COI requirements by trade / Handyman and general maintenance
Handyman and general maintenance COI requirements
Handyman vendors do a little of everything, which is exactly the problem. A policy written for light repairs may exclude plumbing, electrical, or roofing work the vendor ends up doing at your properties.
What makes handyman and general maintenance risky
- Water damage from small plumbing repairs.
- Fire risk from minor electrical work.
- Falls from ladders during gutter, light fixture, and exterior work.
- Damage to tenant belongings and finishes inside occupied units.
Coverage to require on the certificate
| Coverage | What's common, and what to check |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is a common floor. Ask what work the policy classifies the vendor for, since handyman policies often exclude licensed trades. |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory, plus employers' liability, if they have employees. Many handyman vendors are sole proprietors, so get a signed exemption where your state allows it and confirm nobody else works for them. |
| Commercial auto | $1M combined single limit is common. Many handymen carry only personal auto, which may not cover business use. |
On top of the coverage itself, most contracts also require additional insured status for you (and the owner, where applicable), a waiver of subrogation, and primary and noncontributory wording. Those come from endorsements, so ask for copies.
Red flags on handyman and general maintenance certificates
- A policy classification that excludes plumbing, electrical, roofing, or work above a certain height.
- A sole proprietor with no comp who shows up with a helper.
- A personal auto policy instead of commercial auto.
Tip
Keep the work orders inside what the policy covers. If a handyman vendor starts doing electrical or plumbing repairs, ask the agent in writing whether that work is covered.
Review checklist
- Insured name matches the company on your contract.
- Every coverage above that your contract requires is listed.
- Each limit meets your minimum.
- No policy expires before the job ends. Track each expiration date separately.
- ADDL INSD and SUBR WVD are marked, with endorsements on file.
- You've asked the agent about any handyman and general maintenance exclusions that matter.
New to reading certificates? Start with how to read an ACORD 25, grab the free COI checklist, or log dates in the free expiration tracker.
Common questions
What insurance should a handyman and general maintenance subcontractor carry?
Common requirements include general liability, workers' compensation, and commercial auto. Your contracts and broker set the actual minimums.
Are these limits required by law?
Generally no. Insurance requirements for subcontractors and vendors are set by your contracts, your own insurer, and any owner, lender, or public agency on the job. Workers' compensation requirements are set by state law. The figures here describe common practice only.
Does the ACORD 25 show exclusions?
Usually not. A certificate summarizes policy types, limits, and dates. Exclusions like height limits, residential work, or pollution are in the policy itself, so ask the agent directly when they matter for the trade.
Who should issue the certificate?
Ask the sub's insurance agent or broker to issue it, not the sub. Agents issue certificates daily and can send the endorsements at the same time.
Done chasing certificates?
SubCover HQ collects, checks, and tracks your subs' and vendors' COIs for a flat $99/month. Cancel anytime.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms.
COI requirements for other trades
RoofingElectricalPlumbingHVACLandscaping and tree servicePaintingConcrete and masonryFraming and carpentryDrywall and interior finishesExcavation and site workDemolitionJanitorial and cleaningSnow removalPest controlFlooring and tileFencingPool service and maintenanceWindow cleaningMoving companySecurity guard servicesSolar installationElevator maintenanceSiding and guttersInsulationWaterproofing and basement repair