TradeGuardPainting subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a painting subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a painting job into the GC's claim.
Why painting insurance matters
Overspray property damage, ladder/lift falls, and, on older buildings, lead exposure are the real claims.
What to require from a painting sub
General liability (overspray and property damage), workers' comp, and, for pre-1978 buildings, confirmation that lead work isn't excluded.
Not licensed as a trade in most states (a general contractor license may apply above a dollar threshold).
Additional insured (ongoing); for repaints of older structures, a lead-hazard endorsement or separate coverage.
A lead/pollution exclusion on a repaint of an older building, leaving the lead-exposure claim uninsured.
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.
Never miss a painting sub's expired COI
TradeGuard tracks every subcontractor's certificate, flags missing endorsements, and warns you before coverage lapses, so a painting gap never becomes your claim.
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Painting insurance FAQ
What insurance should a painting subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability (overspray and property damage), workers' comp, and, for pre-1978 buildings, confirmation that lead work isn't excluded.
Do painting subcontractors need a license?+
Not licensed as a trade in most states (a general contractor license may apply above a dollar threshold). Always confirm the requirement in the state and locality where the work happens.
What's the most common COI gap on painting work?+
A lead/pollution exclusion on a repaint of an older building, leaving the lead-exposure claim uninsured.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.