Serving the Midwest · Painters Insurance
Painters Insurance From a Former Union Painter
Before 20+ years in insurance, our founder was a Chicago District Council 14 union painter. We know overspray claims, ladder work, and what GCs demand on certificates — and we shop 30+ carriers to find painting contractors the right coverage at the right price.
Why Painters Get Burned
The Risks We Insure Every Day
Painting looks low-risk on paper — until one claim, one contract, or one missing certificate costs you a job.
Overspray & Property Damage
Overspray on cars, floors, cabinets, or a client's furniture is the #1 painter claim. One windy day with a sprayer can mean a five-figure loss.
Ladder & Scaffold Work
Exterior and multi-story work means falls — the most expensive injury category in the trades. Carriers rate painters heavily on height exposure.
GC Contract Requirements
General contractors demand specific limits, additional insured wording, and waivers of subrogation before you set foot on site.
Lead Paint & RRP Jobs
Pre-1978 homes trigger EPA RRP rules, and many policies exclude lead exposure. You need a carrier that understands the work you actually do.
Vans, Sprayers & Equipment
A stolen sprayer rig or a wrecked work van can shut down your week. Personal auto policies don't cover business use.
Certificate Delays Cost Jobs
If your agent takes three days to send a COI, the GC calls the next painter on the list. Speed isn't a luxury — it's revenue.
Coverage Built for Painters
Everything Your Painting Business Needs
One agency, one call — liability, comp, auto, and equipment quoted across 30+ carriers.
Same-Day COI
Certificates of insurance sent same day — usually within the hour — with the additional insured wording your GC requires. Never lose a job waiting on paperwork.
General Liability
Covers overspray, property damage, and bodily injury claims. $1M/$2M limits are the standard most GCs and commercial jobs require.
Workers Compensation
Required in Illinois for virtually all employees. Covers medical bills and lost wages from ladder falls, strains, and jobsite injuries.
Commercial Auto
Work vans and trucks hauling ladders, sprayers, and paint need commercial coverage — personal policies exclude business use.
Tools & Equipment
Inland marine coverage for sprayers, ladders, scaffolding, and power tools — on the job, in the van, or in storage.
Business Owners Policy
Bundles general liability with property coverage for your shop and gear — often the best value for established painting companies.
Who We Shop
30+ Carriers Compete for Your Business
We don't work for one insurance company — we work for you. Every painter quote gets shopped across the market.
+ 25 more carriers shopped on every quote
Already insured? Let's beat it.
Most painters overpay because their policy was never re-shopped. Takes 10 minutes to find out.
What It Costs
Typical Painters Insurance Pricing
Your rate depends on payroll, crew size, height work, and claims history — but here's what most painters pay.
Solo Painter
$85
per month, starting at
- ✓ $1M/$2M General Liability
- ✓ Same-Day COIs
- ✓ Interior & exterior work
- ✓ Sole prop or single-member LLC
Small Crew (2–5)
$275
per month, starting at
- ✓ General Liability + Workers Comp
- ✓ Commercial Auto available
- ✓ Additional insured endorsements
- ✓ GC contract compliance review
Established Company
$650
per month, starting at
- ✓ Full BOP or package policy
- ✓ Multiple vehicles & crews
- ✓ Umbrella limits for big contracts
- ✓ Dedicated renewal re-shopping
Rates vary by state, payroll, and operations. Get an exact number in about 10 minutes.
Common Questions
Painters Insurance FAQ
How much does painters insurance cost?
Most solo painters start around $85/month for general liability. Small crews with workers comp typically run $275+/month, and established companies with vehicles and higher limits around $650+/month. Payroll, height work, and claims history drive your exact rate — we shop 30+ carriers to find the lowest one.
Do I need insurance as a self-employed painter?
Illinois doesn't require general liability for painters, but nearly every GC, property manager, and commercial client does before you can work. Without it, one overspray or damage claim comes straight out of your pocket.
What insurance do general contractors require from painters?
Typically $1M/$2M general liability with the GC listed as additional insured, a waiver of subrogation, and workers comp if you have employees. We review your contract's insurance requirements and issue a compliant COI the same day.
Does general liability cover overspray damage?
Yes — overspray on vehicles, floors, or property is exactly what general liability is built for, and it's the most common painter claim. We make sure your policy doesn't carry exclusions that would gut that coverage.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Same day, usually within the hour during business hours. If a GC needs specific wording or additional insured endorsements, we handle that too — you shouldn't lose a job waiting on paperwork.
Do I need workers comp if I only use 1099 subs?
Be careful here — Illinois often treats "1099 painters" as employees for comp purposes, and GCs will charge you for uninsured subs on their audit. We'll walk through your setup and tell you honestly what you need and what you don't.
Get Started
Insurance From Someone Who's Done the Work
Ten minutes on the phone or online — we'll shop 30+ carriers and tell you straight what you need, what you don't, and what it should cost.