Insurance Built for Michigan Contractors
Running a contracting business in Michigan means managing crews, vehicles, tools, client properties, and a schedule that depends on the weather. Oakland County adds its own mix of residential builds, light commercial work, and historic-home restorations. The risk picture gets specific fast.
The right coverage protects you across the whole picture: liability on the job site, tools and equipment, workers’ comp for your crew, and protection for projects in progress. The wrong program leaves gaps you don’t notice until something happens.
Contractor Trades We Cover
Every trade carries its own risk profile. Marcus works with contractors across Michigan to build policies that match how each trade actually operates.
Landscaping & Lawn Care
Property damage exposure comes with every job, from a one-truck mowing route to full hardscaping installations. Liability and equipment coverage are the essentials.
Tree & Excavation Services
Tree services, excavating crews, and grading contractors work around some of the highest property damage risks in contracting. Coverage should account for falling limbs, underground utility strikes, and heavy equipment on client property.
Mechanical Trades
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors work inside client homes and businesses. That means liability for installation errors, water damage, and issues that surface weeks or months after a job closes.
Exterior & Structural Trades
Roofers, masons, concrete pourers, and painters work at heights or with heavy materials. Roofing in particular carries elevated liability that the right policy structure should reflect.
General Contractors & Handyman Services
Wider job scope means wider coverage need. Subcontractor management, client property protection, and project-specific exposure all factor into how the policy gets built.
Coverage Options for Michigan Contractors
Most contractors need more than one type of coverage. Marcus helps you understand which combination of policies makes sense for your trade and your size.
General Liability Insurance
The foundation of most contractor programs. Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims, and it’s the coverage most clients will ask to see before signing a contract.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
Bundles general liability with commercial property coverage for your office, shop, or storage location. Usually more cost-effective than buying the two separately.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required in Michigan for most businesses with employees. Covers medical costs and lost wages for on-the-job injuries, and protects you from most direct employee lawsuits.
Tools & Equipment Coverage
Standard property policies often have low limits for tools that leave a fixed location. Dedicated tools coverage closes that gap for the gear contractors actually depend on.
Builders Risk Insurance
Protects buildings under construction or major renovation against fire, theft, weather damage, and other covered losses during the build. Often required by lenders and commercial clients.
Common Michigan Contractor Insurance Questions
These are the questions Michigan contractors actually ask us. If yours isn’t on the list, give us a call.
Do I really need insurance to mow lawns or do small landscaping jobs?
Yes, even for side work. If you damage a client’s property or someone gets hurt on a job, your personal homeowners or auto policy won’t cover business activity. General liability for a small operation is usually affordable and is often required by HOAs, commercial property managers, or anyone hiring you through a formal contract.
What do I need to qualify for contractor insurance in Michigan?
Having a few details ready makes the quote faster and more accurate. Marcus will typically ask about your business structure (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.), the trades you perform, years in business, annual or projected revenue, employee count and payroll, whether you use subcontractors, and your prior insurance history. Newer contractors may also be asked about relevant work experience or trade licensing.
What's the minimum insurance a Michigan contractor needs?
There’s no single state-mandated minimum across all trades, but general liability and workers’ comp (if you have employees) are the practical floor. Most commercial clients will require proof of at least $1 million in general liability before you can start a job. Some trades and municipalities require additional licensing-tied coverage.
Do I need workers comp if it's just me?
Usually no, but it depends. Michigan generally doesn’t require workers’ comp for a sole proprietor with no employees. The exception: if you’re working as a subcontractor for a larger contractor, they may require you to carry it or sign a waiver.
How much does contractor insurance cost in Michigan?
It depends on your trade, payroll, revenue, and the coverages you choose. A solo landscaper might pay a few hundred dollars a year for general liability alone. A roofing contractor with a crew and commercial vehicles will pay considerably more. We build quotes around your specific operation rather than generic categories.
Protect Your Business with Confidence
Your business deserves protection that fits the way you operate. Marcus Schirr Insurance Group helps small business owners across Michigan choose the right coverage through Farm Bureau Financial Services, backed by a personal, local approach.