New contractTenant improvement · example
Received 9:41 AMInsurance requirementOwner’s insurance exhibit
Before mobilizationReviewing insurance language
Policy summary
Workers’ compensation · general contractors
Check 1Medical care and wage benefits under state rules
Check 2Payroll and subcontractor records reviewed
Check 3Coverage checked before crews cross state lines
The terms matter alongside the price.Coverage depends on policy terms and claim facts.
Claim
A crew member falls while framing.
ExampleA work injury can require treatment and time away from the job.
Next stepReport facts to the carrier
The terms matter alongside the price.Coverage depends on policy terms and claim facts.
Certificate of insurance
The owner’s insurance request
LimitsCompare with the contract
EvidenceIssued from actual coverage
The terms matter alongside the price.Coverage depends on policy terms and claim facts.
General contractor coverageWhat it does not cover→
Workers’ compensation for the business behind the build.
Your crew keeps the build moving. Help protect them after a covered work injury, with employee, owner and subcontractor questions checked before the next project.
Medical care and wage benefits under state rules- Payroll and subcontractor records reviewed
- Coverage checked before crews cross state lines
Prefer to talk? Call +1 802-GOT-RIZA · Sun to Sat, 8am to 8pm ET
Markets we place through.
The coverage in everyday project terms.
Illustrative examples. The policy, facts and applicable law determine the answer.
Employee injury
A crew member falls while framing.
A work injury can require treatment and time away from the job.- Workers’ comp may provide medical care and wage benefits.
- Report the injury promptly and follow the carrier’s instructions.
Who employs the worker?
A subcontractor’s employee is injured on your project.
- The working relationship and state law matter.
- An uninsured subcontractor can create obligations for the GC.
- Check insurance evidence and agreements before anyone starts.
Working across state lines
The next build takes your crew somewhere new.
- A policy arranged for one state may not address every new location.
- Tell your broker where workers will be based and traveling.
- Confirm the necessary coverage before mobilizing.
Know what could change the answer.
These are the details to settle before the next project.
Employees, owners and subcontractorsLabels on invoices or tax forms do not determine every coverage obligation. Review business structure, duties and the actual working relationship.
Payroll classifications and auditUse accurate duties and payroll records. Separate job titles do not automatically justify separate rating classifications.
State and contract requirementsEmployment thresholds, exemptions, owner elections and contract requirements vary. Confirm which apply instead of assuming a small crew is exempt.
Placing the policy is half the job.
We stay for the other half. Four things that happen when a broker is on the account.
Win the project.
Know what the contract asks.
Insurance requirements compared with your policy
Additional insured and completed-work terms explained
Open coverage questions flagged before you commit- Certificates issued from the policy as written
Requirement review3 of 3 matched
✓
Liability limitsCompare with the contract
Matched✓
Additional insuredCheck the endorsement
Matched✓
Completed workReview required duration
MatchedActivityToday
9:41Contract received and read
9:43Requirements checked against the policy
9:47Certificate drafted for Tenant improvement · example
PDF
Certificate packageConfirm coverage before issuing
Send COIWin the project.
Know what the contract asks.
- Insurance requirements compared with your policy
- Additional insured and completed-work terms explained
- Open coverage questions flagged before you commit
- Certificates issued from the policy as written
New contractTenant improvement · example
Received 9:41 AMInsurance requirementOwner’s insurance exhibit
Before mobilizationReviewing insurance language
Requirement review3 of 3 matched
✓
Liability limitsCompare with the contract
Matched✓
Additional insuredCheck the endorsement
Matched✓
Completed workReview required duration
MatchedActivityToday
9:41Contract received and read
9:43Requirements checked against the policy
9:47Certificate drafted for Tenant improvement · example
PDF
Certificate packageConfirm coverage before issuing
Send COIA bigger job.
A fresh look at your coverage.
- New employees and subcontracted operations reviewed
- Vehicle and equipment changes sent to the carrier
- New project types considered before work begins
- Requested changes confirmed before you rely on them
Coverage reviewGrowing business · example
UpdatedProjectsRemodels→New construction✓
WorkforceOwn crew→Crew + subcontractors✓
Operations endorsementIssued✓
Same account, same brokerIllustrative confirmed update
ActivityToday
9:52Projects updated, Remodels to New construction
10:05Workforce updated, Own crew to Crew + subcontractors
11:20Operations endorsement, carrier confirmed
COI
CertificateIllustrative confirmed update
SentWhen something happens,
you have someone to call.
- Help reporting the incident to the carrier
- Project records and photos organized
- Support with questions about the next step
- The carrier determines coverage and claim payments
ClaimRenovation incident · example
ReportedIssueExisting property damaged
RecordsContract and site photos
Next stepCarrier review
StatusIllustrative example
Status checked by your brokerPolicy terms and facts determine coverage
ActivityToday
9:14Reported once, to your broker
9:31Sent to the carrier with the file attached
10:05Adjuster assigned, direct line on file
CL
Next stepAdjuster call, your broker on the line
On calendarYour next year
deserves a fresh comparison.
