Drywall sits on the lower end of the trade insurance price range for general liability, but the work is physical. Lifting full sheets, working from lifts and stilts, and hauling material all add up to injury risk for your crew.
Most drywall contractors carry general liability for GC contracts, workers comp for their crew, and commercial auto for the trucks that haul sheets. Commercial ceiling work and lift-based jobs push prices up.
What insurance do drywall contractors need?
Here is how each type of drywall insurance fits a typical drywall business, from what clients and states usually require to what depends on how you work.
General liability
Usually requiredGCs and clients require it. Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people.
About $62 a month for drywall contractorsWorkers comp
Usually requiredLifting and lift work injuries. Pays medical bills and lost wages when an employee gets hurt on the job.
About $141 a month for drywall contractorsCommercial auto
Most carry itHauling sheets and crew. Covers trucks and vans you use for work, and the damage they cause.
About $299 a month for drywall contractorsTools & equipment
Most carry itLifts, sanders, and taping tools. Replaces tools and gear that get stolen, lost, or damaged.
Business owners policy
Depends on your setupIf you keep a shop or stock. General liability and business property bundled together, usually for less.
About $94 a month for drywall contractorsLicense & surety bonds
Depends on your setupWhere your state requires a contractor license. A guarantee to your customer or the state that you will follow the rules and finish the work.
How much does drywall insurance cost?
The typical drywall business pays about $62 a month, or $740 a year, for general liability, based on published customer data. Your price moves with your services, revenue, crew size, claims history, state, and the limits you choose.
| Policy | Typical monthly | Typical yearly |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $62 | $740 |
| Business owners policy | $94 | $1,128 |
| Workers compensation | $141 | $1,692 |
| Commercial auto | $299 | $3,588 |
Source: Insureon cost data for this trade. Yearly figures without a published annual number are the monthly figure times twelve. These are typical figures, not quotes.
Want a number for your setup? Try the contractor insurance cost calculator, or see ways to get cheap contractor insurance.
Common drywall insurance claims
- Falling materialSheets that slide off a truck or a stack can hurt a passer-by or damage a car. General liability covers it.
- Crew injuriesLifting, stilts, and lifts lead to strains and falls. Workers comp pays employee medical bills and lost wages.
- Dust and damageSanding dust and dropped tools can damage finished areas or HVAC systems in occupied buildings.
- Tool theftLifts, sanders, and automatic tapers cost a lot to replace. Tools and equipment cover replaces them.
Drywall license and bond requirements
Drywall work falls under contractor licensing in some states above a job value, and some states have a specialty classification. Check your state contractor board before bidding larger jobs.
Confirm before you rely on this. Licensing and insurance rules change, and cities can add their own. Check with your state licensing board and a licensed agent before you bid.