How much do contractors pay for insurance?

It really depends in many different factors including revenues. Someone who needs you to pay $1,500.00 to get his insurance should not be hired. If he usually doesn't work in buildings that require insurance he probably is not a professional. I would go look for someone else

What kind of buildings don't require insurance? Certainly none I've ever looked in or lived in

No insurance?! and he wants you to pay $1,500 for his insurance?!
I'm sure that I still have not heard it all on here but this is a top pick.

You didn't hire him yet you just showed him the job for a price estimate.
Don't hire him.

jwl: Not only does your board require that the contractor have insurance, they will want you to submit to them a certificate of insurance with the board and managing agent named on it as co-insured.

Where did you find that contractor?
If he was referred by the super, then he and the super have a thing going on. He sneaks the contractor in without the proper papers. The "insurance" is the kick-back to the super from the contractor.

@JWL2672 If this contractor actually does good work, then you should just pay for his insurance policy to satisfy your board's requirement. It's not worth your time searching for, and vetting other contractors.

@Primer05 @kylewest @Truth Don't offer advice if you have never purchased an insurance policy and/or experienced a similar situation.