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Get your insurance for your Plumbing company started.
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Business Insurance

Plumbers Insurance: What Coverage Do You Need?

Coverage contractors need, what’s required by law, how much it costs, and how to protect your business.

As a professional plumber, your job is hands-on, and so are the risks. From water damage to workplace injuries, plumbing contractors face unique liability exposures every day. Having the right business insurance is more than a box to check — it’s protection for your tools, your team, and your reputation.

What Is Plumber Insurance?

Plumber insurance is a specialized business policy (or bundle of policies) designed to cover the risks plumbers face. It protects against property damage, customer injury claims, job site accidents, tool theft, and more.

Whether you’re a solo contractor or run a growing plumbing company, insurance helps protect your finances from lawsuits, repairs, and unexpected emergencies.

Do Plumbers Need Insurance?

Yes — and in many cases, it’s required. Depending on where you work, you may need insurance to:

  • Get a plumbing license
  • Work on residential or commercial projects
  • Qualify for contractor bids
  • Operate legally in certain states or municipalities

Even if it’s not required, going uninsured puts your business and personal assets at serious risk.

How Much Does Plumber Insurance Cost?

Insurance costs depend on your business size, services, location, and claims history. Here are some general estimates:

Coverage Type Estimated Monthly Premium
General Liability $40–$90
Tools & Equipment $10–$30
Commercial Auto (Work Van) $75–$175
Workers’ Comp (1–2 employees) $100–$250
Professional Liability (E&O) $40–$80

These are broad national averages for small HVAC/contractor operations and are for illustration only. Actual premiums vary by carrier, location, payroll/receipts, and underwriting.

💡 Tip: The best way to find out what you’ll pay is to speak with a licensed Sun Coast General Insurance agent for a custom quote based on your real risks.

Basic Plumbing Insurance Coverage (What’s Usually Required)

These are the core coverages most plumbers need:

  • General Liability Insurance – Covers accidental property damage or bodily injury to clients and third parties (e.g., a burst pipe ruins a customer’s flooring).
  • Commercial Auto Insurance – Required for vehicles used in business, like work vans and trucks.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required if you have employees. Covers medical costs and lost wages from job-related injuries.

Liability, commercial auto, and workers’ comp (if you employ staff) are often legally required.

Other Recommended Coverage Options

Depending on the scale of your plumbing business and services offered, you may also need:

  • Tools and Equipment Coverage – Protects your valuable gear from theft, loss, or damage on and off the job.
  • Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) – Covers claims of faulty workmanship or failure to deliver services as promised.
  • Inland Marine Insurance – Covers high-value tools or materials in transit or stored off-site.
  • Surety Bonds – Required in some states to get licensed or bid for public jobs.

Tools, professional liability, or inland marine coverage are recommended but often optional depending on risk.

Get a Quote for Plumber Insurance Today

Sun Coast General Insurance makes it easy to protect your plumbing business. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding operations, our licensed agents can help you choose the right coverage — and only what you actually need.

Click below to get started or call us directly. You’ll get personalized service and a no-obligation quote.

Looking to get insured?
Get your insurance for your Plumbing company started.
Want to learn more about General Liability Insurance?
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Written by
Sun Coast Team
September 25, 2025
Co-written by multiple experts within the Sun Coast editorial team.
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FAQs About Plumbers Insurance

We have answers for you on all things insurance.
Is general liability insurance required for plumbers?
In most cases, yes — especially if you want to bid on jobs, work with general contractors, or get licensed.
Does my homeowners policy cover side plumbing jobs?
No. Personal insurance doesn’t cover business-related claims. You need a separate policy for professional work.
Are subcontractors covered under my policy?
Usually not — unless they’re listed and insured. You may need to require proof of coverage from subcontractors.
What happens if a tool is stolen from my van?
If you have tools and equipment coverage or inland marine insurance, you may be able to file a claim (subject to deductible and limits).
Do I need commercial auto insurance?
Yes, if you use a van, truck, or any vehicle for business. Personal auto policies won’t cover work-related incidents.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional insurance advice. It does not describe any specific insurance policy, nor does it alter any terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of any actual policy. Coverage options and availability vary by insurer and by state, and may not be available in all areas. For a full understanding of any coverage, please review the actual policy documents or speak with a licensed insurance representative. Whether a claim or incident is covered will depend on the specific terms of the policy in question. Any references to average premiums, deductibles, or coverage costs are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect your unique situation. Sun Coast is not responsible for the content of any external websites linked within this blog.

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