Last reviewed: September 22, 2026
A general contractor typically needs general liability, commercial auto, and often builder's risk on active projects, plus workers' comp if you have employees. What you actually need depends on your trade mix, project size, and whether you're doing the work yourself or managing subcontractors.
Subcontractor default is a real risk. If your sub doesn't carry adequate coverage, the exposure can fall back on you. Contractual liability from the terms in your construction contracts adds another layer, and bigger jobs often require you to be named as an additional insured for the property owner or GC above you.
Most GCs need to collect certificates of insurance from every subcontractor before they step on site. Many contracts also require the GC be named as an additional insured on the sub's policy, not just handed a certificate.
Do I need separate coverage for each project? General liability and commercial auto are typically annual policies covering all your work. Builder's risk is usually purchased per project.
What if a subcontractor doesn't have their own insurance? That exposure can land on you. Requiring and verifying certificates before work starts is standard practice, worth building into your process if it isn't already.
Send me your trade mix and current coverage and I'll tell you where the gaps actually are.
— Aaron