Understanding Subcontractor Insurance – What You Need to Know
For large construction projects, managing subcontractors is no easy feat. Not only can it be a time-consuming process with all that paperwork to keep track of, but certain compliance requirements are necessary for each job in order to mitigate risk and ensure everything is on the up and up.
That’s why reliable software solutions have been created specifically for subcontractor management: so you can digitize important insurance documents and easily store, audit, and track them from start to finish!
In this article, we will cover the basics of subcontractor insurance and provide a handful of top subcontractor compliance management tools on the market.
Does general liability insurance cover subcontractors?
When it comes to safeguarding your business operations, having the right general liability insurance is key. However, not all subcontractors have the coverage you may need for projects—which is why verification of a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from each subcontractor becomes so essential.
This document confirms that they carry appropriate and sufficient protection against potential risks associated with their work activities, ensuring both parties are protected in contract agreements.
Best Practices for Subcontractor Insurance Tracking
To reduce potential risks, General and Prime contractors must utilize the highest standards in management policies. This includes implementing effective practices such as having thorough contract documentation and establishing relationships with subcontractors who adhere to safety protocols.
- Develop a system for tracking insurance information: Establish a system for collecting and organizing insurance information for each subcontractor. This system should include details such as the type of insurance coverage, policy limits, and ensure that subcontractors provide proof of insurance before beginning work.
- Verify insurance coverage: Verify that each subcontractor’s insurance coverage is current and sufficient for the work they are performing. Contact the insurance provider directly to confirm the details of their coverage.
- Maintain accurate records: Keep accurate and up-to-date records of each subcontractor’s insurance coverage, including the policy number, coverage limits, and expiration date. Develop a process for refreshing this information to ensure everything stays accurate.
- Enforce insurance requirements: Hold subcontractors accountable for maintaining insurance coverage and enforce your insurance requirements. Consider including language in your contracts that outlines your insurance requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
4 Best Subcontractor Compliance Solutions
The above best practices can be easily managed with the right subcontractor compliance solution. If you’re unsure of where to begin your search, we’d recommend the following list as great entries worth considering.
1. EvidentID
EvidentID is the only completely automated COI verification and insurance verification solution on the market. We give clients the tools they need to ensure total COI compliance and risk mitigation across industries such as retail, lending, supply chain, marketplaces, construction, franchises, and more.
Advantages:
- Full automation
- Leading turnaround time and accuracy
- Scale for high-volume networks
- Connected coverage to insurers
- International Coverage
- One-Click Compliance
Disadvantages:
- Limited to insurance documents like COIs, Endorsements, Exclusions, etc.
- A fully automated solution, so if you are looking for a workflow solution other tools may be a better fit like TrustLayer
If Evident checks all of your boxes for subcontract compliance requirements, book a demo and see how Evident can transform your subcontractor COI Management.
2. TrustLayer
TrustLayer is another tool that brings automation to COI compliance, using AI-powered software to automatically validate COI points.
Advantages:
- Multiple integrations
- Pricing is based on the number of subcontractors
Disadvantages:
- Manual offerings
- Geared toward General Counsels
3. MyCOI
MyCOI provides a seamless solution for third-party COI verification, providing a straightforward way to track and review documentation.
Advantages:
- Central data reporting platform
- Dedicated insurance certificate team
Disadvantages:
- Not fully automated
- Slow to handle large amounts of requests speedily
- Limited branded emails
4. Jones
Jones provides a great insurance management experience for property management and construction companies.
Advantages:
- Easy to use
- Real-time compliance reports
- Integrates with Procore
Disadvantages:
- Only works in the property management and construction space
- Limited to insurance and compliance docs
See the full comparison here.
Stop worrying and start doing: get the smart subcontractor compliance solution
At the end of the day, all subcontractor compliance solutions meet the same basic need: providing peace of mind to companies by mitigating their third-party network risk. Solutions like EvidentID were designed for this very purpose, providing an end-to-end compliance verification solution unlike any other.
If you’re ready to stop worrying about your teams and start focusing on the tasks that drive value to your organization, contact our team. You can access our free demo and see just how easy it is to stay on top of your compliance goals.
FAQs
Do subcontractors need insurance?
Yes, subcontractors typically need their own insurance to protect against liability, property damage, or injuries that may occur during a job. Most general contractors and clients require subcontractors to carry their own coverage, such as general liability and workers’ compensation, to minimize risk and ensure legal compliance.
How much does subcontractors insurance cost?
The cost of subcontractor insurance varies based on factors like the type of work performed, business size, location, and coverage limits. On average, general liability insurance for subcontractors can range from $500 to $2,000 per year, while workers’ compensation can cost significantly more depending on payroll and risk level.
Are subcontractors covered under contractors insurance?
Generally, no—subcontractors are not automatically covered under a general contractor’s insurance. Most policies exclude independent contractors, which is why subcontractors must usually provide proof of their own insurance to ensure all parties are adequately protected.
What is subcontractor default insurance?
Subcontractor default insurance (SDI) is a policy purchased by general contractors to protect against the financial loss caused by a subcontractor’s failure to complete their work. Unlike performance bonds, SDI provides broader coverage and allows the general contractor more control in managing and replacing defaulting subcontractors.
Does a subcontractor need workers’ compensation insurance?
Yes, if a subcontractor has employees, most states require them to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if they work solo, some clients or general contractors may still require coverage to mitigate liability in case of injury on the job site.
Access our free demo to learn more!
