Insurance for Chimney Cleaning & Repair

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Two chimney cleaning and repair professionals on a roof top measuring the chimney of a new house under construction.

Do I Need Business Insurance as a Chimney Sweep?

If you run a chimney sweeping business, you might be wondering: Do I need business insurance? While it may not be legally required in all locations, having the right insurance coverage can help protect you from unexpected risks—especially liability claims related to property damage or personal injury.

Why Chimney Sweeps Need Business Insurance

Imagine accidentally damaging a customer’s fireplace while performing routine maintenance. Or perhaps soot buildup in a flue causes an undetected fire hazard. Without business insurance, you could be responsible for covering repair costs, legal fees, or medical expenses out of pocket. That’s where business insurance comes in—to help protect your business and personal finances.

Additionally, depending on your state, you may need a business license or permits to operate legally. It’s always a good idea to check your local regulations before getting started.

Quick thinking insurance for small businesses.

Chimney Sweep Insurance Requirements

Chimney sweep companies in most US jurisdictions are required to carry business coverage (with proof). These coverages include workers’ compensation and liability insurance.

Essential Business Insurance for Chimney Sweeps

Here are some of the key coverages chimney sweep professionals should consider:

General Liability Insurance

Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims.

Professional Liability Insurance

Covers errors or omissions that may occur while providing services.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Bundles general liability and commercial property coverage to protect your business assets.

Usually more affordable to bundle these coverages than to purchase them separately.

Commercial Property Insurance

Covers damage to your business property, including tools, equipment, and vehicles.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Required in every US jurisdiction except Texas

Your state’s Workers’ Compensation Board can tell you the minimum required amount of coverage you and your company must carry

If you have employees, this coverage helps with medical expenses and lost wages from work-related injuries.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Provides liability coverage for work vehicles, from collisions to damages caused by workers or customers.

Required in almost every US state (except New Hampshire and Virginia).

How Much Does Chimney Sweep Insurance Cost?

Insurance costs vary based on factors like your business location, size, services offered, and coverage limits, so there’s no one-size-fits-all cost. Most of the time, small business owners typically find that general liability insurance is an affordable way to gain peace of mind, no matter the cost.

Do You Need To Be Certified To Be A Chimney Sweep?

There are no federal or state-required certifications to clean or repair chimneys, but certifications can help demonstrate advanced professional skills and industry knowledge. In some cases, household insurance policies may require chimney technicians and cleaners comply with local codes and legislation, and in these cases, a certification is usually enough to use as evidence of compliance.

Establishing yourself as a safe, trustworthy chimney sweep can take more than proof of insurance coverage. The National Chimney Sweep Guild “maintains the premier education and certification programs in the chimney and venting industry,” as well as the industry’s only accredited certifications, including: Certified Chimney Professional (CCP), Certified Chimney Reliner (CCR), and Certified Chimney Journeyman (CCJ).

If you’re looking for a chimney sweep association on a smaller scale, the National Chimney Sweep Guild compiled a list of several associations you can look into and sign up for. You can view the list here.

Chimney Sweep Certificate of Insurance

Also referred to as a Certificate of Insurance, or a COI document, this is evidence of your chimney sweep insurance coverage. A chimney sweep’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) gives you better credibility with customers and can help your chances of booking jobs, and of course is evidence for homeowners, HOAs, or other entities that should need proof of coverage in order for you to perform work.

State-Specific Insurance Requirements for Chimney Repair and Cleaning

Every statute differs when it comes to what is required and available for Chimney Sweep insurance coverage options. Check what’s available in your zip code here. Below are popular states with unique or interesting nuances for Chimney Sweep insurance:

California

Chimney Sweeps and Chimney Technicians in California must carry commercial general liability insurance (CGL) which protects against third-party injury and property damages.

Texas

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is not required in Texas for Chimney Sweep and Chimney Cleaners.

General Liability (and other coverages) may be required depending on the services offered and the counties they operate in (where clients chimneys are located).

Florida

Chimney Sweeps and Chimney Cleaners in Florida need to have workers’ compensation, general liability and property damage.

A Certificate of Authority from The Department of Financial Services is required for Chimney Sweeps to operate in the state of Florida.¹

Chimney Sweep Insurance from Thimble

Thimble makes it easy for chimney sweep professionals to get the right coverage—whether you need a monthly, annual, or even on-demand policy to fit your needs. Get a fast, flexible quote today and keep your business protected while you grow.

Sources:

This information was sourced and compiled as of February 2025 and is subject to changes in legislature. Thimble advises to check local and state requirements in your respective location.

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