Third-party injury
Respond to certain covered bodily injury claims involving customers, visitors, or members of the public.
Jobsite liability coverage
Contractor General Liability Insurance
A jobsite injury or accidental damage to someone else's property can create a costly claim. Contractor general liability insurance is designed to address certain third-party claims arising from covered construction operations.
Coverage availability, eligibility, and terms vary by carrier and state. A quote request does not bind coverage.
Property damage
Address certain accidental damage to property belonging to others, subject to policy exclusions.
Contract compliance
Coordinate limits, additional insured endorsements, waiver requests, and certificates.
What contractor general liability may cover
Coverage depends on the policy form, endorsements, and the work performed. It generally addresses covered claims alleging bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury.
- Medical costs and legal defense for covered third-party injuries
- Covered accidental property damage
- Certain completed-operations claims
- Personal and advertising injury
- Defense costs, subject to policy terms
Additional insureds and certificates
Owners and general contractors often require evidence of insurance and specific endorsements. A certificate summarizes coverage but does not change it; additional insured status must be supported by the policy and applicable endorsement.
Common exclusions and companion policies
General liability does not cover every construction risk. Employee injuries, company vehicles, faulty workmanship itself, professional design errors, pollution, and damage to your own tools or work may require other coverage or may be excluded.
Common questions
Contractor General Liability Insurance FAQ
Do independent contractors need general liability insurance?
It is often required by clients, landlords, licensing authorities, or contracts, and it can protect against certain third-party claims even when it is not mandatory.
Does contractor liability insurance cover poor workmanship?
It generally does not pay to repair defective work itself. Some resulting property damage may be covered depending on the facts, policy language, and exclusions.
How much general liability coverage does a contractor need?
The appropriate limits depend on contract requirements, project size, trade, assets, and loss exposure. Umbrella or excess coverage may be used when higher limits are needed.
Talk through your options