Remodeling general contractors often run lighter compliance programs than commercial GCs on high-rise cores — but the insurance requirements are still real. Owners, designers, and lenders expect proof that every sub on a whole-home renovation carries adequate coverage.
This guide covers baseline requirements for residential remodel and light commercial work, and when to raise limits.
Baseline coverage every remodel sub should carry
| Coverage | Typical minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial general liability | $1M / $2M | Per occurrence / aggregate |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory | Required if sub has employees |
| Employer's liability | $500K–$1M | Often bundled with WC |
| Commercial auto | $1M CSL | If vehicles on site |
General liability details
- Products and completed operations coverage included
- GC as additional insured (CG 20 10 + CG 20 37 when contract requires)
- Policy active for full project duration
Workers' compensation
Solo trades sometimes claim exemption. Verify state rules — many remodel projects still require WC or a valid exemption certificate on file.
An employee injury on your uninsured sub's crew can become your problem fast.
Trade-specific considerations
| Trade | Higher limits? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing / structural | Often yes | Higher GL + umbrella common |
| Electrical / plumbing | Standard + AI | Completed ops critical |
| Demo | Higher GL / umbrella | Debris, structural risk |
| Design-build subs | Professional liability | When they provide design |
| Low-risk finish (paint, trim) | Standard minimums | Still need WC if employees |
When owners push requirements higher
Whole-home remodels in affluent markets often attach owner contract insurance schedules:
- $2M / $4M GL
- $2M–$5M umbrella
- Specific additional insured endorsements naming owner and architect
- Waiver of subrogation on all lines
Your sub requirements must flow down from the owner contract. If your packet only asks for $1M/$2M but the owner requires $2M/$4M, you are non-compliant upstream.
Additional insured for remodel GCs
Even on residential jobs, require AI on CGL when subs perform work that could injure third parties or damage the existing structure:
- Water intrusion from plumbing
- Fire risk from electrical
- Structural modifications
- Work in occupied homes (neighbors, delivery personnel, clients)
Certificate holder status alone does not transfer risk.
Umbrella / excess
For projects under ~$500K subcontract value, $1M umbrella may suffice. Larger scopes, multi-unit work, or owner mandates often require $2M–$5M umbrella following form over GL, auto, and employers' liability.
Document package for remodel subs
- COI meeting limits above
- W-9 with matching legal name
- AI endorsements per subcontract
- License (state/trade dependent)
- Signed subcontract with insurance exhibit
Use the full compliance checklist.
Why remodel GCs adopt COI software earlier
Residential GCs manage high sub churn across overlapping jobs — not one 200-sub commercial tower. Email + spreadsheet tracking fails when:
- 12 subs on a kitchen job renew policies on different dates
- Designer clients ask for compliance proof mid-project
- You run 4–6 active remodels simultaneously
CoiLoop targets this segment: affordable plans, magic-link sub uploads, expiration reminders, and review checklists aligned to remodel workflows — not enterprise vendor management complexity.
Related: What is a COI? · Verify subcontractor COI