Painting Contractor Insurance: Complete Chubb Coverage Guide (2026)

Quick Answer

Painting contractor insurance protects your business from property damage, injuries, completed operations claims, and tool theft. Painters face risks including overspray damage, chemical exposure, falls from ladders, and lead paint liability.

Cost: $1,800-$4,500/year for solo painters, $4,500-$12,000 for small crews, $12,000-$35,000+ for larger painting companies.

Best for:

Solo/Small Crews: Chubb ($1.8K-$4.5K, residential painting focus)
Established Painters: Chubb ($4.5K-$12K, commercial and residential)
Large Painting Contractors: Chubb ($12K+, multi-crew operations, commercial projects)

Bottom line: Hartford does NOT cover painting contractors (appetite gap). Chubb actively writes painters and offers competitive rates with comprehensive coverage including completed operations, pollution liability, and tools coverage.

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Painting contractors generate over $45 billion annually in the United States, providing residential, commercial, and industrial painting services. Whether you're a solo residential painter or manage multiple commercial crews, proper insurance protects your business from property damage claims, injury lawsuits, and equipment losses.

This guide examines painting contractor insurance requirements, with focus on Chubb's painting program. Important note: Hartford does not write painting contractors, making Chubb and specialty contractors carriers your primary options.

Why Painting Contractors Need Specialized Insurance

Property Damage Exposure: Painters work inside and outside client properties daily. Paint spills on floors or furniture, overspray damage to vehicles or landscaping, and accidental damage to fixtures create significant liability. The average painting property damage claim costs $8,500.

Completed Operations Liability: Many painting claims occur after job completion—paint peeling prematurely, moisture damage from improper surface prep, or allergic reactions to paint chemicals. Completed operations coverage extends protection beyond active work.

Fall Hazards: Painters work on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts daily. Falls from height account for 35% of painting contractor injuries, with average claims exceeding $125,000.

Chemical Exposure: Paint, solvents, and strippers create health hazards. Chemical exposure claims, respiratory issues, and environmental contamination require specialized coverage.

Lead Paint Liability: Residential painters working on pre-1978 homes face lead paint exposure risks. EPA RRP certification is required, and improper lead paint handling can result in six-figure fines plus liability claims.

Tool and Equipment Theft: Painting equipment (sprayers, ladders, scaffolding) is frequently stolen from job sites and vehicles. Average theft claims: $3,500-$15,000.

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Core Insurance Coverage for Painting Contractors

General Liability Insurance

General liability is essential for painters:

Bodily Injury Coverage:

Customer injured by ladder or equipment
Pedestrian exposed to paint fumes
Falls from scaffolding or lifts
Chemical exposure injuries
Slip-and-fall on paint spills

Property Damage Coverage:

Paint damage to floors, carpets, furniture
Overspray on vehicles, windows, landscaping
Damage to walls, trim, or fixtures
Water damage from improper surface prep
Damage to neighboring properties

Completed Operations Coverage:
Critical for painters—covers claims after job completion:

Paint failure or peeling
Moisture damage from trapped moisture
Allergic reactions to paint chemicals
Color matching issues causing additional damage
Structural damage from improper surface preparation

Standard limits: $1M per occurrence / $2M general aggregate

Commercial clients often require $2M limits.

Typical Costs:

Solo painter: $1,200-$2,200/year
Small crew (2-5 employees): $2,200-$5,000/year
Established business (6-15 employees): $5,000-$12,000/year
Large operation (15+ employees): $12,000-$30,000+/year

Commercial Auto Insurance

Required for painting businesses using vehicles:

Coverage Components:

Liability (bodily injury and property damage)
Collision coverage
Comprehensive (theft, vandalism, weather)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Tool and equipment coverage in transit

Painter-Specific Considerations:

Ladder rack endorsements
Paint storage requirements
Hired and non-owned auto
Loading/unloading coverage

Costs: $1,500-$3,500/year per vehicle

Learn more: Commercial auto insurance guide.

