GC insurance requirements by trade
See which coverages and endorsements general contractors commonly require from electricians, plumbers, HVAC, roofers, concrete, and painters, and why.
General contractors usually ask every subcontractor for the same core package: commercial general liability, auto liability, workers' compensation, and often an umbrella. What changes by trade is which items get extra attention, because the trade's most likely loss shapes the contract. This page lists what is commonly asked for in six trades. These are examples, not standards. The real requirements come from the GC's subcontract, the owner's contract above it, and the GC's own insurer, and they differ from job to job.
The baseline most subs see
Many subcontracts start from a common set of items:
- General liability: a figure like $1 million each occurrence and $2 million aggregate is commonly seen, but contracts vary widely. See general liability limits explained.
- Auto liability: a combined single limit for owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles.
- Workers' compensation: statutory coverage plus employer's liability. Some sole proprietors are exempt in some states, see workers' comp exemptions.
- Umbrella or excess: often required on top of the underlying policies, see umbrella vs excess liability.
- Endorsements: additional insured status, waiver of subrogation, and primary and non-contributory wording.
What tends to matter by trade
| Trade | Main risk | Often emphasized |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Fire from faulty work, electrocution | Higher umbrella, completed operations, additional insured for ongoing and completed work |
| Plumbing | Water damage, often found after turnover | Completed operations, review of water damage and mold exclusions |
| HVAC | Fire, carbon monoxide, refrigerant, rooftop work | Pollution coverage in some contracts, completed operations, auto for service vehicles |
| Roofing | Falls, fire from torches, water intrusion | Workers' comp in good standing, umbrella, review of roofing exclusions |
| Concrete | Structural defects, foundation failure, heavy equipment | Completed operations, umbrella, auto and equipment coverage |
| Painting | Overspray, fumes, ladder and lift falls | Property damage coverage, checks for any exterior or spray limitation |
Electrical
A wiring fault can start a fire long after the job closes, so GCs often care most about completed operations coverage and a meaningful umbrella. Electricians also work around live power, which makes workers' comp status a real concern.
Plumbing
Water damage is the typical claim, and it often appears months later. Ask whether the policy carries exclusions for water damage, mold, or fungi. Completed operations is the key item.
HVAC
Rooftop equipment, fuel and gas connections, and refrigerants create fire and pollution exposure. Some contracts ask for pollution liability for this reason. Many HVAC firms also run service vans, so auto limits matter.
Roofing
Falls are the leading injury risk and torch work adds fire risk. Carriers often write roofing with special terms, so read the policy exclusions and not only the certificate. GCs commonly want proof that workers' comp is active, since an uninsured fall can reach the GC.
Concrete
Defects in foundations and slabs are expensive and hard to repair. Completed operations and an adequate umbrella are the usual focus, plus auto and equipment coverage for trucks and pumps.
Painting
Overspray on vehicles or neighboring property is the classic painting claim. Check that the general liability policy does not limit or exclude exterior or spray work, and that lift or ladder work is covered.
Why the numbers differ
A GC passes down what its owner and its insurer require of it. A hospital job and a small remodel will not ask for the same limits, even from the same electrician. Lenders and public owners add their own demands. Treat any trade list, including this one, as a starting point and read each subcontract. For wording questions, ask an insurance professional or attorney.
Check this automatically
Set the requirements for each trade once in ComplySub, then send vendors an upload link that needs no account. ComplySub reads the ACORD 25 and compares it with your limits and endorsement requirements, flags gaps, and reminds the vendor and their agent. It reads documents against the rules you set. It is not legal or insurance advice.
This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Insurance and licensing rules vary by state, carrier, and contract; confirm what applies to you with your insurance professional, attorney, or licensing board.