Protect every project from bid to closeout with insurance programs designed for the unique multi-trade, multi-site risk profile of general contracting.
General Contractors
Insurance Solutions for General Contractors
General contractors sit at the center of construction risk because they manage every aspect of project delivery, from preconstruction planning through final punch list completion. This central role means the GC absorbs liability exposure from its own operations, from every subcontractor working on the project, and from the coordination responsibilities that tie all trades together. A single project may involve twenty or more subcontractors, hundreds of workers, heavy equipment operations, elevated work, excavation, and hot work happening simultaneously across a dynamic site. The insurance program protecting a general contractor must address this layered exposure with coordinated policies that work together without gaps. ALKEME specializes in building comprehensive insurance programs for general contractors that satisfy the most demanding contract requirements while keeping total cost of risk competitive.
Core Coverage Needs for General Contractors
A general contractor insurance program starts with commercial general liability covering third-party bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations. Workers compensation with employers liability protects the GC direct workforce. Commercial auto covers the fleet of trucks, vans, and service vehicles. An umbrella or excess liability policy extends limits above all three primary coverages to meet contract requirements that typically range from five to twenty-five million dollars. Builders risk coverage protects the structure under construction, and inland marine covers tools, equipment, and materials in transit. Surety bonds, including bid, performance, and payment bonds, are essential for public works and many private projects. Professional liability becomes necessary when the GC provides design-build, construction management, or preconstruction consulting services. ALKEME coordinates all of these coverages into an integrated program.
Managing Subcontractor Insurance Risk
General contractors face substantial liability from subcontractor operations because project owners and injured parties routinely name the GC in lawsuits regardless of which trade caused the incident. Effective subcontractor insurance management requires verifying that every sub carries adequate GL, workers comp, auto, and umbrella coverage before mobilizing on site. The GC should be named as an additional insured on each sub GL and umbrella policy with primary and non-contributory language. Hold-harmless and indemnification agreements should be in place before work begins. ALKEME helps general contractors implement certificate tracking systems, establish minimum insurance requirements by trade classification, and develop prequalification standards that reduce the risk of uninsured or underinsured subcontractors on their projects.
Wrap-Up Insurance Programs
For large projects or contractors with consistent high-volume project pipelines, wrap-up insurance programs consolidate coverage for all project participants under a single set of policies. Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs, known as CCIPs, are sponsored by the general contractor and cover all enrolled subcontractors for GL, workers comp, and excess liability on the wrapped project. This approach eliminates coverage gaps between subcontractor policies, provides uniform limits and terms, and generates premium savings by leveraging the combined payroll and revenue of all participants. ALKEME has extensive experience designing, placing, and administering wrap-up programs for general contractors ranging from single-project CCIPs to rolling programs that cover all projects started during a multi-year period.
Safety Programs and Loss Control
General contractors with strong safety programs earn better insurance rates, qualify for more projects, and protect their workforce from preventable injuries. A comprehensive safety program includes a written safety plan with site-specific hazard assessments, regular toolbox talks and safety meetings, formal incident investigation and reporting procedures, drug and alcohol testing, OSHA compliance training, and emergency response protocols. ALKEME connects clients with carrier loss control resources and independent safety consultants who can assess current programs, identify improvement opportunities, and help develop metrics that demonstrate safety performance to project owners and insurance underwriters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Coverage
General Liability
Third-party bodily injury and property damage protection
Workers' Compensation
Employee injury wage and medical benefits
Umbrella / Excess
Additional liability protection layer
Surety Bonds
Guarantees project completion and contract performance
Builders Risk
Covers structures under construction against damage or loss
Subcontractor Default
Protection against subcontractor non-performance
Top States for General Contractors
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