FAQ About Insurance Coverage: What Homeowners Should Know Before Hiring a Painter
When you hire a professional painting company, you’re expecting clean lines, smooth walls, and maybe even a few compliments from guests who notice your freshly painted living room. What you don’t expect is a surprise accident, a ladder mishap, or a paint spill that turns your hardwood floors into modern art.
That’s where insurance comes in.
Understanding insurance coverage isn’t the most glamorous part of planning a painting project, but it is one of the most important. Whether you’re repainting a single room or giving your whole home a makeover, knowing what’s covered (and what isn’t) can save you major headaches.
Here are the most common questions homeowners in Tennessee ask us:
“Do painters really need insurance?”
Short answer: Absolutely.
Long answer: Any contractor working inside or outside your home should carry proper insurance, not just for their protection, but for yours.
Painting might seem like a low-risk trade compared to heavy construction, but ladders fall, furniture gets moved, and accidents happen even to the pros. Hiring an insured painter ensures you’re not left responsible for injuries, damages, or unexpected expenses.
“What kind of insurance should a painting company have?”
A reputable painting company should carry two key types of insurance:
1. General Liability Insurance
This protects your home if something goes wrong, like paint spills, accidental damage to walls or floors, or unforeseen issues caused during the project.
If a painter accidentally knocks over an expensive vase or damages siding while pressure washing, liability insurance is what covers the cost of repairs or replacement.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
This protects you if a painter is injured while working on your property.
Without it, the homeowner can be held financially responsible for medical bills or lost wages. Workers’ comp ensures the crew is covered and you’re not stuck in a stressful situation.
Starting to see why insurance is so important?
“Does homeowners insurance cover painting accidents?”
Not usually.
Homeowners insurance is designed for unexpected events like storms, fires, or break-ins, not contractor-related damage.
If a painting company doesn’t have insurance and something goes wrong, your policy may not cover it. That’s why verifying coverage isn’t just a formality, it’s essential.
“Should I ask for proof of insurance?”
Yes, and any professional painter will be happy to provide it.
Asking for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is completely normal. It shows you the company’s coverage limits, policy status, and the type of insurance they carry. If a contractor hesitates or refuses, consider it a red flag.
You’re trusting people to work in your home. You deserve peace of mind.
“What happens if a contractor doesn’t have insurance?”
Here are the risks homeowners face when hiring an uninsured painter:
- You may be held liable if a worker gets injured on your property.
- Your homeowners insurance may not cover damages, leaving you to pay out of pocket.
- Small mistakes turn into big financial burdens; even something as simple as a spilled bucket of paint.
- Uninsured contractors often cut corners in other areas too, such as training, prep work, or equipment.
Saving a little money upfront can cost a lot later.
“Are subcontractors covered under the painter’s insurance?”
This is a great question, and one many homeowners don’t often think to ask.
If a painting company uses subcontractors, those workers must also be insured. Otherwise, they may not be covered under the main policy. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask:
- Do you use subcontractors?
- Are they insured?
- Are they covered under your workers’ comp and liability policies?
Transparency is key, and a good painting company will answer openly.
“What about exterior work: does insurance matter more?”
Exterior painting often involves higher ladders, tall surfaces, and more exposure to weather conditions. Because the risks are greater, having proper insurance becomes even more critical.
Whether it’s painting siding, trim, decks, or porches, you want a crew that’s protected…and one that protects your property, too.
“How does McLain’s Painting handle insurance?”
At McLain’s, we believe professionalism doesn’t stop at brushstrokes. We carry full liability and workers’ compensation coverage to protect both our clients and our team.
Our crew works in your home with care, respect, and attention to detail, but you’ll also have the peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens (rare as that is), you’re fully protected.
It’s part of our commitment to being a painting company you can trust, and one that values safety just as much as craftsmanship.
The Takeaway?
Insurance might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s one every homeowner should understand before starting a painting project. Hiring an insured contractor means:
- Fewer risks
- Fewer surprises
- And a smoother, safer painting experience
Whether you’re planning a fresh new color scheme or a full exterior transformation, knowing your painter is properly insured lets you enjoy the process instead of worrying about it.
