TradeGuardSteel & Ironwork subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a steel & ironwork subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a steel & ironwork job into the GC's claim.
Why steel & ironwork insurance matters
Structural steel work is high-elevation, heavy-rigging, and structurally load-bearing: high frequency and severity.
What to require from a steel & ironwork sub
General liability, workers' comp at the correct high-risk class, umbrella, and completed operations for structural connection defects.
Not always a separate license, but rigging/crane operations carry their own certifications; require them.
Umbrella that follows form + completed-operations additional insured; confirm rigging/crane operations aren't excluded.
A height or structural exclusion, or crane operations run under a policy that excludes them.
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 steel & ironwork sub's expired COI
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Steel & Ironwork insurance FAQ
What insurance should a steel & ironwork subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability, workers' comp at the correct high-risk class, umbrella, and completed operations for structural connection defects.
Do steel & ironwork subcontractors need a license?+
Not always a separate license, but rigging/crane operations carry their own certifications; require them. Always confirm the requirement in the state and locality where the work happens.
What's the most common COI gap on steel & ironwork work?+
A height or structural exclusion, or crane operations run under a policy that excludes them.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.