Abatement & Hazmat subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a abatement & hazmat subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a abatement & hazmat job into the GC's claim.
Why abatement & hazmat insurance matters
Asbestos, lead, and mold removal is defined by disturbing hazardous material; the pollution exposure IS the job.
What to require from a abatement & hazmat sub
General liability, workers' comp, and, mandatory, contractors pollution liability / abatement-specific coverage, because GL excludes pollution entirely.
Heavily licensed/certified (EPA/AHERA, state abatement licenses). Require every applicable certification.
Contractors Pollution Liability written for abatement work; a standard COI without it is nearly worthless for this trade.
Accepting a standard GL certificate with a total pollution exclusion on the one trade where pollution coverage is the entire point.
Most of these gaps come down to one thing: additional insured status and the right endorsement.
General information, not legal or insurance advice; confirm requirements with your broker and the terms of your subcontract.
Know when a abatement & hazmat sub's COI expires
TradeGuard tracks your subs' certificates, tells you when the additional insured named isn't you, and warns you before a certificate expires. It doesn't verify endorsement forms.
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Abatement & Hazmat insurance FAQ
What insurance should a abatement & hazmat subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability, workers' comp, and, mandatory, contractors pollution liability / abatement-specific coverage, because GL excludes pollution entirely.
Do abatement & hazmat subcontractors need a license?+
Heavily licensed/certified (EPA/AHERA, state abatement licenses). Require every applicable certification.
What's the most common COI gap on abatement & hazmat work?+
Accepting a standard GL certificate with a total pollution exclusion on the one trade where pollution coverage is the entire point.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.