Pen-and-ink construction scene: a framed building under a crane on one side, stacked lumber and a pickup on the other.

Subcontractor insurance for general contractors

is your sub’s
certificate
enough?

What to collect, what to check, and what an uninsured sub costs you.

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the short answer

Not by itself. A certificate shows insurance information, but it doesn’t change the policy or make you an additional insured. Compare the subcontract, your own policy’s conditions and the sub’s actual endorsements before work starts.

four documents, four jobs.

They work together. None of them does the others’ job.

The subcontract: Sets the scope and the insurance you ask for. It can’t change the carrier’s policy.
The certificate: Shows insurance information: the insured’s name, policy dates and limits. It can’t create additional insured status.
The endorsement: Changes the policy’s terms, like adding you as an additional insured, subject to its conditions. It doesn’t promise every claim is paid.
Your own policy: Sets your coverage and its conditions for subcontracted work. It doesn’t replace each sub’s own obligations.

Sources: Texas Department of Insurance guidance on certificates of insurance, construction contract risk transfer guidance. Last reviewed September 2026.

tap a check.

What to settle before a sub mobilizes, one step at a time.

What to do

read your policy first.

Find the conditions your own policy sets for subcontracted work. The subcontract alone may not satisfy them.

Who asks: Your carrier, when a claim involves the sub’s work.

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when an uninsured sub
lands on you.

Their injury, your claim.
In some states, like North Carolina, a GC can be liable for injuries to an uninsured sub’s employees. A tax form isn’t insurance evidence.
Their work, your premium.
At audit, carriers can review what you paid subs and their insurance evidence. An uninsured sub can add to your own premium.

good to know.

Straight answers on subcontractor insurance.

Is a subcontractor’s certificate of insurance enough?

Not by itself. A certificate shows insurance information, but it doesn’t change the policy or make your business an additional insured. Compare the written subcontract, your own policy’s conditions and the sub’s actual endorsements, and check workers’ comp under the state’s rules. Settle any missing or conflicting evidence before the work starts.

Does being a certificate holder make me an additional insured?

No. Being named as a certificate holder doesn’t give you coverage under the sub’s policy. Additional insured status has to come from the policy or an endorsement, often with conditions, and ongoing and completed work can be treated differently. Ask for the endorsement itself rather than assuming the certificate covers you.

Do I need workers’ comp if I only use subcontractors?

Don’t decide from that label alone. State law, the real working relationship and uninsured subcontractor rules can create obligations for a GC. Review who actually does the work and the insurance evidence they hand you. Contract requirements and how an audit treats your subs are separate checks, even if you have no employees.

Sources: Texas Department of Insurance guidance on certificates of insurance, North Carolina G.S. 97-19. Last reviewed September 2026.

Insurance words, in plain English: waiver of subrogation · certificate of insurance · additional insured · primary and noncontributory · hold harmless agreement · contractual liability · per-project aggregate · completed operations