Many contractors start with general liability insurance and any surety bond required for licensing. Depending on the business, they may also need commercial auto, workers’ compensation, tools and equipment coverage, excess liability, builders risk or an installation floater.

The cost depends on your trade, annual revenue, payroll, location, claims history, subcontracted work, project types, vehicles, equipment and requested coverage limits. Accurate pricing requires details about the work your business actually performs.

Usually not. General liability is designed primarily for third-party claims. Contractor tools, mobile equipment and qualifying jobsite property are commonly insured through contractor inland marine or tools and equipment coverage.

Insurance generally protects the insured business against covered losses. A surety bond protects the government agency, project owner or other party requiring the bond. If the surety pays a valid claim, it may seek reimbursement from the contractor.

Contractor inland marine can cover qualifying tools, mobile equipment, installation materials and other property that travels between your shop, vehicles and jobsites. Available coverage varies by policy and equipment type.

A commercial auto policy may provide liability coverage for an attached trailer, but physical damage to the trailer and coverage for tools or materials inside it may need to be added separately. Trailer ownership, size and use should be reviewed before coverage is placed.

Once qualifying coverage is active, many routine certificate requests can be completed promptly. Requests involving special wording, unusual endorsements or contract review may require carrier approval and additional time.

Not automatically. Coverage depends on the policy terms, how subcontractors are used and whether they maintain their own insurance. Contractors should collect certificates of insurance, verify required limits and endorsements, and use written subcontractor agreements before work begins.