The Most Trusted Source for Appliance & HVAC Industry Professionals

ServiceMag

Virginia HVAC & Appliance Repair Insurance Requirements (2026)

HVAC Contractors

Class A Contractor License (HVAC specialty)

Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
General LiabilityNot Required

Virginia does not require Class A contractors (including the HVAC specialty) to carry general liability insurance as a condition of licensure.[1]

Surety BondConditional

Minimums: $50,000 surety bond, or $45,000 net worth/equity

Condition: chosen in lieu of demonstrating $45,000 net worth

Class A applicants must show a $45,000 net worth (via financial statement or CPA review/audit) or, alternatively, obtain a $50,000 surety bond on the Board's form.[1]

Workers' CompensationConditional

Condition: employer regularly employs more than two full- or part-time employees (subcontractor employees count toward the total on construction projects)

Employers meeting Virginia's statewide workers' compensation threshold must carry coverage; this applies to Class A HVAC firms the same as any other Virginia employer.[1]

Class B Contractor License (HVAC specialty)

Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
General LiabilityNot Required

Virginia does not require Class B contractors (including the HVAC specialty) to carry general liability insurance as a condition of licensure.[1]

Surety BondConditional

Minimums: $50,000 surety bond, or $15,000 net worth/equity

Condition: chosen in lieu of demonstrating $15,000 net worth

Class B applicants must show a $15,000 net worth (via financial statement or CPA review/audit) or, alternatively, obtain a $50,000 surety bond on the Board's form.[1]

Appliance Repair

Virginia does not license general appliance repair businesses at the state level. DPOR's Board for Contractors regulates construction trades (its Class A/B/C license structure and individual 'HVAC' tradesman license cover HVAC work) but does not list appliance repair as a regulated category. Manufacturers' warranty networks, home warranty companies, and commercial landlords typically require proof of general liability insurance (COI).

Workers' Compensation Threshold

Employers that regularly employ more than two full-time or part-time employees must carry workers' compensation insurance; executive officers count as employees, and on construction projects a general contractor's subcontractors' employees are added to the count, so hiring even one subcontractor's crew can trigger coverage. Sole proprietors with no employees and no subcontractors are not required to carry coverage.

Ready to see what this could cost your business?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia require insurance for HVAC contractors?▾
Yes. Class A Contractor License (HVAC specialty) (Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)) requires a surety bond, workers' compensation insurance. Class B Contractor License (HVAC specialty) (Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)) requires a surety bond.
Do appliance repair businesses need a license or insurance in Virginia?▾
Virginia does not license general appliance repair businesses at the state level. DPOR's Board for Contractors regulates construction trades (its Class A/B/C license structure and individual 'HVAC' tradesman license cover HVAC work) but does not list appliance repair as a regulated category. Manufacturers' warranty networks, home warranty companies, and commercial landlords typically require proof of general liability insurance (COI).
When is workers' compensation insurance required in Virginia?▾
Employers that regularly employ more than two full-time or part-time employees must carry workers' compensation insurance; executive officers count as employees, and on construction projects a general contractor's subcontractors' employees are added to the count, so hiring even one subcontractor's crew can trigger coverage. Sole proprietors with no employees and no subcontractors are not required to carry coverage.

Sources

  1. Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission — Frequently Asked Insurance Questions for Employers, accessed 2026-07-15
  2. Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) — 18VAC50-22-60. Requirements for a Class A license., accessed 2026-07-15
  3. Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) — 18VAC50-22-50. Requirements for a Class B license., accessed 2026-07-15

Last verified 2026-07-15. Spot something inaccurate? Report an inaccuracy.