General contractor insurance in North Carolina

Always collect certificates before work starts

A certificate of insurance from a subcontractor is proof that they have coverage in force. Collect certs from every sub on every project before work begins. Expired or missing certs are red flags.

Verify the cert names your business as additional insured

An additional insured endorsement on a sub's policy means that if their work causes a claim, their policy is the first to respond. Getting this endorsement in place before work starts is standard GC practice.

Uninsured subs create your exposure

If a subcontractor does not have their own GL and their work causes a property damage or injury claim, that claim can land on your GL policy. If they also lack workers comp and their employee is injured on your site, the workers comp gap can become your problem.

Track cert expiration dates

A sub's certificate may be valid when the project starts but expire before the work is complete. Track expiration dates and require updated certs before they lapse.

Does NC require general liability insurance for general contractors?

The NC General Contractors Licensing Board requires proof of general liability insurance as part of the licensing process. Beyond the licensing requirement, clients and project owners require GL certificates before work begins. Operating without GL exposes a GC to uninsured liability on every project.

Do subcontractors' employees count toward my workers comp requirement?

Yes, in many cases. In North Carolina, if a subcontractor does not carry their own workers compensation coverage, their employees can count toward your threshold. NC requires workers comp for most businesses with three or more employees. Always require certificates of insurance from every sub and verify coverage before work starts.

What is completed operations coverage and why does a GC need it?

Completed operations is the portion of your GL policy that covers claims arising from work you performed after the project is done. If a wall you framed fails two years later, or a structure you built causes an injury after the project closed out, completed operations is what responds. It is a standard part of a GC's GL policy and should not be excluded.

How much does general contractor insurance cost in North Carolina?

A basic GL policy for a small GC typically runs $2,000 to $6,000 per year depending on revenue, project types, and claims history. Adding workers comp, commercial auto, inland marine, builders risk, and umbrella coverage for an active operation can bring total insurance costs to $10,000 to $30,000+ annually. Shopping multiple carriers with an independent agent produces the best combination of price and coverage.

What is a certificate of insurance and how do I get one?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a document your insurance carrier issues that summarizes your coverage and confirms you are insured. Clients and project owners request COIs before awarding contracts. IronHaven can issue COIs quickly once your policy is bound and can add additional insured endorsements as required by specific projects.