Tools and Equipment Coverage (Inland Marine)

Protects mobile painting equipment:

Covered Equipment:

Airless paint sprayers ($500-$5,000 each)
HVLP spray systems
Ladders and scaffolding
Power washers
Sanders and prep equipment
Brushes, rollers, and hand tools
Compressors
Safety equipment

Covered Perils:

Theft from job sites or vehicles
Vandalism
Fire and smoke damage
Water damage
Collision and overturning

Coverage Options:

Replacement cost preferred
Blanket coverage (no item scheduling)
Deductibles: $500-$2,500

Typical limits: $10,000-$75,000

Costs: $300-$1,200/year depending on equipment value.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Required in most states if you have employees:

Common Painting Injuries:

Falls from ladders or scaffolding
Repetitive stress injuries (shoulder, wrist)
Chemical exposure and inhalation
Eye injuries from splashes
Back strains from lifting
Heat exhaustion
Allergic reactions

NCCI Class Codes:

5474 (Painting - residential): $4.00-$12.00 per $100 payroll
5474 (Painting - commercial): $6.00-$18.00 per $100 payroll
5022 (Industrial painting): $8.00-$25.00 per $100 payroll

Example: $200,000 annual payroll at $10.00 rate = $20,000/year premium

Safety programs and claims management reduce rates 15-30%.

More details: Workers compensation guide.

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Pollution Liability Coverage

Critical for painting contractors due to chemical use:

Covered Scenarios:

Paint or solvent spills
Chemical runoff contamination
Improper disposal of paint waste
Lead paint contamination during removal
VOC emissions causing health issues
Groundwater contamination

Why Standard GL Excludes This:
Most general liability policies contain absolute pollution exclusions. Painting contractors need specific pollution liability coverage.

Typical Limits: $500K-$2M

Costs: $800-$3,000/year

This coverage is especially important for:

Commercial painters
Industrial coating contractors
Anyone working on pre-1978 buildings (lead paint)
Painters using industrial coatings or solvents

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Provides excess liability above primary policies:

Why Painters Need Umbrella Coverage:

Fall injuries easily exceed $1M
Major property damage claims (fire from heat guns, extensive overspray)
Multiple claimants from chemical exposure
Lead paint liability claims
Legal defense costs in complex cases

Recommended limits: $1M-$5M

Costs: $500-$1,800/year for $1M-$2M coverage

Learn more: Commercial umbrella guide.

Chubb Painting Contractor Program

Chubb actively writes painting contractors with competitive rates and comprehensive coverage.

Coverage Highlights:

General liability including completed operations
Pollution liability coverage available
Tools and equipment coverage
Lead paint endorsements available
Commercial auto coverage
Workers compensation
Umbrella policies up to $10M

Underwriting Preferences:

EPA RRP certified (for residential pre-1978 work)
Safety program in place
Clean loss history (0-1 claims in 3 years)
Proper licensing and permits
Written contracts with clients
Certificate of insurance program

Pricing Examples:

Solo Residential Painter:

Revenue: $80K
0 employees
Basic equipment: $8K
1 vehicle
Chubb cost: $1,800-$3,200/year

Small Painting Crew:

Revenue: $350K
3 employees
Equipment: $25K
2 vehicles
Residential and light commercial
Chubb cost: $5,500-$9,000/year

Established Painting Company:

Revenue: $1.5M
12 employees
Equipment: $75K
5 vehicles
Commercial and residential
Chubb cost: $18,000-$32,000/year

Large Commercial Contractor:

Revenue: $5M
35 employees
Equipment: $200K
12 vehicles
Commercial and industrial focus
Chubb cost: $55,000-$95,000/year

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Hartford Coverage Gap for Painters

Important: Hartford does NOT write painting contractors in their standard small business program.

