Looking for Contractors Insurance in Knoxville?
Sharp Insurance Agency is your local contractors insurance expert. We insure a wide range of trades and independent contractors—Landscapers, Electricians, Carpenters, Remodelers, and many more.

We’re based in Knoxville, TN (office currently in renovation) and serve contractors across Tennessee.

Who needs contractors insurance?

Many types of independent contractors need liability and related coverages tailored to their specific risks. Examples include:

• Independent construction contractors
• Plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and painters
• Repair technicians and handymen
• House and carpet cleaners
• Freelance writers, editors, and graphic designers
• Independent hair stylists and salon professionals
• Horse or dog trainers

Don’t underestimate your risk

The right independent contractors liability insurance can help protect you from lawsuits, accidents, and third‑party property damage that could devastate your business.

You’ll typically need several categories of coverage to build a solid protection plan:

• General Liability (GL)
  • The foundation of most contractor programs, providing:
    • Bodily Injury: Helps cover medical costs and legal defense if you or your employee causes injury or death to a third party during work.
    • Property Damage: Helps cover damage you or your employees cause to others’ property, including the premises you’re working on or third‑party property.
    • Completed Operations/Products: Helps protect you if a finished project later causes damage or injury; can also extend to products you sell or distribute.
    • Personal and Advertising Injury: Helps protect against claims of slander, libel, or false advertising.
    • Contractual Liability: Helps cover certain liabilities assumed under contract. This isn’t always included—confirm with your insurer that it’s part of your GL.

Your exact liability coverage needs will be unique to your trade, job size, and contract requirements. Working with a knowledgeable Knoxville agent ensures there aren’t gaps that leave you exposed to expensive claims.

Do you need a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?

Contractors’ general liability can often be bundled with other protections in a Business Owners Policy, which:

• Broadens coverage for common small‑business risks, and
• Often lowers overall premium via package discounts

A BOP commonly makes sense if you have employees. Many carriers define eligible small businesses as up to ~100 employees and ~\$5M or less in annual revenue.

Typical BOP add‑ons include:

• Property Coverage: Helps protect buildings you own or lease and business personal property (contents) like tools, equipment, and inventory at insured premises. Does not include commercial vehicles.
• Business Income: Helps replace income and cover ongoing expenses if your operations are interrupted due to a covered loss (often up to 12 months).
• Commercial Auto: Covers vehicles used for business—cars, vans, pickups, and specialty trucks.

Do you need Workers’ Compensation?

Requirements vary by state. In Tennessee, you may not need workers’ comp if you’re truly a solo independent contractor without employees; however, certain trades and project owners may require it by contract or licensing. If you employ workers, you’ll generally be required to carry it. Workers’ comp helps cover:

• Job‑related injuries/illnesses and medical bills
• A portion of lost wages if employees can’t return to work
• It can also help protect you from certain employee lawsuits

Should you consider Professional Liability (E&O)?

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) helps protect you if your advice, design input, or professional services cause a client financial loss. It typically includes legal defense and settlements, when needed.

Consider E&O if:

• You provide professional advice or specifications (e.g., recommending materials, methods, or design elements)
• Your employees or subcontractors provide consulting or advisory services
• Your trade, license, or contracts require E&O

If you use subcontractors, require them to carry their own E&O and GL, and verify certificates—your policy may not automatically cover their professional exposures.

Get a contractors insurance quote tailored to your Knoxville business

Tell us about your trade, payroll, subs, vehicles, equipment, and typical project values. We’ll prepare a comparison from multiple carriers and align coverage with your contract requirements and budget.

• Phone: (865) 922-2744
• Email: info@sharpinstn.com
• Office: Knoxville, TN (Office currently in renovation)
• Service Area: Knoxville and all of Tennessee

Contact Sharp Insurance Agency today for a personalized Knoxville homeowners insurance quote and see how the right coverage, carrier, and price come together.