Common Insurance Claims in the Painting Business Industry
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU

- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Painting contractors face unique risks that can lead to insurance claims. Understanding the most common insurance claims in the painting business industry helps contractors prepare, reduce risk, and ensure proper coverage.
This guide highlights frequent claims, their causes, and how Wexford Insurance can help protect your business.

1. Property Damage Claims
One of the most frequent claims involves accidental damage to client property:
Paint spills on floors, furniture, or walls
Damage to trim, fixtures, or landscaping
Misplacement or breakage of client property
How to Prevent:
Use drop cloths and protective coverings
Train employees on careful handling and workspace safety
Insurance Coverage: General liability insurance typically covers these claims.
2. Bodily Injury Claims
Bodily injury claims occur when someone is hurt while on a job site:
Slip-and-fall accidents
Ladder or scaffolding accidents
Injuries caused by tools or equipment
How to Prevent:
Follow OSHA safety guidelines
Provide employee training and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Insurance Coverage: General liability and workers’ compensation insurance cover injuries to third parties and employees, respectively.
3. Vehicle-Related Claims
Many painting contractors use trucks or vans to transport tools and paint. Vehicle accidents can lead to claims such as:
Collisions while driving to job sites
Damage to parked client vehicles
Equipment theft from vehicles
How to Prevent:
Maintain company vehicles regularly
Train employees in safe driving practices
Secure equipment properly
Insurance Coverage: Commercial auto insurance and property coverage for tools protect against these risks.
4. Employee Injury Claims
Painting work can be physically demanding. Common injuries among employees include:
Sprains and strains from lifting ladders or paint buckets
Falls from ladders or scaffolding
Chemical exposure from paints or solvents
Insurance Coverage: Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured employees.
5. Claims Related to Poor Workmanship
Sometimes clients may claim damage or defects due to poor painting quality:
Uneven paint application or missed spots
Damage caused during surface preparation
Mistakes in color matching or finishing
Insurance Coverage: Professional liability insurance (also called errors & omissions) can protect contractors from these claims.
Why Having the Right Insurance Matters
Even small incidents can lead to costly claims if your painting business is underinsured. Proper insurance coverage ensures:
Financial protection for property and injury claims
Peace of mind while running your business
Compliance with client requirements and state regulations
How Wexford Insurance Can Help
Wexford Insurance specializes in painting contractor insurance and can help:
Provide coverage tailored to your business risks
Bundle multiple policies for cost-effective protection
Offer guidance on risk management strategies to reduce claims
Protect your painting business today. Get a Wexford Insurance quote and safeguard your company, employees, and clients.




