TradeGuardPlumbing subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a plumbing subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a plumbing job into the GC's claim.
Why plumbing insurance matters
Water damage from a failed connection can destroy finished interiors on multiple floors, and mold claims can follow months later.
What to require from a plumbing sub
General liability with strong property-damage limits (water travels), workers' comp, and completed operations for slow-leak and mold claims that surface after handover.
Plumbing is licensed in most states. Require the license and confirm the classification covers the scope (e.g., gas work often needs a separate endorsement).
Completed-operations additional insured, plus confirm there's no total pollution/mold exclusion gutting the coverage you're relying on.
A mold or fungi exclusion on the GL policy: common, and it removes exactly the exposure a plumbing failure creates.
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 plumbing sub's expired COI
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Plumbing insurance FAQ
What insurance should a plumbing subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability with strong property-damage limits (water travels), workers' comp, and completed operations for slow-leak and mold claims that surface after handover.
Do plumbing subcontractors need a license?+
Plumbing is licensed in most states. Require the license and confirm the classification covers the scope (e.g., gas work often needs a separate endorsement).
What's the most common COI gap on plumbing work?+
A mold or fungi exclusion on the GL policy: common, and it removes exactly the exposure a plumbing failure creates.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.