By trade
Insurance requirements for painting subcontractors
Ask painting subs for general liability with completed operations, workers’ comp for every painter, and commercial auto for van and ladder transport. The main risks are overspray on cars and finished surfaces, ladder and lift falls, lead paint on pre-1978 buildings, and finishes that peel or fail later. Ask how the sub handles lead-safe work.
Not sure where your own subs stand? Paste your list and get a free gap report in two minutes.
Free COI auditWhat goes wrong with painting work
- Overspray and spills. Spray finishes drift onto cars, glass and neighboring property. These claims are common and expensive for the size of the job.
- Falls. Painters work from ladders, scaffolds, swing stages and lifts, often on exteriors.
- Lead paint. Sanding or scraping old paint can release lead. In the US, the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule covers work in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities. Check the current rule and whether it applies to your job.
- Finish failure. Peeling, blistering and color mismatch can appear months later. That is completed operations territory.
- Fumes and fire. Solvent-based products and rags create fire and air-quality risk indoors.
What to ask for
| Coverage | Why it matters for painting |
|---|---|
| General liability | Overspray, spills, property damage during the job |
| Completed operations | Failed finishes found later. See ongoing vs completed |
| Workers’ comp for the crew | Fall and strain injuries, plus seasonal or helper labor |
| Commercial auto | Vans, ladders, spray rigs and material hauls |
| Pollution or lead coverage | Ask your broker whether the sub’s policy excludes lead or fumes for the work you hire |
Check these too
- Building age. Before hiring for a pre-1978 building, ask the sub whether they are certified for lead-safe work where the rule applies.
- Equipment. If they use lifts or swing stages, ask whether operators are trained and whether the equipment is covered.
- Seasonal crews. Painting crews flex up in summer. Confirm every worker is on the workers’ comp policy.
Questions to ask the painter
- Is the building older than 1978, and if so how do you handle lead-safe work?
- What is your overspray and cleanup process, and is it covered if something goes wrong?
- Are all workers on your payroll and on your workers’ comp?
- Does your additional insured endorsement cover finished work?
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.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance should a painting subcontractor have?
General liability with completed operations, workers’ comp for every painter and helper, and commercial auto. For older buildings, ask your broker about lead and pollution exclusions. Your contract and broker set the limits.
Does a painting sub need lead paint certification?
In the US, the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting rule applies to certain work on pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities. Check the current rule and your state’s requirements for your job.
Who pays for overspray damage?
Usually the painter’s general liability responds first, subject to the policy and your contract. This is why you want the certificate checked and the additional insured endorsement in place before work begins.
Keep reading
See your certificate gaps in two minutes
Paste your subcontractor list and get an instant report, or leave your email and phone and we will review it for you.