Guides · 3-minute read
Free template: insurance requirements for subcontractors
A ready-to-edit requirement set by risk tier, with limits, endorsements and a spreadsheet download.
Use this as a starting point for the insurance you require from subcontractors and vendors. Pick the tier that matches each trade, adjust the limits to your contracts, and attach it to every subcontract and certificate request. The reasoning behind each tier is in our guide to subcontractor insurance requirements.
Opens in Excel, Google Sheets and Numbers. Free, no email needed.
Every tier
- ACORD 25 certificate naming you as certificate holder
- Workers compensation at statutory limits for the state of the work
- Additional insured on general liability, auto and umbrella, ongoing and completed operations
- Primary and non-contributory wording
- Waiver of subrogation on general liability, auto and workers compensation
- Copies of the additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsement pages
Limits by tier
Lower risk
Interior painting, cleaning, flooring, finish carpentry, low-voltage
- General liability
- $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate
- Auto liability
- $1M combined single limit
- Employer's liability
- $500K / $500K / $500K
- Umbrella
- None, or $1M
- Extra coverage
- None usually
Moderate risk
Framing, drywall, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, concrete
- General liability
- $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate
- Auto liability
- $1M combined single limit
- Employer's liability
- $1M / $1M / $1M
- Umbrella
- $1M to $2M
- Extra coverage
- Pollution liability for some plumbing and mechanical work
Higher risk
Roofing, excavation, demolition, steel erection, crane work, work at height
- General liability
- $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate
- Auto liability
- $1M combined single limit
- Employer's liability
- $1M / $1M / $1M
- Umbrella
- $5M or more
- Extra coverage
- Pollution liability for demolition and abatement; aircraft liability for drones
Design and professional
Engineers, architects, design-build trades
- General liability
- $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate
- Auto liability
- $1M combined single limit
- Employer's liability
- $1M / $1M / $1M
- Umbrella
- $1M to $2M
- Extra coverage
- Professional liability, often $1M to $2M
How to use it
- Check upstream first. Your contract with the owner or client may set higher limits that you have to pass down. Those win over this template.
- Ask your broker. These are common starting points, not advice for your business. A broker can tell you what your own policies and contracts require.
- Put it in writing. Attach the requirement set to every subcontract so blanket additional insured and waiver endorsements apply.
- Use it when you ask. Send it with each certificate request. Our request email template has a numbered list that matches it.
This guide explains what certificates show. It is general information, not insurance or legal advice; your broker and your contracts decide what you need.