Trade coverage
A relatively low-severity trade overall, but dust, taping and finishing defects, and water damage from hanging board in wet areas drive the claims that do occur.
General liability responds to two different things for your trade. The first is injury or damage caused while you are working, which for drywall contractor work is drywall dust or joint compound contaminating an hvac system or finished surfaces. The second is a claim that surfaces after you have finished, known as completed operations, and it is the half of the policy most often missing from a cheap quote.
Almost always admitted; the trade has a predictable, low-severity loss profile that standard carriers write readily.
These are the loss scenarios that drive claims for this trade, in the order we see them.
Each of these changes what the policy actually pays. Request them at quote stage.
General liability on its own leaves gaps that show up as denied claims rather than as missing coverage.
$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is standard. That is the limit, not the premium. The premium depends on your payroll, your state, your subcontractor use and your claims history, and it moves most with the hazard of the trade itself, which for drywall contractor is moderate.
Almost always admitted; the trade has a predictable, low-severity loss profile that standard carriers write readily.
In order of how often we see them: Drywall dust or joint compound contaminating an HVAC system or finished surfaces; Moisture trapped behind board causing mold that is discovered later; Damage to plumbing or electrical rough-ins while hanging or screwing board.
These four come up repeatedly: Additional insured with completed operations; Waiver of subrogation; Per-project aggregate; Limited pollution for silica and dust. Get them written into the quote rather than requested after binding, because that is where the delays come from.
Alongside general liability: Inland marine for tools; Commercial auto; Workers compensation.
Yes. Their policy defends them, not you. If your work causes damage, their carrier can pay the claim and then pursue you to recover it.
Classification and carrier appetite differ by trade, so it is worth seeing how yours compares.
Tell us your payroll, state and what your contract requires.
