Requirements guide
Concrete work involves heavy equipment, structural risk, and silica exposure. Here is what insurance to require and what to verify before work begins.
Concrete contractors work with heavy equipment, operate in and around excavations, and produce a structural product whose failure can have severe consequences. GL limits on the higher end and proper equipment coverage are both worth requiring.
Silica dust from cutting and grinding concrete creates both a workers' comp exposure and a potential pollution-adjacent claim. Confirm the workers' comp class codes cover the actual work and that no silica or dust exclusion applies.
| Policy | Typical limit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $1M to $2M per occurrence / $2M to $4M aggregate | Structural concrete work often calls for higher limits given the severity of a failure. Check your contract for specific minimums. |
| Workers' Compensation | Statutory limits | Concrete work involves heavy manual labor, equipment operation, and silica exposure. Workers' comp is essential. |
| Commercial Auto | $1M combined single limit | Concrete trucks and heavy equipment are frequently transported to and from job sites. |
| Inland Marine / Equipment | Replacement cost of major equipment | Concrete contractors use expensive formwork, pumps, and compactors. Equipment theft or damage should be covered on an inland marine policy, not just GL. |
| Umbrella / Excess Liability | $2M to $5M (structural work) | Structural concrete failures can generate catastrophic claims. An umbrella is standard on any commercial or public-works scope. |
Typical limits reflect common GC contract requirements as of 2026. Actual requirements vary by contract, project size, owner, and jurisdiction.
When you receive the certificate of insurance from a concrete contractor, check each of the following before approving the document.
Silica dust and pollution exclusions
Cutting, grinding, and demolishing concrete generates crystalline silica dust, a known respiratory hazard. Some GL policies include a pollution or dust exclusion. Verify the GL policy does not exclude silica-related claims if your project involves concrete cutting.
Formwork and shoring failure
Formwork or shoring failures are among the most catastrophic construction incidents. If the scope includes any poured-in-place structural concrete, confirm the GL limits are adequate and that the sub's completed operations coverage addresses structural defect claims.
Rental equipment without coverage
Concrete contractors sometimes rent pumps, vibrators, or other equipment. Rented equipment is typically not covered by their standard inland marine policy. Ask who covers rented equipment or whether your own builder's risk policy picks it up.
Workers' comp for concrete laborers
Concrete work involves a mix of skilled and unskilled labor. Confirm the workers' comp policy covers the specific class codes for concrete workers, not a cheaper general laborer code.
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General liability (often $2M/$4M for structural work), workers' compensation, commercial auto, and inland marine for equipment. Umbrella is standard on commercial and public-works projects.
Yes. Standard GL does not cover theft or damage to the contractor's own tools and equipment. An inland marine or equipment floater handles that. Confirm it is in force for any major equipment on your site.
Cutting and grinding concrete generates crystalline silica dust, which is a health hazard and a workers' comp exposure. Some GL policies also have dust or pollution exclusions. Verify coverage if the scope involves concrete cutting or demolition.
Many GC contracts specify $2M per occurrence and $4M aggregate for structural concrete. The higher limit reflects the potential severity of a structural failure. Check your contract and owner requirements, which may be even higher on large commercial projects.
This guide reflects typical GC requirements and general industry practice as of June 2026. Insurance requirements vary by contract, project type, jurisdiction, and owner. CoiLoop organizes documents and reminders and does not provide insurance advice or certify coverage.