Waterproofing 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.
Know when a waterproofing 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
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.