TradeGuardWaterproofing subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a waterproofing subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a waterproofing job into the GC's claim.
Why waterproofing insurance matters
The entire value of the trade is preventing water intrusion, so a failure is almost always a completed-operations defect claim.
What to require from a waterproofing sub
General liability with completed operations front and center, and workers' comp.
Generally unlicensed as a standalone trade.
Completed-operations additional insured; for this trade it's the whole point.
Ongoing-operations-only additional insured on a trade whose claims are, by definition, after completion.
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 waterproofing sub's expired COI
TradeGuard tracks every subcontractor's certificate, flags missing endorsements, and warns you before coverage lapses, so a waterproofing gap never becomes your claim.
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Waterproofing insurance FAQ
What insurance should a waterproofing subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability with completed operations front and center, and workers' comp.
Do waterproofing subcontractors need a license?+
Generally unlicensed as a standalone trade. Always confirm the requirement in the state and locality where the work happens.
What's the most common COI gap on waterproofing work?+
Ongoing-operations-only additional insured on a trade whose claims are, by definition, after completion.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.