Framing is a high-fall-risk trade with structural liability. Here is what insurance to require and what to verify on the COI.
Framing contractors work at height, operate power tools and nail guns around large crews, and produce the structural skeleton of the building. A framing defect that goes undetected can create significant structural liability years after the project closes.
Workers' compensation is a priority given the injury rate, and completed operations coverage matters for structural defect claims. Confirm the GL class codes reflect rough framing, not finish carpentry, which carries a meaningfully different risk profile.
Policies to require
Policy
Typical limit
Why it matters
General Liability
$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage from framing operations and post-project structural claims through completed operations.
Workers' Compensation
Statutory limits
Framing has a high injury rate. Fall protection, nail gun incidents, and heavy lumber handling are all common loss causes. WC is required for any employee.
Commercial Auto
$1M combined single limit
Framing crews drive to site and transport lumber and equipment.
Umbrella / Excess Liability
$1M to $2M+ (project-dependent)
Required on commercial and larger residential projects, especially multi-story construction.
Typical limits reflect common GC contract requirements as of 2026. Actual requirements vary by contract, project size, owner, and jurisdiction.
What to verify on the COI
When you receive the certificate of insurance from a framing contractor, check each of the following before approving the document.
Named insured matches the legal entity name in your subcontract
Certificate holder lists your company name and address
Your company is endorsed as additional insured on the GL policy
GL limits meet your contract minimums
GL class codes reflect rough framing, not finish carpentry or light carpentry
Workers' comp is present and the class code covers rough framing work at height
Completed operations is included for structural defect claims
Common gaps and watch-outs
Rough framing vs finish carpentry class codes
Rough framing carries a higher workers' comp rate and GL risk profile than finish carpentry or general carpentry. A sub that reports framing work under a carpentry code may be underreporting, which voids the policy for framing claims. Check the class codes.
Completed operations for structural defects
A framing error can cause wall racking, floor bounce, or roof uplift issues that are discovered during inspections or at first occupancy. Completed operations coverage in the GL responds to those post-project claims. Confirm it is in place.
Subcontractor framing crews
Large framing subs sometimes sub out portions of the work to smaller crews. Ask whether your sub uses lower-tier subs and whether their GL policy covers work performed by those crews or only by direct employees.
Multi-story height exposure
A framing sub working on a single-story residential project has a different risk profile than one framing a four-story multifamily building. Confirm the GL and WC policies cover the number of stories on your project.
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General liability ($1M/$2M), workers' compensation, and commercial auto. Larger or multi-story projects often require an umbrella. Completed operations coverage is essential for structural defect claims.
Why do framing contractors need completed operations coverage?
Structural framing defects may not be discovered until inspections, occupancy, or the first significant wind or snow event. Completed operations covers claims that arise after the work is done. Without it, the GL policy effectively ends when the crew leaves the site.
Does it matter if the GL policy uses a carpentry code vs a framing code?
Yes. Rough framing at height is a different risk class than finish carpentry. A policy written under a carpentry or light-carpentry code may not cover framing work, especially for injuries or claims arising from work done above ground level.
Do framing subs need workers' comp even if they use a small crew?
In most states, yes, as soon as any employee is involved. A two-person framing crew is still subject to workers' comp requirements. Confirm with your state's rules; sole proprietors working alone may qualify for an exclusion, but verify before waiving.
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.