Last reviewed: June 7, 2026 by Policyhold Compliance Team, Construction compliance operations
General subcontractor insurance requirements for general contractors
General subcontractors coordinating multiple scopes face broader exposure than single-trade subs. GCs apply standard commercial baselines but scrutinize umbrella limits and may require professional liability when design coordination is in scope.
Multi-scope subs can inherit severity from several trade categories under one policy program.
Typical commercial limits (General subcontracting, $1M-$5M projects)
Starting points aligned with common 2026 GC program practice. Verify against your subcontract and owner insurance exhibit.
| Coverage | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| GL per occurrence | $2M |
| Umbrella | $5M |
| General liability: general aggregate | $4M |
| General liability: products / completed ops aggregate | $4M |
| Workers compensation | Statutory limits per state law |
| Commercial auto liability | $1M combined single limit (CSL) |
Related: Subcontractor insurance requirements checklist and additional insured endorsement guide.
FAQ
- What baseline insurance does a GC require from a general sub?
- Typical commercial programs require $2M/$4M GL, statutory WC with $500K-$1M employer's liability, $1M auto, $5M umbrella on projects over $1M, and standard additional insured endorsements.