Protect Your Handyman Business with General Liability Insurance in Illinois
Part of our guide to handyman services insurance in Illinois.
Slip-and-fall accidents on icy sidewalks are a major concern for handymen in Illinois. General Liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims, which is crucial for handyman services in the state. You need this coverage to protect your business from financial losses due to accidents or property damage. General Liability insurance is the foundational policy that nearly every small business needs, including handyman services in Illinois.
General Liability cost for handyman services in Illinois
Illustrative monthly general liability estimate for a small handyman operation in Illinois. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.
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What General Liability Covers for Handyman Services in Illinois
General Liability insurance for handyman services in Illinois covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. This means that if a client or visitor is injured on your job site, or if you accidentally damage their property, your General Liability insurance will pay for the resulting medical expenses or property repairs. For example, if you are working on a roof in Naperville and accidentally drop a tool that hits a passerby, your General Liability insurance will cover the medical expenses. On the other hand, General Liability insurance does not cover damage to your own tools and equipment, which is typically covered by a separate policy like Tools & Equipment insurance. Additionally, General Liability insurance does not cover business-related vehicle accidents, which are typically covered by Commercial Auto insurance.
Do Handyman Services in Illinois Need General Liability?
While General Liability insurance is not legally required for handyman services in Illinois, it is often contractually required by property managers, real estate investors, and commercial building owners. These clients typically demand that handymen carry active general liability insurance before authorizing any repair work on their properties, regardless of the job's size. Without General Liability insurance, you may be unable to secure contracts with these clients, which could significantly impact your business. Furthermore, if you are found liable for an accident or property damage, you could be held personally responsible for the resulting expenses, which could lead to financial ruin. In Cook County and Chicago courts, which are among the most plaintiff-friendly in the Midwest, the risk of costly lawsuits is particularly high.
A Real General Liability Claim a Handyman Could Face
On a humid morning in Chicago, a handyman was working on a roof when he accidentally dropped a hammer that hit a passerby on the head. The passerby suffered a concussion and required several stitches, resulting in medical expenses of over $10,000. The handyman's General Liability insurance covered the medical expenses, as well as the legal fees associated with the resulting lawsuit. The insurance paid out a total of $15,000, which included the medical expenses, legal fees, and a settlement with the passerby. If the handyman had not had General Liability insurance, he would have been personally responsible for the expenses, which could have led to financial ruin.
What General Liability Costs for Handyman Services in Illinois
The cost of General Liability insurance for handyman services in Illinois varies based on several factors, including revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. For example, a handyman with a high revenue and payroll may pay more for General Liability insurance than a handyman with a lower revenue and payroll. Additionally, handymen who work in high-risk areas, such as Cook County and Chicago, may pay more for General Liability insurance due to the higher risk of accidents and lawsuits. The estimated General Liability premium for handyman services in Illinois is $40-$120/month, although this can vary significantly based on these factors. To lower your premium, you can consider increasing your deductible, reducing your coverage limits, or improving your safety record. You can also shop around for quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rate for your business.
How to Get General Liability in Illinois
To get General Liability insurance in Illinois, you will need to gather some information about your business, including your revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. You will also need to determine what type of coverage you need, including the amount of liability coverage and the deductible. It's a good idea to work with a licensed insurance agent who is familiar with the insurance requirements for handyman services in Illinois. They can help you navigate the process and find the best policy for your business. For example, if you are working on a project in Aurora, you may need to provide proof of General Liability insurance to the property manager or real estate investor. To get started, gather your business information and compare General Liability quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rate for your business.
Frequently asked questions
Will my General Liability premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes. Your premium will likely increase after a claim. The amount of the increase will depend on the severity of the claim and your overall claims history. If you have a history of frequent or severe claims, your premium may increase more significantly. However, if you have a good safety record and few claims, your premium may not increase as much. It's also worth noting that some insurance providers offer accident forgiveness or other programs that can help reduce the impact of a claim on your premium.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. Many insurance providers offer same-day certificates of insurance (COIs) for handyman services in Illinois. However, this may depend on the provider and the specific policy you have. Some providers may require additional information or documentation before issuing a COI, while others may be able to provide one immediately. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to see what their process is for issuing COIs.
Does a sole proprietor need General Liability?＋
Yes. Even as a sole proprietor, you can still be held personally responsible for accidents or property damage that occur on the job. General Liability insurance can help protect your personal assets in the event of a claim. Additionally, many clients may require sole proprietors to carry General Liability insurance before hiring them for a project. It's a good idea to consider General Liability insurance even if you are a sole proprietor, as it can help protect your business and personal assets.
What's not covered by General Liability?＋
General Liability insurance does not cover damage to your own tools and equipment, which is typically covered by a separate policy like Tools & Equipment insurance. It also does not cover business-related vehicle accidents, which are typically covered by Commercial Auto insurance. Additionally, General Liability insurance may not cover intentional acts or criminal behavior, such as theft or vandalism. It's a good idea to review your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
Can I cancel my General Liability policy at any time?＋
Yes. You can typically cancel your General Liability policy at any time, although you may be subject to a penalty or fee for early cancellation. It's a good idea to review your policy carefully to understand the terms and conditions of cancellation. You should also consider the potential risks of canceling your policy, such as leaving your business unprotected in the event of a claim. If you are considering canceling your policy, it's a good idea to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
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Other coverages handyman services in Illinois should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Illinois change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Illinois Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.