Insurance for a electrician / plumber / hvac: what you need + typical cost.

For your business: GL + Property bundle at a discount. Many insurers offer contractor-specific BOPs that include tools coverage.

What it covers in general: A Business Owners Policy bundles General Liability and Commercial Property into a single, discounted policy. Often includes business interruption insurance as well.

Typical annual cost: $750–$1,800 (median $990) · Insureon, Small Business Insurance Cost

For your business: Damage to client property (a burst pipe, an electrical fire) is a standard GL claim for trade contractors.

What it covers in general: Covers claims of bodily injury or property damage that your business causes to others — a customer slipping in your shop, or a contractor accidentally breaking a client's window.

Typical annual cost: $500–$1,560 (median $540) · Insureon, General Liability Cost

For your business: If you provide system design or energy auditing, E&O protects against design-error claims.

What it covers in general: Covers claims that your professional advice, service, or work product caused a financial loss to a client — also called Errors & Omissions (E&O) or malpractice insurance.

Typical annual cost: $700–$1,500 (median $876) · Insureon, Professional Liability Cost

For your business: Trades work in hazardous conditions. Required in most states; common injuries include falls, burns, and cuts.

What it covers in general: Pays for medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of their job. Also protects your business from employee lawsuits over workplace injuries.

Typical annual cost: $1,200–$8,000 (median $2,500) · Insureon, Workers Compensation Cost

For your business: Your van-stocked tools and equipment are a real asset. A tools floater covers theft and damage.

What it covers in general: Covers your physical business assets — building (if you own it), equipment, inventory, and furniture — against fire, theft, vandalism, and certain weather events.

Typical annual cost: $970–$1,570 (median $1,270) · Insureon, Commercial Property Cost

For your business: If you use scheduling software, store customer payment info, or use smart-home systems, cyber exposure exists.

What it covers in general: Covers losses from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and cyber fraud — including notification costs, credit monitoring for affected customers, legal fees, and regulatory fines.

Typical annual cost: $1,440–$2,160 (median $1,800) · Insureon, Cyber Liability Cost

For your business: Your work van or truck is the backbone of the business. Commercial auto is required for business-use vehicles.

What it covers in general: Covers vehicles used for business purposes — work trucks, vans, cars driven to client sites — against accidents, liability, and damage. Personal auto policies specifically exclude commercial use.

Typical annual cost: $1,760–$2,940 (median $2,350) · Insureon, Commercial Auto Cost

For your business: Property damage claims from a major job (flooding a building, electrical fire) can exceed GL limits.

What it covers in general: Adds an extra layer of liability coverage above your GL, Professional Liability, and/or Auto limits. Pays claims that exceed your primary policy limits.

Typical annual cost: $750–$1,500 (median $1,030) · Insureon, Umbrella Liability Cost

Do I need a surety bond and insurance, or is one enough?

They're different and both are usually required. A bond is a financial guarantee you'll complete licensed work to code — it pays customers if you fail to. Insurance pays for accidents, injuries, and property damage. Most jurisdictions require electricians and plumbers to carry both: $10K-$30K bond, $1M GL, workers comp.

If my work causes a delayed problem (mold, fire two weeks later), is that covered?

Yes, by 'completed operations' coverage included in standard contractor GL. The trigger is when the damage manifests, not when you did the work. Make sure your policy doesn't have a 'sunset clause' that ends completed-ops coverage 1-3 years after your work — long-tail trades like electrical can have claims 5-7 years post-completion.

Can I use my personal vehicle for service calls without commercial auto?

Technically yes, but a service-call accident is almost always denied by personal auto carriers as 'business use.' The right structure is a commercial auto policy (often called 'BAP' — business auto policy) on the trade vehicle, or a 'hired and non-owned' rider if you only occasionally drive your personal vehicle for work.