General liability covers the third-party stuff: a client trips over your extension cord, a crew member's ladder goes through a window, a finished job causes water damage months later. It's the policy almost every contract, permit office and property manager wants to see before you start work.
The problem for most contractors isn't finding GL — it's finding a policy that's actually rated for the work you do, with the classifications and limits your contracts require, from someone who answers the phone when the certificate request comes in at the end of the day.
Who this is for
- General contractors and remodelers
- Concrete, masonry and foundation contractors
- Roofing, siding and gutter companies
- Welders, fabricators and steel erectors
- Painters, drywall and finish trades
- Restoration, water mitigation and mold remediation
- Subcontractors who need to meet a GC's insurance requirements
What this coverage typically addresses
Premises & operations
Injury or property damage that happens while you're on the job — the core of a GL policy.
Products-completed operations
Damage that shows up after the work is done. Critical for roofers, plumbers and anyone whose work can fail later.
Personal & advertising injury
Claims like libel, slander or copyright issues from your marketing.
Medical payments
Small medical bills for a third party, paid without a lawsuit.
Additional insured endorsements
What GCs and property owners require. Ricardo makes sure the right endorsements are on the policy before you need the certificate.
Related coverages
Tools and equipment (inland marine), commercial auto, workers' compensation referrals and umbrella can be built around your GL.
What Ricardo will ask you for
Have these ready and the quote goes smoother. Don't have everything? Call anyway — Ricardo will tell you what actually matters for your situation.
- Business name, entity type and years in business
- Type of work you perform and the split (residential vs. commercial, new vs. remodel)
- Estimated annual revenue and payroll
- Subcontractor costs and whether you collect their certificates
- Current carrier, premium and renewal date
- Any contract that specifies required limits or endorsements
An agent who's been on your side of the certificate request
Ricardo spent years in roofing, restoration and home improvement before insurance. He's filled out the sub paperwork, chased the certificate and watched a job get held up over an endorsement nobody explained. When he quotes your GL, he's thinking about what the GC's insurance requirement sheet is going to say — not just what gets the policy issued.
He also knows which operations get misclassified. Roofing rated as 'carpentry' or restoration rated as 'janitorial' is cheaper right up until there's a claim. You get an honest classification and an honest premium.
Common questions
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once the policy is bound, send Ricardo the certificate holder's details and he'll handle the request directly. Timing depends on your policy and the carrier; see the certificate request page.
What limits do contractors usually carry?
Many contracts call for $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate. Larger GCs and commercial projects may require more, often with an umbrella. Ricardo quotes to what your contracts actually demand.
I'm a sub. Do I still need my own GL?
Almost always. Most GCs require subs to carry their own GL and name the GC as additional insured. Without it, you'll be excluded from the job or charged back.
Does GL cover my tools and my truck?
No. Tools and equipment are covered under inland marine; vehicles under commercial auto. Ricardo can quote those alongside your GL.
Can you handle the whole thing in Spanish?
Yes. Ricardo is a native Spanish speaker. Applications, certificates and claims questions can all be handled in Spanish.
Local pages
Coverage availability, eligibility and pricing vary by carrier and are subject to underwriting. Nothing on this page guarantees a premium, savings, approval or coverage.