Rules for contractors & trades
Most states require $500K–$1M general liability insurance to obtain a commercial pesticide applicator license. Standard GL policies exclude pesticide pollution claims — operators also need Contractors Pollution Liability to cover chemical drift and fumigation exposure.
General liability is not legally required for window cleaners but is contractually mandatory for virtually every commercial account. High-rise work above 4 stories requires specialty underwriting — standard GL carriers often won't write it.
Most states require concrete contractors to carry $1M general liability insurance to obtain a license. Here's what coverage you need, how bond requirements vary by state, and what happens if you work uninsured.
Solar installers need $1M–$2M general liability, workers' comp, and a contractor license bond in most states. Battery storage work requires explicit GL endorsements — many standard policies exclude it.
Pool contractors need general liability ($1M+), workers' comp, and a surety bond in most states. Installation work requires higher limits — and completed operations coverage is critical for leak claims.
Pressure washing creates high property damage risk on every job. General liability, commercial auto, and equipment coverage are essential — and most GL policies exclude chemical runoff claims without a pollution endorsement.
Most states don't require painter insurance, but clients do. Learn what general liability, workers' comp, and commercial auto coverage painters need, plus typical costs.
Carpenters need general liability insurance for most jobs. Learn what coverage carpenters need, typical costs, bonding requirements, and state-by-state licensing rules.
Tree service businesses need general liability, workers' comp, and equipment coverage due to high-risk work. Learn requirements, typical costs, and state licensing rules.
Most states don't require landscaper insurance, but clients do. Learn what coverage landscaping businesses need, typical costs, and state licensing requirements.
Most states don't legally require handyman insurance — but property managers, apartment complexes, and clients increasingly demand it. Here's what you actually need and what it costs.
Most states require licensed HVAC contractors to carry general liability insurance and surety bonds. Learn what coverage you need, typical costs, and state-by-state requirements.
Roofing contractors face higher insurance requirements due to elevated risk. Learn what coverage roofers need, typical costs, and state-by-state requirements.
Most states require licensed plumbers to carry general liability insurance and surety bonds. Learn what coverage you need, typical costs, and state-by-state requirements.
Most states require general contractors to carry liability insurance and surety bonds. Learn coverage requirements, typical costs, and what commercial clients expect.
Most states require electricians to carry general liability insurance and surety bonds. Learn what coverage you need, typical costs, and state-by-state requirements.
Browse insurance requirement guides across other coverage areas
State minimum auto coverage rules
Insurance rules for businesses
Professional & general liability rules
Country-specific travel rules
Insurance for motorcycles, boats & more
Legal and regulatory insurance rules
Side-by-side insurance requirement comparisons
Insurance requirements for delivery & rideshare drivers
Electricians, plumbers, roofers, handymen, HVAC, and more — insurance rules by state and industry.
All guides are written by the Coverage Criteria editorial team and verified against official government and regulatory sources. We translate complex insurance rules into plain language so you know exactly what coverage is required — without needing a lawyer.