What would the annual or monthly cost be (approx.) for liability insurance of an artisan contractor? The work is mostly commerical and home tile/grout work in kitchens and bathrooms. The business consists of just the owner/master artisan who may have 1 or 2 other people do some jobs with him. The owner is well trained and has plenty of experience. The work would be done mostly in MA and certainly within New England. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Maybe if someone has a similar type business, they could share what their monthly or annual payments are?

Thanks!

Be sure to include workman's comprehension. I read some answers that say contact a general insurance agent. You may need to buy something specific to your craft rather than something for a general contractor. Some kinds require the business have a history of several years, so a good agent will search all sorts of companies.


Don't be offended by my searching handyman insurance. I know you are doing skilled, artistic work but I wanted to try to differentiate between what you do and a large company. I'm sure an agent will be more specific.

http://www.anconainsurance.com/Handyman.htm I noticed this site and am including it because of the type of questions they ask before they give you a quote. I am not making a recommendation. It seems like a good place to start.

The man who installed our slate floor was included in the insurance of the company that sold us the slate. Talk about a true artist!!! Even the adhesive was applied in a beautiful pattern.

If you've never had liability insurance before, you can't buy it 'by the month'.

The minimum premium for this, for a one man shop, is going to be $750. Even if you cancel it after 30 days, you don't get a refund. But with two or three guys, it will be more, I'm guessing maybe $1500.

Once you have three years of insurance history under your belt, you'll be able to go to a standard carrier, who WOULD offer you monthly - or quarterly - installments.

Keep in mind, in MA, you'll need to buy workers compensation for both any employees, AND, any "uninsured subcontractors". That's right - if you call them subs, and they don't have their own workers comp policy, YOU are still on the hook for it.