Your tools build the future. Our tools protect it. With over 50 years in the industry and relationships with 60+ insurance carriers, Pepper, Johnstone & Company provides customized coverage for every kind of skilled trade—from HVAC to drywall, roofing to landscaping.
Insurance for Artisan Contractors
from Pepper, Johnstone & Company
Whether you’re hanging sheetrock, rewiring a panel, or installing HVAC systems in a new subdivision, your hands-on work powers the nation. But even the most experienced artisan contractors face daily risks: equipment damage, property claims, jobsite injuries, and more.
You need insurance that works as hard as you do.
At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we’re professionals at building coverage plans for the trades. We partner with a wide range of insurance companies to bring you competitive options that match your specific trade, risk profile, and business goals without slowing you down.
Why Skilled Trades Require Specialized Insurance Coverage
Being a specialist comes with specialized risks. Unlike general contractors, artisan contractors are often deeply involved in the work itself, bringing their tools, their team, and their name to every job. A single injury, stolen trailer, or wiring mishap could leave your contracting business exposed to lawsuits or delays.
And while some coverage, like workers’ comp, is required by law, other policies, such as general liability or inland marine, can help you cover gaps you didn’t even know you had.
Clients, GCs, and project owners are also more likely to request proof of coverage before hiring or subcontracting you. Having strong insurance in place isn’t about protection alone—it’s also about professionalism and securing more work.
Core Insurance Policies for Artisan Contractors
Small crews and regional brands alike need robust protection that can scale with you. Most artisan contractors need:
General Liability Insurance for Contractors
Protects against third-party property damage, bodily injury, and legal fees—essential coverage for any hands-on trade.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required by law in most states, workers’ comp covers medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs tied to employee injuries on the job.
Commercial Property Insurance
Covers damage to offices, warehouses, or storage facilities you lease or own.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
Provides extended liability limits in case your other policies are maxed out due to a major claim or lawsuit.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Protects vehicles used in your trade, whether you’re hauling ladders, tile saws, compressors, or trenchers.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Covers your business against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.
Fiduciary Liability Insurance
Protects you if you offer employee benefits and face claims related to mismanagement of those plans.
Crime Insurance
Helps you recover losses from employee theft, forgery, or other dishonest acts.
Specialized Insurance for Artisan Trades
Not all risks live in your shop or office. As an artisan contractor, your tools, materials, and project obligations travel with you. These specialized policies offer added protection where core coverage stops short.
Builders’ Risk Insurance
If you're contributing to a larger construction project—like wiring a new home or framing a room addition—builders’ risk coverage can help protect materials and work-in-progress from fire, theft, and weather-related losses.
Inland Marine Insurance
Your tools go where the work is. Inland marine insurance protects high-value equipment while it's in transit or temporarily stored off-site—ideal for contractors who load up and head out daily.
Surety Bonds
Whether you’re bidding on a city contract or securing permits for a residential job, surety bonds help show you’re a trustworthy and financially stable partner—something many clients and municipalities now require.
We Cover All Types of Artisan Contractors
We understand that no two trades operate the same way. Pepper, Johnstone & Company offers tailored protection for:
- Electricians – Including residential, commercial, and industrial work
- Plumbers – Whether you specialize in new installs or emergency service
- HVAC Professionals – Heating, cooling, ventilation, and ductwork contractors
- Roofers – For both residential and steep-slope commercial jobs
- Drywall Installers – Working in single-family, multi-unit, or commercial projects
- Painters – Interior, exterior, finishing, and specialty coatings
- Tile Contractors – Including floor, wall, and decorative tiling
- Framers – Load-bearing, roof, or custom timber framing
- Excavation & Grading – Earthwork, leveling, and lot preparation
- Landscapers – From residential lawn care to full commercial installations
Why Choose Pepper, Johnstone & Company
You bring craft, care, and expertise to your trade. We bring that same level of precision to your insurance.
As an independent agency, Pepper, Johnstone & Company doesn’t just offer one-size-fits-all policies. We work with dozens of trusted insurance companies to customize your coverage around your trade, crew size, equipment, and long-term growth.
From helping you meet contract requirements to finding cost-effective policy bundles, we act as your risk advisor, so you can focus on your craft, not the paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions About Builders & Tradesmen’s Insurance
What trade professionals need to know
Requirements vary by state, but most artisan contractors need general liability insurance, workers comp, and commercial auto coverage at a minimum. Some states or cities also require a license bond or surety bond to operate. With a strong national presence, Pepper, Johnstone & Company can help you navigate local requirements and determine the best coverage for your unique business.
Yes. Even if you work alone, you can still be sued for property damage, accidents, or personal injuries on the job site. General liability and inland marine policies are especially important to protect your tools and reputation.
Premiums depend on your trade, number of employees, location, claims history, and the type of construction site or property you typically work on. We shop rates from multiple insurance companies to find you competitive pricing.
Many artisan contractors work across specialties—like framing and drywall, or plumbing and HVAC. We can bundle your business insurance coverage to account for multiple trades and minimize premium overlap.
No. General liability protects against third-party damage. To protect your tools, you’ll need inland marine or commercial property insurance—especially if you travel with your gear.
You can be listed as an additional insured on a general contractor’s policy, but that won’t protect your tools and equipment, crew, or business assets. For true protection, you’ll need your own layered coverage.
What do people think about us?
Hear from some actual clients.
on Google
I started a company in January 2019 & the team at Pepper Johnstone helped me from the beginning. We serve mid-cap to large public companies in Alabama, Colorado and Texas. And, Bryan has been critical in helping us meet and maintain the required commercial insurance policies and coverage levels. Key reasons that I've been so pleased primarily include their high level of technical competence and timely responsiveness on new or changing insurance coverage requests. They do a great job & I can highly recommend them.
— Russ L.
on Google
We are very pleased with our services that Pepper, Johnstone and Company provide for us! Both with business and personal needs, we feel like we are receiving excellent resources. We truly would not trust anyone else for our insurance needs!
— Lauren M.
on Google
Thankful for the opportunity to work with Pepper, Johnston’s and Co. They helped us add basic insurance needs for our newly formed LLC. The responsiveness, willingness to answer numerous questions, and guide us through multiple options was greatly appreciated. I’d like to especially thank Meredith Baswell of their staff who helped us through the process. I’d recommend you seek their advice and input on commercial and personal insurance options.
— Kevin G.
on Google
This is the best insurance agency hands down. We have our home, car, and business insurance through them. Julie has always gone above and beyond to help us. We wouldn’t use anyone else.
— Laura D.
on Google
Pepper Johnstone has handled my personal and business insurance needs for years. They do good work and their staff is amazing! They are independent agents so they have access to several different lines of insurance to meet the needs of their clients. I highly recommend them.
— Jeremiah H.
on Google
Pepper, Johnstone is a very professional and responsive insurance company. They were able to assist me with a full suite insurance solution very promptly and at a great value. Most importantly, I felt completely comfortable that I was being handled by true professionals. Bryan Johnstone is great at his job and I would recommend him highly to anyone who needs insurance advice for themselves or their business.
— Troy R.
Insurance Articles
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Build a Better Protection Plan
Your trade deserves expert-level coverage. Call Pepper, Johnstone & Company at 866-865-3499 or request a quote online to get custom insurance for your artisan contracting business.