Artisan Contractor Insurance vs. General Liability: What’s The Real Difference?

If you're an independent contractor or run a small trade business—whether you’re an electrician, plumber, painter, or carpenter—you likely know the importance of having insurance. But the terms “Artisan Contractor Insurance” and “General Liability Insurance” often cause confusion. Are they the same? Do you need both? Understanding the distinction between these two can help you get the right protection and avoid costly gaps in coverage.

Let’s break down the real differences between artisan contractor insurance and general liability, and what each means for your business.

​What Is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability Insurance (GL) is a foundational policy that nearly all businesses—including contractors—should carry. It covers common risks that can arise during business operations.

What It Covers:

• Bodily injury – Injuries to third parties on your job site (e.g., a customer slips on a wet floor).
• Property damage – Accidental damage to a client's home or belongings.
• Personal and advertising injury – Libel, slander, copyright infringement in ads.
• Legal fees and settlements – Related to covered claims.

What It Doesn't Cover:

• Damage to your own work or tools
• Employee injuries (covered under Workers’ Comp)
• Professional mistakes or faulty workmanship

Who needs it? All contractors and businesses that interact with clients or work on third-party property.


What Is Artisan Contractor Insurance?
Artisan Contractor Insurance is a more tailored policy package designed specifically for tradespeople and subcontractors in skilled trades like:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• HVAC technicians
• Painters
• Carpenters
• Tile installers
• Masons

It typically includes general liability coverage, but also bundles other coverages that are particularly relevant to the unique risks artisan contractors face.


What It May Include:

1. General Liability Insurance – As outlined above.
2. Tools and Equipment Coverage – Protects your valuable gear from theft, loss, or damage—even in transit.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers work trucks or vans used for business.
4. Installation Floater – Covers materials waiting to be installed at a job site.
5. Completed Operations Coverage – Covers claims related to work after it's finished.
6. Workers' Compensation – Required in most states if you have employees.

Why It's Important:

• Artisan contractors often use specialized tools and perform hands-on work in hazardous environments.
• A standard GL policy might not fully cover these industry-specific risks.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which One Do You Need?

• If you’re a general business or low-risk contractor, general liability may be sufficient.
• If you’re a skilled tradesperson, artisan contractor insurance gives you broader, more relevant protection.

In many cases, artisan contractor insurance includes general liability coverage, but with valuable additions that reflect your actual day-to-day work.

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Final Thoughts
Insurance shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all—especially when you work in a hands-on, high-risk trade. Understanding the real difference between general liability and artisan contractor insurance ensures you’re covered from the foundation up, not just scraping by with bare-minimum protection.

Take action today:

• Review your current policy—are your tools, materials, and job site risks really covered?
• Talk to an insurance professional about tailoring an artisan contractor package for your trade.
• Don’t wait for a claim to find out you’re underinsured.

Because as an artisan contractor, your work is specialized—your insurance should be too.

At Elite Insurance Services, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (719) 302-1110. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.