- Upcoming projects and business changes considered
- Available coverage and prices compared
- Exclusions and payment terms explained
- You decide whether to stay or switch
CompareCurrent vs option
Side by sideProjectsThis year’s work→Next year’s plans✓
SubcontractorsCurrent mix→Updated operations✓
TermsCurrent policy→Available alternatives✓
Option BSelected✓
Stay or switch, your callIllustrative comparison, not a quote
ActivityToday
MonCurrent policy received, terms read
WedOptions placed side by side, coverage first
FriIllustrative comparison, not a quote, packet drafted
PDF
Renewal packetReady to sign
OpenWhat changes your quote.
A price for your work starts with an accurate picture of the business.
01
The work your crew performs.
Framing, supervision and other duties can be treated differently under applicable classification rules. Describe actual work, not only job titles.
02
Who does the work.
Payroll, receipts and subcontractor costs may affect rating and audits. Keep records of duties, payments and subcontractor insurance.
03
The size and location of your projects.
Your largest jobs, states and construction methods help carriers assess the work. A familiar project size can still carry a new kind of risk.
04
The protection you choose.
Limits, deductibles, exclusions and required endorsements change the comparison. Check the full-term cost, not only the monthly payment.
05
Your claims and what has changed.
Bring accurate loss information and documented improvements. We help explain the business; the carrier decides the terms it can offer.
Keep the rest of the business in view.
Start with the jobs you run and who does the work. We’ll help you build a program around both.
Your projects
LiabilityThe job and what followsOperations, contracts and subcontractors
General liability
Explore general liability→Help protect your business against covered injuries to others and property damage, including certain claims from completed work.
The project
In progressFrom start to handoverThe building, materials and policy period
Builders risk
Explore builders risk→Help protect covered project property during construction. Check who arranges it, whose interests are insured and when protection ends.
Your vehicles
On the roadTrucks, vans and driversLiability and vehicle damage are separate choices
Commercial auto
Explore commercial auto→Help protect the driving between projects. Review your trucks, drivers and use of vehicles you don’t own.
Your equipment
On the jobOwned or rentedValues, storage and transport matter
Tools & equipment
Explore tools & equipment→Check protection for gear at the shop, in transit and on site, including rented equipment and theft conditions.
A better renewal starts with the policy you already have.
Already insured? Send it once. We compare it with today’s options.
Send
PDFCurrent policy.pdfGeneral liability · Auto · Workers’ comp
Policy received
Compare
Liability limit$1M$2M
Deductible$2,500$1,000
Annual premium$6,840$6,420
Choose
Current policy$6,840 / year
Option A$6,420 / yearSelected
Plain answers before the next job.
Workers’ compensation questions from general contractors.
Does a general contractor need workers’ comp?
That depends on the state, workforce and contracts. Many states require coverage once employees are hired, while others have thresholds or exceptions. Subcontractor relationships can create obligations even where a simple employee count suggests otherwise. Tell your broker who does the work, how the business is structured and where projects are located.
Do subcontractors need their own workers’ comp?
Review each subcontractor’s state obligations and your contract requirements. Separate businesses may need their own coverage, and using an uninsured subcontractor can create liability or premium consequences for the GC. Keep valid coverage evidence and payment records. Do not assume that a 1099 form or a certificate marked exempt resolves every question.
What does a workers’ compensation policy pay for?
For covered work injuries or illnesses, benefits can include medical treatment, wage replacement and other benefits defined by state law. Amounts and eligibility vary. Workers’ comp does not insure damaged project property, stolen tools or ordinary business liability. Your broker can help report the injury; the carrier and applicable process determine benefits.
Why can my premium change after an audit?
The initial premium may use estimated payroll and classifications. An audit reconciles actual activity and required records, including subcontractor insurance where relevant. That can produce additional or return premium, subject to policy terms. Keep payroll, duties, subcontractor payments and certificates organized during the year rather than rebuilding the record at renewal.
Can an owner exclude themselves?
Owner and officer treatment varies by state, business structure and election rules. An exclusion may also conflict with a customer’s contract requirements. Ask about the protection you would give up and any required filings before choosing. Do not assume that owning the business automatically includes or excludes you.
Is general liability enough for employee injuries?
No. General liability is not a substitute for workers’ comp. Employee injury and employer-liability exclusions can apply, and state law may separately require workers’ compensation. Review the employee policy and any employer’s liability limits alongside the rest of the program, especially when an owner requests particular terms.
Sources.
- 01Texas Department of Insurance: workers’ compensationEmployee benefits and Texas employer rules; other states differ. Checked September 16, 2026.↗
- 02North Carolina statute: principal contractor liabilityOne state’s rules for subcontractor employee injuries. Other states differ. Checked September 16, 2026.↗
You build what comes next. Let’s help protect it.
Tell us about your projects, or bring the policy you already have.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 802-GOT-RIZA · Sun to Sat, 8am to 8pm ET