Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (2024)

A subcontractor could be sued for a number of reasons. Even if they’re not at fault, they could still face an expensive legal battle. Having the right kind of insurance can protect against this kind of risk. You may also need insurance to secure certain contracts, especially when dealing with government entities.

Are subcontractors covered under the contractor’s insurance?

Subcontractors usually aren’t covered under their employer’s insurance policies, or those of independent contractors, and employers aren’t required to provide it.

So, if someone sues the contractor or the employer you work for, you could face the same liability risks as the employer, but without the employer’s insurance protecting you.

That’s why subcontractors should purchase their own small business insurance. It can protect you from the cost of unexpected lawsuits, workplace accidents, and property damage.

Is insurance required for a subcontractor?

While not legally required, insurance for subcontractors is strongly recommended for the financial protection it offers and the advantage it provides in bidding on contracts.

Having a certificate of liability insurance lets clients know that you are willingly taking accountability for your work. Also, many businesses prefer to hire subcontractors who have their own insurance coverage.

The specific insurance policies you need depends on a few factors, including:

  • The specialized work you do
  • The clients you work with
  • Your exposures to risk

Compare small business insurance quotes for your company

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (1)

Which insurance policies should a subcontractor consider?

Employers and contractors, including general contractors, typically specify the types of insurance they require in each contract they sign. They may ask for proof of insurance, such as a certificate of insurance, and may require that you name their company as an additional insured on your liability insurance policy.

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (2)

General liability insurance

General liability insurance is often the first policy that subcontractors and small business owners buy. It offers liability protection against lawsuits from third-party bodily injuries, property damage, and advertising injury. Many companies won’t work with subcontractors unless they have this coverage.

If you accidentally destroy someone’s computer or server, or damage a client's home while trimming their treesor installing a new window, your general liability coverage would help you financially survive any potential lawsuits.

If someone sues you for copyright infringement over a website you created, or if you’re accused of libel or slander, your general liability policy would also offer financial protection.

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (3)

Errors and omissions insurance (E&O)

Errors and omissions insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, offers financial protection in case a client accuses you of making an error on the job or failing to meet the obligations of a contract. If your employer is hit with a professional liability lawsuit, their insurance will not protect you if you’re involved. This coverage is also required in many contracts.

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (4)

Business owner's policy (BOP)

A business owner’s policy (BOP) combines general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, usually at a lower cost than if you bought each policy separately.

While a general liability policy insures you against damaging someone else’s property, it does not financially protect your own gear. If a fire damages your laptop or a commercial property, a BOP would provide coverage to help you face this financial burden.

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (5)

Workers' compensation insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states for businesses with one or more employees. It offers financial protection in case you’re unable to work because of a work-related injury or illness.

For example, imagine if you hurt your back while installing a server at a job site, or if you trip over painting equipment and are unable to work for a while. Your regular health insurance might not cover a work-related injury, and you’d also be facing a loss of income. Worker’s compensation would cover your personal injury and make up some of your lost wages while you recover.

Some employers and contractors require subcontractors, like a handymanor flooring installer, to have this coverage. Your employer may be willing to add you to their existing policy, but will pass the cost of coverage on to you.

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (6)

Commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance is similar to your personal auto liability insurance, except it covers business-owned vehicles (such as an electrician's van or HVAC contractor's truck) in case of an accident. It also insures you against theft, vandalism, and weather-related events.

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (7)

Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA)

If you use your personal vehicle for work, your personal auto insurance policy probably wouldn’t cover you in a work-related accident.

For example, suppose you get in an accident involving your personal car while driving to a client's home for a carpenter's project. Your personal auto policy wouldn't cover any expenses resulting from the accident.

Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) offers liability protection for any personal, rented, or leased vehicles used for business purposes. It provides financial protection against bodily injury, property damage, and related lawsuits in case you’re at fault in an accident.

HNOA coverage can usually be added to your general liability insurance or a business owner’s policy. Keep in mind that HNOA coverage does not include collision damage to your vehicle, so you would need a separate policy for that.

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (8)

Fidelity bonds

Fidelity bonds protect your company from financial loss if an employee commits fraud, theft, or forgery against a client or your business.

Some contractors and businesses require fidelity bonds, especially in the cleaning business (e.g., janitorial services). Select insurance companies sell fidelity bonds, and there are companies available that specialize in them.

How much does business insurance cost for a subcontractor?

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (9)

There are many factors that determine your costs of subcontractor insurance, including:

  • How long you’ve been in business
  • The type of work you do
  • Any claims history you may have
  • Your average income level
  • How much insurance you need, as higher coverage limits also come with higher premiums

Get free insurance quotes and compare policies

TechInsurance helps small business owners compare commercial insurance quotes with one easy online application. Fill out our application today to get free quotes and find the right policy for your business.

