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Insurance requirements for framing and carpentry subcontractors

Short answer

Ask framing subs for general liability with completed operations and workers’ comp for every person on the crew. Framing crews are often big, they work at height, and some are paid as 1099 workers. If those workers are really employees, they may need workers’ comp. Ask who is on site, and put it in writing.

Written by Liam · CertChase · Last reviewed October 3, 2026

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What goes wrong

Falls. Walls, floors and roofs go up fast, and so do injuries.
Big crews. More workers means more claims and more paperwork.
Structural problems later. Framing mistakes can show up after the building is finished.

What to ask for

General liability with completed operations.
Workers’ comp for everyone on the crew.
Commercial auto if they haul lumber and tools.
Additional insured for ongoing and finished work, if your contract asks for it.

The 1099 problem

Many framing subs pay their crews as 1099 “independent contractors.” Whether a worker is really independent depends on how the work is run, not what the form says. Many states look past the label. If crew members are really employees and have no coverage, the claim can come back to you. See what to do when a sub has no insurance.

Not legal or insurance advice. This is general information. Your contract, your state and your policy decide what applies to you. Ask your broker or attorney.

Questions to ask

How many workers will be on my job? Are they all on your workers’ comp?
Do you use 1099 labor? Do those people have their own coverage?
Is the additional insured endorsement for finished work too?

Copy this into your bid request

Framing subcontractor, please send before starting: a current certificate showing general liability with completed operations, workers’ comp, and auto if you drive to site. Also send the additional insured endorsement for ongoing and completed work and a waiver of subrogation if our contract requires it. Name [your company] as certificate holder. Limits are in our requirements page: [link].

Fill in your company name and link. Your broker sets the numbers. Build the page with the requirements builder.

Frequently asked questions

Do framing subcontractors need workers’ comp?

If they have employees, usually yes. Rules vary by state. Ask for proof for every worker on your job.

Can a sub just pay workers as 1099?

Calling a worker 1099 doesn’t decide it. Many states look at how the work is actually run. Ask your attorney if you’re unsure.

Keep reading

01By tradeRequirements by tradeWhat insurance to ask for from roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, framers and concrete subs, and why each trade’s risks are different.02How-to guideSub has no insuranceA sub with no insurance can put the claim on you. Your options in order, what it can cost you, a script to use and the mistakes to avoid.03ExplainerOngoing vs completed operationsOngoing operations cover work in progress. Completed operations cover problems that show up after the job is done. Why you need both.04By tradeConcrete subsWhat to ask a concrete sub for: trucks and heavy equipment, silica dust, structural claims, and the workers’ comp rule in California.05By tradeRoofing subsWhat insurance to ask a roofing sub for: falls, torch and hot-tar fire risk, leaks that show up later, and the workers’ comp rule in California.06By tradeDrywall subsWhat to ask a drywall sub for: dust and water damage, ladder falls, finishing defects that surface later, and crew size checks.

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