Why Hartford Excludes Painters:

Higher property damage frequency
Completed operations exposure
Chemical liability concerns
Higher workers comp costs

What This Means:
Painting contractors cannot get Hartford's BOP or small business package policies. You'll need to work with:

Chubb - Actively writes painters, competitive rates
Specialty Contractors Carriers - Markel, Great American, Philadelphia
Regional Carriers - State-specific contractors programs
Program Administrators - RLI, BiBerk, Next Insurance

Why Chubb Is a Strong Choice:

Actively seeks painting contractors
Competitive rates compared to specialty markets
Comprehensive coverage including pollution
Higher limits available ($5M-$10M)
Strong claims service
Multi-state operations supported

Cost Factors for Painting Insurance

Primary Rating Variables

Factor	Impact on Premium	Key Considerations
Type of Work	High impact	Interior residential lowest risk, industrial highest
Annual Revenue	Direct correlation	Primary GL rating factor
Payroll	Direct for workers comp	Per $100 of payroll rating
Claims History	30-100% surcharge	Multiple claims significantly increase rates
Years in Business	10-25% credit	3+ years gets better rates
Safety Program	10-20% discount	Formal safety program reduces risk
Lead Paint Work	25-50% surcharge	EPA RRP certification required

Work Type Risk Categories

Lower Risk (Standard Rates):

Interior residential painting (new construction)
Exterior residential painting (single-family homes)
Light commercial interior (offices, retail)
Cabinet refinishing

Moderate Risk (10-30% surcharge):

Exterior commercial painting
Multi-family residential
Industrial buildings
Specialty coatings

Higher Risk (30-75% surcharge):

High-rise exterior work
Industrial coating applications
Lead paint removal/remediation
Bridge or infrastructure painting
Tank and tower painting

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Risk Management Best Practices

Property Damage Prevention

Pre-Job Preparation:

Document existing damage (photos/video)
Use drop cloths on all floors and furniture
Mask and tape carefully
Protect fixtures, hardware, and appliances
Move or cover vehicles near work area
Communicate with neighbors about overspray risks

During Work:

Test spray equipment away from property
Watch weather conditions (wind for exterior work)
Use proper masking techniques
Clean spills immediately
Inspect work area multiple times daily
Maintain clean work environment

Post-Job:

Thorough cleanup and inspection
Remove all materials and debris
Walk-through with client
Document completed work
Follow up after 30-60 days

Fall Protection

Ladder Safety:

Inspect ladders before each use
Proper angle (4-to-1 ratio)
Secure at top and bottom
Three-point contact always
Don't overreach
Never stand on top two rungs

Scaffolding Requirements:

Proper assembly and inspection
Guardrails on all open sides
Planking fully decked
Level and secure base
Fall arrest systems when required
Training for all scaffold users

Fall Arrest Systems:
Required for work over 6 feet in many jurisdictions:

Full-body harness (not belt)
Proper anchor points
Shock-absorbing lanyard
Rescue plan in place
Annual equipment inspection
Worker training and certification

Chemical Safety

Ventilation Requirements:

Adequate air circulation for interior work
Fans and open windows
Respirators when required
VOC-compliant paints when possible
Air quality monitoring for enclosed spaces

Personal Protective Equipment:

Respirators (properly fitted and maintained)
Safety glasses
Gloves (appropriate for chemicals used)
Protective clothing
Skin barrier creams

Storage and Disposal:

Proper chemical storage (cool, dry, secure)
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) accessible
Hazardous waste disposal according to regulations
Spill containment procedures
Employee training on chemical handling

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Lead Paint Compliance

EPA RRP Certification:
Required for contractors working on pre-1978 residential properties:

Firm certification
Certified renovator on all jobs
Proper containment and cleanup procedures
Documentation of compliance
Record keeping (3 years)

Violations and Fines:

EPA fines up to $37,500 per day per violation
State penalties additional
Potential criminal charges for egregious violations
Liability for lead exposure claims

Many insurance carriers require EPA RRP certification to cover pre-1978 residential work.