Our insurance experts are happy to discuss your options and help you find the right policy for your unique needs and situation. You can begin coverage and obtain your certificates of insurance within 24 hours.

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Do independent contractors need insurance?How to find cheap small business insuranceHow to hire IT subcontractorsHow much does small business insurance cost?How to get a certificate of insurance

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Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (10)

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (11)General liability insurance

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  • Small business insurance

Why Do Subcontractors Need Insurance? | TechInsurance (2024)

FAQs

Why do subcontractors need liability insurance? ›

General liability insurance is often the first policy that subcontractors and small business owners buy. It offers liability protection against lawsuits from third-party bodily injuries, property damage, and advertising injury. Many companies won't work with subcontractors unless they have this coverage.

Why is it important for a contractor to be insured? ›

Hiring a contractor that is fully insured protects you from lawsuits arising out of contractor actions, but it also prevents you from suffering financially should the contractor damage your property or cause injury to you or others.

Why do independent contractors need insurance? ›

After all, independent 1099 contractors don't need to be millionaires to get sued like millionaires. Independent Contractor insurance protects contractors and freelancers from being held liable for risks like: Bodily injury and death. Property damage.

Why do clients and consulting firms require subcontractors to have insurance? ›

It is important to make sure subcontractors carry general liability insurance. Your policy will not cover them in the case of an accident. This means they can sue, and you are responsible for damage that may occur on your projects. Subcontractor liability insurance also helps protect subcontractors against lawsuits.

Is a subcontractor responsible for damage? ›

They are responsible for the quality of their work and may be liable for damages caused by their negligence or contractual breaches. In cases of defective construction, subcontractors can be held liable to the owner, with damages limited to repair costs or property value diminution.

Why do insurance companies charge for subcontractors? ›

When a contractor hires subcontractors, an additional exposure is created on the jobsite that can result in claims against the contractor. These may include subcontractor negligence or inadequate limits of insurance, which would leave the contractor liable.

Why should I hire a contractor with insurance? ›

Should any liability claims arise related to the job performed, their liability insurance will protect you, your property and any workers on-site. Protection: If your contractor is properly insured, you won't be held legally and financially responsible for any such issues that might arise.

Should my contractor add me as an additional insured? ›

As The Homeowner, Make Sure You Are Insured

Add to your contract that the General Contractor (GC) should add the homeowner as an additional named insured on his liability policy and provide a Certificate of Liability and workers compensation insurance.

Why is insurance important in a contract? ›

Insurance requirements in business contracts may seem like an added burden, but they serve an important purpose. Insurance assures that all parties involved have the necessary risk management measures in place to protect themselves and others in the event of a contract breach or negligence.

How do I protect myself as an independent contractor? ›

A formal independent contractor agreement protects you by spelling out your duties (within the parameters of projects) and how much and when you get paid. It also designates you as an independent contractor rather than an employee.

What insurance do I need as a self-employed consultant? ›

However, most clients expect a minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability insurance and another $1,000,000 in errors and omissions coverage. These are good numbers to keep in mind as a starting point. Umbrella policies, which cover costs above and beyond general liability coverage, are also recommended.

What provides protection to independent contractors from liability? ›

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is specialized coverage that protects independent contractors from claims related to mistakes or negligence in their work. It's particularly important for those providing professional services, advice, or expertise.

Why do construction companies use subcontractors? ›

Subcontractors can lessen the general contractor's need to spend time on the site by taking care of the secondary tasks allowing the contractor to focus on their core tasks.

What type of insurance do I need as a consultant? ›

Sometimes called errors and omissions insurance (or E&O) for short, professional liability insurance is a must-have. That's because as a consultant, you're a professional. Which means you provide a service to your clients, using your expertise.

What is a subcontract fee? ›

Subcontractor Fee means the direct and actual cost of the subcontractor with no markup, as reflected by actual invoices of the subcontractor.

Why is liability insurance commonly required? ›

Liability coverage helps pay for injuries or damage that you cause to others . If you own and drive a vehicle, you must follow the financial responsibility laws in the state Vehicle Code. The most common way to do this is to buy auto liability coverage.

What are the limitations of the liability clause for a subcontractor? ›

In each of its contracts with a subcontractor, the general contractor includes a limitation of liability clause that provides that if the general contractor is terminated from the job, the subcontractor cannot recover lost profits against the general contractor.

Why is commercial liability insurance important? ›

A Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy protects your business from financial loss should you be liable for property damage or personal and advertising injury caused by your services, business operations or your employees. It covers non-professional negligent acts.

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