Flooring work happens inside finished homes and businesses, surrounded by furniture, cabinets, and walls that can get scratched or broken. Most flooring claims start there, which makes general liability the policy clients ask for first.
Heavier materials like tile and stone usually cost more to insure than carpet. Expensive material sitting on site before install is another gap to close with tools and equipment cover.
What insurance do flooring installers need?
Here is how each type of flooring contractor insurance fits a typical flooring business, from what clients and states usually require to what depends on how you work.
General liability
Usually requiredDamage to client homes and furniture. Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people.
About $77 a month for flooring installersWorkers comp
Usually requiredRequired in most states once you hire. Pays medical bills and lost wages when an employee gets hurt on the job.
About $144 a month for flooring installersTools & equipment
Most carry itSaws, sanders, and materials before install. Replaces tools and gear that get stolen, lost, or damaged.
Business owners policy
Most carry itMany flooring businesses qualify. General liability and business property bundled together, usually for less.
About $115 a month for flooring installersCommercial auto
Depends on your setupIf you haul material in a work vehicle. Covers trucks and vans you use for work, and the damage they cause.
About $208 a month for flooring installersLicense & 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 flooring contractor insurance cost?
The typical flooring business pays about $77 a month, or $919 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 | $77 | $919 |
| Business owners policy | $115 | $1,380 |
| Workers compensation | $144 | $1,728 |
| Commercial auto | $208 | $2,496 |
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 flooring insurance claims
- Damage to furniture and fixturesMoving furniture and appliances during an install can scratch, dent, or break them.
- Trip and slip injuriesLoose boards, cords, and wet adhesive create trip hazards for clients and visitors.
- Materials before installFlooring stock delivered early can be stolen or damaged. Tools and equipment cover can include it.
- Installer injuriesKneeling, lifting, and cutting cause injuries that workers comp covers for employees.
Flooring license and bond requirements
Flooring work falls under general contractor or specialty licensing in some states, usually above a job value. Many cities require permits for larger jobs. Check your state contractor board.
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.