Plumber insurance

Plumber insurance is a category of contractor insurance that protects licensed plumbers from financial losses caused by work-related accidents, property damage, or lawsuits. Plumber insurance commonly includes general liability coverage, with standard policies covering third-party injuries and property damage up to $1 million per claim (examples: slips on wet floors, accidental pipe bursts).

States like California require plumbers to show proof of general liability insurance before licensing, as reported by Your Insurance Info. Plumbers can bundle commercial auto insurance for vehicles used in business operations such as transporting tools and materials.

Insurers like The Hartford and Nationwide offer specialized endorsements for tools and equipment coverage against theft or damage (examples: stolen pipe wrenches, damaged inspection cameras). Workers’ compensation is mandatory in most states if a plumber employs staff, covering medical bills and lost wages for on-the-job injuries.

Plumbers can obtain professional liability insurance to cover errors in design or installation (example: faulty backflow preventer installation causing water contamination). The cost of plumber insurance averages between $400–$1,500 annually for general liability alone, depending on business size and location.

Certificates of insurance are often required by clients or contractors before hiring a plumber for large projects. Exclusions typically include damages from intentional misconduct or unlicensed subcontractor work.