Handyman insurance in Texas

Running a handyman business in Texas 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 Texas.

License and registration

Texas does not license general handymen at the state level. You can take on most minor repair and maintenance work without a state contractor license. Specialized trades are the exception: electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work require the relevant state license, so a true handyman leaves those to licensed pros.

Bonds

There is no statewide handyman bond, but some Texas cities require a registration or a surety bond for home improvement work. Check with the city or county where you operate.

Workers compensation

Texas is the one state that does not require most private employers to carry workers compensation. You can choose to go without it, but that leaves you personally exposed to employee injury costs and lawsuits, and many general contractors will not let an uninsured sub on site. If you have employees, carrying it is still the safer call.

What it costs

Because Texas does not mandate general liability either, the pressure to carry it comes from clients, property managers, and general contractors who require a certificate of insurance before you start. That makes general liability the practical must-have for working handymen here. For a single-person handyman business, general liability in Texas 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.