What insurance do I actually need?

By Ask a Shop OwnerUpdated Finance

Short answer

General liability from day one. Workers comp the day you have one employee. Commercial auto if you drive for work. Umbrella when revenue gets serious.

Required

General liability protects you when something goes wrong on a job. Workers comp is legally required in most states the moment you have an employee. Commercial auto if your personal policy doesn't cover business use.

Worth adding

Tools and equipment insurance. Cyber coverage if you process payments. Umbrella policy once you have real assets. Talk to a broker who works with small contractors, not your home insurance agent.

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