What insurance do general contractors require from subcontractors?

Commonly general liability with additional insured status, commercial auto, and workers' compensation, sometimes with an umbrella. The exact limits and endorsement forms are in each contract, so it is worth reading them against your policies before you sign.

Are my tools covered by general liability?

No. General liability covers damage to other people's property. Your own tools and equipment are usually covered by an inland marine or contractor's equipment policy.

Industry guide

Insurance for contractors

Contractors live by certificates. Before the first day on a job, a general contractor or property owner usually wants proof of general liability, auto, and workers' compensation, often with specific endorsements. The policies themselves also need to match the work you do now, not the work you did when you first bought them.

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Where insurance questions come from

Work at other people's property
Damage or injuries at a job site, and claims after a project is finished, are general liability questions.
Trucks and trailers
Work vehicles hauling tools and materials raise commercial auto questions, especially when titled to the business.
Tools and equipment on the move
Equipment on job sites and in trucks is usually covered by inland marine, not by property or auto.
Crews and subcontractors
Payroll, class codes, and subcontractor certificates drive workers' compensation premium and audits.

Coverage that commonly comes up

General Liability InsuranceRequired by most general contractors, with additional insured wording.
Commercial Auto InsuranceFor trucks, vans, and trailers used for work.
Workers' Compensation InsuranceFor employees, and to avoid being charged for uninsured subcontractors at audit.
Professional Liability Insurance (E&O)If you provide design or project-management services.

This page is general information about how these policies commonly work. Every policy's own forms, endorsements, and exclusions decide what it covers. For advice about your business, talk with a licensed insurance agent.

Paperwork customers and contracts ask for

Certificates of insurance for general contractors and property owners
Additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements
Workers' compensation certificates from your subcontractors
Vehicle and equipment schedules

Keep these together in your PolicyChecked account, so you can answer a certificate request in minutes.

Before your renewal or your next contract

What to check on your own policy

Contract insurance requirements compared with your actual limits and endorsements
Exclusions for specific work, such as residential, roofing, or height limits
Tools and equipment schedule, with items bought or sold this year
Subcontractor certificates on file and current
Vehicles on the schedule, and how employees' own vehicles are used

Not sure what your policy says?

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Contractors: common questions

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Know what you're covered for before you need it.

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