Home Inspector Insurance

Get fast, flexible business insurance for building and home inspectors

Running a home or building inspection business comes with unique risks. From potential liability claims to property damage, you need insurance coverage that protects your business and gives you peace of mind. At Thimble, we make getting the right coverage simple, fast, and affordable.

Whether you’re inspecting residential properties or commercial buildings, we understand the specific challenges you face. Our insurance solutions are designed to protect your business so you can focus on what you do best – providing thorough, professional inspections.

What is basic building inspector insurance?

Thimble offers a Business Owners Package (BOP) for building and home inspectors, which bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance into one convenient package. This comprehensive coverage protects you from common risks while keeping your insurance simple.

General liability coverage protects you if someone other than an employee gets injured during an inspection or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. Commercial property insurance covers your business equipment, tools, and office space while on your premises if they’re damaged by covered events like fire, theft, or vandalism.

The beauty of a BOP is that you only need to manage one policy instead of juggling multiple insurance plans.

Do home and building inspectors need business insurance?

The short answer is yes. Most home and building inspectors absolutely need business insurance. Here’s why:

Legal Requirements: Many states require specific licensing and insurance for home inspectors. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®), most states have licensing requirements that include proof of insurance.

Client Requirements: Many clients, real estate agents, and mortgage companies require proof of insurance before they’ll work with you. Without coverage, you could lose potential business. Some of these clients will also insist on being named as an additional insured on your policy

Financial Protection: Even a single claim could devastate your business financially. The average cost of a professional liability claim for home inspectors can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

State-Specific Rules: Check your local jurisdiction for mandates and requirements. From insurance to licensing or certification, you should know what your state laws require. For example, while most states require workers’ compensation insurance, Texas generally does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, unlike the other 49 states and D.C.

The 2025 Salary Guide for Home and Building Inspectors shows that qualified inspectors can earn substantial incomes, making insurance protection even more important to safeguard your livelihood.

Before starting your inspection business, research your state’s specific requirements using resources like the State Licensing for Home and Building Inspectors guide to ensure you’re fully compliant.

What kind of insurance do home inspectors and building inspectors need?

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General Liability (GL):

Protects against non-employee third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. If a client trips over your equipment or you accidentally damage their property during an inspection, GL coverage helps handle the costs.

Professional Liability Insurance illustration

Professional Liability (PL):

Also called Errors & Omissions insurance, this covers claims that you made a mistake or oversight in your professional services. This is especially important given the detailed, technical nature of inspection work. Thimble does not currently offer this coverage for home and building inspectors.

Workers’ Compensation (WC):

Required in most states if you have employees, this covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker gets injured on the job.

Commercial Property Insurance:

Protects your business equipment, tools, and office contents from theft, fire, vandalism, and other covered perils while property is on your premises.

Commercial Auto:

If you drive to job sites or use a vehicle for business purposes, you need commercial auto coverage that goes beyond personal car insurance. The specific combination of coverages you need depends on your business model, location, and risk tolerance. Many inspectors start with a BOP and professional liability insurance, then add other coverages as their business grows.

Average cost for home inspector insurance

Home inspector insurance costs vary significantly based on several factors, but here’s what you can typically expect:

Business Owners Package: Generally ranges from $300 to $1,200 annually for most small inspection businesses.*

Professional Liability Insurance: Usually costs between $400 to $1,500 per year, depending on coverage limits and your claims history.*

Workers’ Compensation: Varies widely by state and number of employees, but typically ranges from $500 to $2,000 annually for small inspection businesses.*

The total cost depends on factors like:

Your location and local insurance requirements
Coverage limits you select
Number of employees
Your annual revenue and business size
Claims history and experience level
Types of properties you inspect

The good news is that insurance for home inspectors is generally affordable compared to many other professions. At Thimble, we customize every policy to fit your specific needs and budget, so you only pay for coverage that makes sense for your business.

What do I need for a custom home inspector insurance quote?

Getting a quote from Thimble is fast and straightforward. We’ll need some basic information about your business:

Business Details: Your location, years in business, and specific services you provide (residential inspections, commercial inspections, and any specialized services).

Financial Information: Gross annual sales, number of employees, and annual payroll if you have staff.

Coverage Preferences: Desired coverage limits, deductible preferences, and any specific coverage needs.

Equipment and Operations: Details about tools and equipment you use, types of properties you inspect, and any additional services you offer.

Additional Requirements: In some cases, we might need information about additional insureds, ages of buildings you inspect, or other specific details.

The great news is we don’t ask for pages of paperwork before getting you a quote. Just a few minutes of your time, and you’ll have a customized quote that fits your needs and budget.

At Thimble, we understand that every inspection business is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific needs and create coverage that works for you. Our streamlined process means you can get covered quickly – often the same day – so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

Ready to protect your inspection business? Get your custom quote today and discover why hundreds of thousands of small business owners trust Thimble for fast, flexible, and affordable insurance coverage.

*Rates subject to change and availability.

Quick-thinking insurance for fast-moving businesses.

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