Last reviewed: June 7, 2026 by Policyhold Compliance Team, Construction compliance operations
Steel erection subcontractor insurance requirements for general contractors
Steel erection combines crane operations, rigging, and structural collapse severity. GC and owner programs routinely classify steel erectors as high-risk with GL and umbrella requirements above standard interior trades.
Crane and rigging incidents can produce multi-million-dollar GL and WC severity.
Typical commercial limits (Steel erection, $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 | $5M |
| Umbrella | $10M |
| General liability: general aggregate | $10M |
| General liability: products / completed ops aggregate | $10M |
| 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 insurance do steel erectors need on commercial projects?
- Steel erection subs on commercial work commonly need $2M-$5M GL, $5M-$10M umbrella, $1M-$2M auto, and full additional insured / waiver packages. Large industrial projects may require $10M+ umbrella.