General Contractor Insurance

General Contractor
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Why do general contractors need insurance?

An accident at a construction site could spell disaster for your small business. Business insurance for contractors helps cover expenses related to worksite injuries, stolen equipment, and other risks you face every day.

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Find the right coverage

Insureon helps general contractors find construction insurance that matches your unique risks.

Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right property and liability coverage for your small business.

What types of insurance do general contractors need?

These commercial insurance policies cover the most common general contractor risks.

General liability insurance icon

General liability insurance

This policy covers basic risks, such as a client who trips over your toolbox and suffers an injury. Bundle with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.

BEST FOR
  • Customer bodily injuries
  • Damaged customer property
  • Product liability insurance
Business owner’s policy icon

Business owner's policy

A BOP bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. It's often the most cost-effective type of insurance for general contractors.

BEST FOR
  • Accidents that injure clients
  • Client property damage
  • Stolen or damaged business property
Workers’ compensation insurance icon

Workers’ compensation insurance

Most states require workers’ comp for general contracting businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.

BEST FOR
  • Employee medical expenses
  • Missed wages
  • Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance icon

Commercial auto insurance

This policy covers the cost of injuries and property damage in accidents involving a general contractor’s vehicle. It can also pay for repairs to vehicles damaged by weather or vandalism.

BEST FOR
  • Physical damage and collision coverage
  • Medical costs from an auto accident
  • Vandalism and theft
Contractor’s tools and equipment coverage icon

Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance

This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of an independent contractor’s saws, nail guns, hammers, and other tools if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.

BEST FOR
  • Equipment less than five years old
  • Equipment that travels to job sites
  • Small tools
Professional liability insurance icon

Professional liability insurance

This policy is also called errors and omissions (E&O). It covers legal fees when a general contractor is sued over a mistake, such as using the wrong materials.

BEST FOR
  • Accusations of negligence
  • Failure to complete a project
  • Failure to meet specifications
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Contractor surety bonds

A bond guarantees reimbursement for the client if a general contractor fails to fulfill the terms of a contract or adhere to building codes. Common bonds include bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.

BEST FOR
  • Compliance with laws
  • Incomplete jobs
  • Breach of contract
Builder’s risk insurance icon

Builder's risk insurance

This policy covers structures in progress and materials, often paying for damage caused by fire, vandalization, and non-severe weather events.

BEST FOR
  • New construction
  • Building renovation
  • Worksite theft and vandalism
Environmental liability insurance icon

Contractors pollution liability insurance

Contractors pollution liability covers costs related to pollution, such as a lawsuit alleging harm caused from exposure to silica dust on a construction job site. It's sometimes referred to as environmental insurance.

BEST FOR
  • Pollution events
  • Spills during transport
  • Lawsuits over contaminants
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.

How much does insurance cost for general contractors?

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A general contractor who works alone will pay less for insurance than a small general contracting company.

Factors that affect the cost of insurance include:

  • General contracting services offered, such as residential or commercial
  • Business property and equipment
  • Business income and size
  • Types of insurance purchased, such as builder's risk insurance or pollution liability insurance
  • Policy limits and deductibles
  • Number of employees
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How do I get general contractor's insurance?

It’s easy to get insurance coverage and surety bonds as a general contractor or commercial builder if you have your business information on hand. Our insurance application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy policies online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:

  1. Complete a free online application
  2. Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
  3. Pay for your policy and download a certificate

Insureon's licensed agents work with top-rated U.S. insurers to find the most affordable coverage that fits your general contracting business, whether you work independently or hire employees.

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