Handyman insurance in Ohio

Running a handyman business in Ohio means knowing three things: whether you need a license or registration, whether you must carry workers compensation, and what coverage your clients will require. Here is how it works in Ohio.

License and registration

Ohio does not license general handymen at the state level. The state licenses specific commercial trades, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, and refrigeration, through its Construction Industry Licensing Board, while many cities run their own registration for home improvement. General handyman repair work usually needs no state license, but check your city.

Bonds

There is no statewide handyman bond in Ohio, but a number of cities require a home improvement registration or bond. Verify with the municipality where you work.

Workers compensation

Ohio is a monopolistic workers compensation state. You cannot buy workers comp from a private insurer here; coverage must come through the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. Once you have employees, you enroll with the state fund. This is different from most states, so plan for it.

What it costs

Because workers comp runs through the state fund, your private policy in Ohio centers on general liability, tools, and property. Liability is what clients and general contractors require, and it is the first policy to put in place. For a single-person handyman business, general liability in Ohio typically runs $30 to $55 a month, or about $360 to $660 a year. Adding tools and equipment coverage, a business owners policy, employees, or a work vehicle raises the total. These are estimates, so compare a real quote for your business.