Common Coverage Gaps

Pollution Liability Exclusions

Standard general liability excludes pollution. Painters need specific pollution liability for:

Paint and solvent spills
Chemical contamination
Lead paint exposure
Environmental cleanup costs
Third-party bodily injury from exposure

Costs: $800-$3,000/year for $500K-$1M coverage

Tools Left in Vehicles Overnight

Many inland marine policies exclude theft from unattended vehicles. Options:

Secure storage requirement
Pay additional premium for overnight coverage
Use lockable vehicles or job boxes
Remove high-value tools nightly

Lead Paint Liability

Some GL policies exclude lead paint work entirely. If you work on pre-1978 buildings:

Confirm coverage includes lead paint
May require separate pollution policy
EPA RRP certification typically required
Higher limits recommended ($2M-$5M)

Employment Practices Liability

Not included in standard coverage. Protects against:

Wrongful termination
Discrimination
Harassment
Wage and hour violations

Recommended for painting contractors with 5+ employees.

Costs: $1,200-$3,500/year for $1M coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't Hartford insure my painting business?

Hartford has chosen not to write painting contractors in their standard small business program due to higher claim frequency and severity compared to other trades. You'll need Chubb or a specialty contractors carrier.

Do I need insurance if I only paint part-time?

Yes. Even part-time painters need general liability. One property damage claim can exceed your annual income. Minimum coverage: $1M general liability.

What if I only use ladders up to 12 feet?

You still need full coverage. Most falls occur from heights under 10 feet, and liability claims aren't reduced just because you avoid high work.

Does my homeowners insurance cover my painting business?

No. Homeowners policies specifically exclude business activities. You need commercial insurance for your painting business.

What if a customer refuses to pay because they don't like the color?

This isn't covered by insurance—it's a contract dispute. Written contracts with color approval procedures prevent these issues.

If I'm EPA RRP certified, am I protected from lead paint liability?

Certification helps but doesn't eliminate liability. You still need insurance coverage for lead paint work, plus you must follow all RRP procedures.

Do I need insurance to get a contractor's license?

Most states require proof of insurance (certificate of insurance showing minimum liability limits) to obtain or renew a contractor license. Requirements vary by state but typically $300K-$1M minimum.

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Alternative Carriers to Consider

Since Hartford doesn't write painters, consider these carriers:

Chubb:

Actively seeks painting contractors
Competitive rates
Comprehensive coverage
Higher limits available
Strong claims service

Markel:

Specialty contractors focus
Competitive for smaller operations
Good tool coverage options

Philadelphia Insurance:

Contractors specialist
Flexible underwriting
Bundle options

Great American:

Regional strength
Competitive workers comp
Package policies available

RLI (through agents):

Surplus lines option
Hard-to-place risks
Higher limits available

Next Insurance:

Online application
Fast quotes
Good for newer painters
Limited to smaller contractors

BiBerk:

Online platform
Competitive for small operations
Quick binding

Get Multiple Quotes

Painting contractor insurance pricing varies dramatically by carrier. Same risk profile can quote:

Chubb: $5,500/year
Specialty carrier: $8,200/year
Surplus lines: $11,000/year

Recommend getting quotes from:

Chubb (through independent agent)
1-2 specialty contractors carriers
Online platforms (Next, BiBerk) for comparison

Work with independent insurance agents who specialize in contractors—they have access to multiple carriers and understand painting-specific risks.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Painting Industry Statistics, https://www.bls.gov
Environmental Protection Agency - Lead RRP Rule, https://www.epa.gov/lead
Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Painting Safety Guidelines, https://www.osha.gov
National Council on Compensation Insurance - Classification Guide, https://www.ncci.com
Insurance Information Institute - Contractor Insurance Overview, https://www.iii.org
Chubb Limited - Contractor Insurance Programs