Subcontractor Insurance Requirements by Trade: The 2026 General Contractor Checklist

First, review the comparison table below for standard commercial contract limits. In addition, use the filters above to inspect high-hazard or specialty MEP trades.

SubDoc tracks subcontractor insurance requirements across all active trades in one real-time dashboard.

3. Core Coverages in Subcontractor Insurance Requirements

First, every builder must understand the core policies that make up subcontractor insurance requirements. Here are the six primary coverages:

4. How General Contractors Set Subcontractor Insurance Requirements

First, general contractors should never apply a single blanket rule to all trades. Instead, set smart subcontractor insurance requirements using these six criteria:

5. Minimum vs Recommended Subcontractor Insurance Requirements

First, most commercial builders organize their subcontractor insurance requirements into three simple tiers:

6. What an ACORD 25 Certificate Proves (and Does Not Prove)

First, many builders mistakenly treat an ACORD 25 Certificate of Insurance as proof of coverage. In reality, it is only an informational summary.

7. How to Verify Subcontractor Insurance Requirements

First, follow this 4-step process to verify subcontractor insurance requirements on every job:

1. Step 1: Include Exhibit A During BiddingFirst, attach your insurance requirements to bid packets. As a result, trade contractors budget for necessary riders early.
2. Step 2: Collect COIs 14 Days Before WorkNext, collect certificates directly from the broker. In other words, avoid accepting altered PDF copies from subs.
3. Step 3: Audit Endorsements and ExclusionsThen, check that CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 are attached. In addition, verify that carrier A.M. Best ratings meet your standards.
4. Step 4: Issue Jobsite Access BadgesFinally, only grant gate badges to approved crews. Therefore, uninsured trade workers cannot enter the jobsite.

SubDoc automates subcontractor insurance requirements review with AI optical verification.

8. Common Mistakes with Subcontractor Insurance Requirements

First, avoid these six common traps when managing subcontractor insurance requirements:

Legal Note: This template provides standard educational wording. However, always consult your construction lawyer before signing agreements.

EXHIBIT "A": SUBCONTRACTOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Prior to starting any work on the site and before any payment is released, 
Subcontractor shall obtain and keep active, at its own cost, with carriers 
rated "A- VII" or better by A.M. Best, the following insurance coverages:

1. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY (CGL):
   - Form: ISO Commercial General Liability Occurrence Form CG 00 01 (or equivalent).
   - Limits of Liability:
     * $1,000,000 Each Occurrence
     * $2,000,000 General Aggregate (Per Project Basis via ISO Form CG 25 03)
     * $2,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
     * $1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury
   - Coverage Duration: Completed operations shall stay active through the state statute of repose.

2. WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYER'S LIABILITY:
   - Part 1: Statutory Workers' Compensation for the project state.
   - Part 2: Employer's Liability:
     * $1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Accident (Each Accident)
     * $1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease (Policy Limit)
     * $1,000,000 Bodily Injury by Disease (Each Employee)

3. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY:
   - Limits: $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL) for injury and property damage.
   - Coverage: Symbol 1 ("Any Auto") or comprehensive coverage for Owned, Hired, and Non-Owned vehicles.

4. COMMERCIAL UMBRELLA / EXCESS LIABILITY:
   - Limit: $[1,000,000 / $2,000,000 / $5,000,000] Each Occurrence and Aggregate.
   - Form: Written on a strict Follow-Form basis over primary CGL, Auto, and Employer's Liability.

5. MANDATORY POLICY ENDORSEMENTS (Copies must be attached to the COI):
   - Additional Insured: ISO Form CG 20 10 (Ongoing Operations) AND ISO Form CG 20 37 (Completed Operations).
   - Primary & Noncontributory: ISO Form CG 20 01 stating Subcontractor's policy is primary.
   - Waiver of Subrogation: ISO Form CG 24 04 (CGL) and ISO Form WC 00 03 13 (Workers' Comp).

6. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION:
   - Subcontractor shall provide 30 days prior written notice (10 days for non-payment) for any policy change.