Common Insurance Terms

Property exposures at the handyman’s own location are generally limited to an office plus storage for tools, materials, equipment, and vehicles. If the handyman does shop woodworking or repairs for customers, fire can result from the flammability of wood, paints, varnishes, and wood dust.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees providing services to customers or handling money. All ordering, billing and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the handyman offers credit to customers, contractors’ equipment and tools, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for customers’ and suppliers’ information. A handyman’s tools and equipment may represent the majority of the physical assets. Since the handyman is not a specialist, a variety of tools is needed. Tools travel with the contractor and are not normally left at the jobsite.

Premises liability exposures at the contractor’s shop or office are generally limited due to lack of public access. Off-site exposures include potential bodily injury to the client or damage to the client’s property. Tools, power cords, building materials and scrap material all pose trip and fall hazards even when not in use. Use of saws and other power or hand tools may be hazardous due to sharp edges and moving parts. If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause bodily injury and property damage if dropped from ladders and scaffolding. If woodworking is part of the job, the buildup of dust and scraps can result in fire and explosion. Disposal of waste materials (dust, scrap, varnishes or paints) could create an environmental hazard. There may be significant contractual liability exposures if the handyman is responsible for finding licensed contractors to handle jobs outside the handyman category.

Completed operations liability exposures should be fairly minor since handymen usually do not handle or install items where incorrect installation would result in significant damage. It is important for a handyman to work or perform duties within his or her ability. Clear guidelines should be established with clients as to what jobs can and cannot be completed by the handyman.

Automobile exposures are generally limited to transporting workers, equipment and supplies to and from the job site. Since most jobs are small, the handyman may drive to several job sites during one day. The exposure could increase if the radius of operation is large or if there are any service time guarantees. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.

Workers compensation exposures vary depending on the size and nature of the job. Work with hand tools and sharp objects such as saws, chisels and nails can result in cuts, piercings, and accidental amputation. Electrical work can result in burns or electrocution. When work is done on ladders and scaffolds, there is a potential for severe injury or death from falling, being struck by falling objects, or adverse weather conditions. Back injuries, hernias, strains and sprains can result from lifting.

Minimum recommended coverage

Employee Dishonesty, Contractors’ Tools, General Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Nonownership Auto, Workers Compensation

Other coverages to consider

Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyberliability, Employee Benefits Liability, Employment-related Practices, Stop Gap Liability

Reprinted with permission from the Rough Note’s Company copyrighted content.