance study.
- Agents available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons:
- Online quotes not available.
- Claims cannot be filed online.
Why we like it: State Farm is a fan favorite among small-business owners, earning the insurer second place for overall customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s annual U.S. small commercial insurance study. The insurer’s approach is a personal one, to be sure. Nearly all business insurance is handled by State Farm’s roughly 19,200 agents. Unfortunately, that means quotes and claims can't be handled online.
Full review: State Farm business insurance.
Next: Best for online quotes, claims
Pros:
- Purchase your policy entirely online.
- Claims are typically resolved in 48 hours.
Cons:
- Relatively new to the market (founded in 2016).
- Not available in New York or Washington, D.C.
Why we like it: Next offers an insurance package for painters that includes general liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation and tools and equipment coverage. You can get a quote, purchase your policy and handle any claims entirely online, or talk with an agent over the phone.
Full review: Next business insurance.
Progressive: Best for bundling business, auto coverage
Pros:
- Online quotes available.
- Discounts for bundling business and auto insurance.
Cons:
- Most business insurance policies are through a third party.
- Can’t file a claim through Progressive (except for commercial auto).
Why we like it: Progressive may be known for its auto insurance, but the insurer also offers a full range of business coverage. And Progressive will lower your rate if you purchase multiple policies. Be aware, most Progressive business insurance policies are through third-party insurers.
Full review: Progressive business insurance.
Read some of our reviews of popular business insurance companies: | ||
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