Commercial / Contractors

Michigan Contractor Insurance

Most general contractors won't let you on the job site without proof of coverage — and the right limits, endorsements, and certificates can make or break a contract. We build the full insurance stack Michigan trades need and turn certificates around fast.

What we do for contractor clients

• The full stack — general liability, workers comp, commercial auto, tools & equipment, builders risk, and umbrella, coordinated so there are no gaps between policies.
• Fast certificates of insurance — COIs and additional-insured endorsements turned around quickly so you're never held up at the start of a job. Same-day is common.
• Contract review — we match your limits and endorsements to what your contracts and GCs actually require, so you don't lose work over the wrong paperwork.
• Trade-specific markets — HVAC, electrical, plumbing, concrete, excavation, and general contracting each price differently. We shop the carriers that want your trade.

Trades we write

General contractors, remodelers, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, painters, carpenters, concrete and masonry, excavation and site work, landscapers, drywall, flooring, and most other Michigan building trades.

Coverages contractors usually need

• General liability — the foundation policy GCs and clients require; covers third-party injury and property damage. Learn more in our guide to general liability for Michigan contractors.
• Workers compensation — required for nearly every Michigan employer, and often your responsibility for uninsured subs (see our workers comp page).
• Commercial auto — for trucks, vans, and equipment trailers used for work.
• Tools & equipment (inland marine) — covers your tools and gear at the shop, in the truck, or on site.
• Builders risk — protects a project under construction against fire, theft, and weather.
• Commercial umbrella — extra liability limits required by larger contracts and municipalities.

Common questions

What insurance does a contractor need in Michigan?

Most Michigan contractors need general liability as the foundation, plus workers compensation if they have employees, commercial auto for work vehicles, and tools & equipment (inland marine) coverage. Depending on the work, you may also need builders risk on projects under construction and a commercial umbrella for larger contracts. General contractors are often required to carry $1M-$2M in liability before they can start a job.

How much liability coverage do general contractors require from subs?

Most general contractors and project owners require subcontractors to carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate in general liability, and to name them as an additional insured. Larger commercial and municipal jobs often require a commercial umbrella on top. We make sure your limits and additional-insured endorsements match what your contracts demand.

Can you provide certificates of insurance quickly?

Yes. Contractors live and die by the certificate of insurance (COI). We turn around COIs and additional-insured endorsements fast so you're never held up at the start of a job. Same-day is common during business hours.

Does general liability cover my tools and equipment?

No. General liability covers third-party injury and property damage, not your own tools. Tools and equipment are covered under an inland marine (contractor's equipment) policy, which protects your tools and gear whether they're at the shop, in your truck, or on a job site. It's an inexpensive coverage most contractors should carry.

Do I need workers comp if I only use 1099 subcontractors?

Often, yes. In Michigan, uninsured subcontractors can be treated as your employees for workers comp purposes, and general contractors are typically responsible for subs who don't carry their own coverage. Relying on '1099 only' is one of the most common and costly mistakes contractors make. We help you structure this correctly.