Glazing & Windows subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a glazing & windows subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a glazing & windows job into the GC's claim.
Why glazing & windows insurance matters
Falling glass, curtain-wall failures, and water-intrusion defects drive property-damage and completed-operations claims.
What to require from a glazing & windows sub
General liability, workers' comp, and completed operations; curtain-wall and window leaks are classic late-appearing defect claims.
Generally not a separately licensed trade.
Completed-operations additional insured for water-intrusion exposure.
No completed-operations coverage on a trade whose defects (leaks) show up seasons later.
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 glazing & windows 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.
No credit card · See how COI tracking works
Glazing & Windows insurance FAQ
What insurance should a glazing & windows subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability, workers' comp, and completed operations; curtain-wall and window leaks are classic late-appearing defect claims.
Do glazing & windows subcontractors need a license?+
Generally not 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 glazing & windows work?+
No completed-operations coverage on a trade whose defects (leaks) show up seasons later.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.