Hiring a Handyman for Electrical Work? Here’s What You Should Know

Hiring a Handyman for Electrical Work? Here’s What You Should Know

When it comes to home repairs—especially anything involving electrical work—cutting corners can be dangerous and expensive. Faulty wiring is one of the top causes of house fires in California. And hiring the wrong person? That can lead to denied insurance claims, fines, and serious safety risks.

As a California-based Farmers Insurance agency, we’ve seen the real-world damage that comes from skipping steps when it comes to hiring help.

So here’s your no-fluff guide to when you need a licensed electrician, why electrical contractor insurance matters, and how to protect yourself, your property, and your coverage.

Don't Let a Handyman Touch Your Wiring

You wouldn’t let a handyman fix your brakes—so why let one rewire your house?

Electrical work may seem simple from the outside—swapping a switch, installing a light—but one wrong move can start a fire inside your walls or overload your system. And if the person doing the work isn’t licensed or insured, you could be on the hook.

In California, most electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician or electrical contractor. That includes:

  • Running new wiring
  • Installing circuits
  • Upgrading panels
  • Adding outlets or light fixtures
  • Making repairs behind the wall

These aren't "handyman jobs"—they're regulated trades for a reason.

What’s the Difference Between a Handyman and a Licensed Electrician?

 Handyman Licensed Electrician
General skills, often unlicensed State-certified and licensed
No insurance or limited general liability Covered by electrician or electrical contractor insurance
Cant legally do most electrical work Permitted to perform, permit and inspect work
Work may not meet California code Trained to meet or exceed local codes

 

If your handyman says they “know electrical,” ask for:

  • A California license number
  • Proof of insurance (especially electrical contractor insurance)
  • A permit for the job, if required

If they can’t provide all three, don’t let them near your panel.

Why Your Insurance Carrier Cares

Here's what most homeowners don't realize:

If unlicensed or unpermitted electrical work causes damage to your home, your insurance company can deny the claim.

We’ve seen this happen. A homeowner hires someone off Craigslist to “just fix a few lights,” and a month later the breaker box catches fire. When the insurer investigates, they find out the work was done without a permit by an unlicensed handyman.

Result? Claim denied.

Licensed electricians carry electrician insurance, which typically includes general liability, errors and omissions, and workers’ comp. This protects both them and you if something goes wrong.

How to Vet a Legit Electrical Contractor in California

Before you let anyone touch your home’s electrical system, do this:

Ask for their license number

Verify it at www.cslb.ca.gov (Contractors State License Board)

Request a certificate of insurance

Ask for proof of electrical contractor insurance with at least $1M in liability coverage.

Ask about permits

Any legitimate electrician will know what work requires a permit—and will handle it for you.

Check their reviews and referrals

Talk to neighbors or call a local electrical supply store. Many refer contractors they know and trust.

Red Flags That Mean “Walk Away”

  • They can't provide a license number
  • They’re not insured
  • They say permits are a waste of time
  • They want a large payment upfront
  • They say, “I’ve done this a hundred times—trust me.”

If you hear any of these, move on.

What to Ask Before You Hire

You're hiring someone to do dangerous work in your home. It’s okay to ask questions.

Start with these:

  • “Are you licensed in California? What’s your license number?”
  • “Can I see your certificate of insurance?”
  • “Who will be doing the actual work?”
  • “Will you be pulling the necessary permits?”
  • “Is the work inspected after it’s done?”

A professional will answer without hesitation. If someone gets defensive, that’s your answer.

Insurance Tip: You May Need Business Coverage Too

If you're the one offering electrical services—or any kind of handyman work that involves electrical systems—you may be exposing yourself to major liability.

At a minimum, you should carry:

  • Electrician Insurance (for individual contractors)
  • Electrical Contractor Insurance (for companies or teams)
  • Workers’ Compensation (if you have employees)
  • Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) for broader protection

We offer free Farmers business insurance quotes that cover everything from one-man operations to multi-crew contractors.

What Happens If You Hire the Wrong Person?

Short answer: a lot can go wrong.

  • Fires and property damage
  • Injury to the handyman or yourself
  • Fines from local code enforcement
  • Voided or denied insurance claims
  • Having to pay someone else to fix the job—correctly

Even something as minor as a bad outlet install can become a $10,000 problem. And we've seen it happen.

Do It Right the First Time

At Farmers Insurance – Young Douglas Agency, we want you to be smart with your home—not just your policy. That means:

  • Hiring licensed professionals
  • Verifying insurance coverage
  • Getting work permitted and inspected
  • Asking the right questions
  • Staying ahead of risk before it becomes a loss

If you’re a homeowner in California looking to protect your property—or a contractor looking to cover your business—let’s talk.

Get Insurance Advice and Tips That Actually Matter

Request a Free Farmers Business Insurance Quote Today

We’ll review your needs, explain your options, and help you stay protected.

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