TradeGuardFlooring subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a flooring subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a flooring job into the GC's claim.
Why flooring insurance matters
Adhesives and moisture create property-damage and indoor-air claims; installation defects can require full tear-out.
What to require from a flooring sub
General liability and workers' comp; completed operations for adhesive-failure and moisture claims that surface after occupancy.
Rarely a separately licensed trade.
Completed-operations additional insured for defect/tear-out exposure.
No completed-operations coverage, so a post-install adhesive failure becomes the GC's problem.
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.
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Flooring insurance FAQ
What insurance should a flooring subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability and workers' comp; completed operations for adhesive-failure and moisture claims that surface after occupancy.
Do flooring subcontractors need a license?+
Rarely a separately licensed trade. Always confirm the requirement in the state and locality where the work happens.
What's the most common COI gap on flooring work?+
No completed-operations coverage, so a post-install adhesive failure becomes the GC's problem.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.