General Contractors Insurance Requirements in Rhode Island
What Rhode Island property managers should require from general contractors vendors
GL Minimum: $1,000,000/$2,000,000
Workers Comp: Required
If you manage properties in Rhode Island and hire general contractors contractors, verifying their insurance coverage is not optional. Rhode Island law requires workers compensation for employers with 1+ employees, and commercial property owners are expected to verify adequate general liability coverage before allowing any contractor on site.
General Contractors Insurance Requirements in Rhode Island
| Coverage Type | Recommended Minimum |
|---|---|
General Liability | $1,000,000 / $2,000,000 |
Workers Compensation | Required (1+ employees) |
Commercial General Liability | $2,000,000 / $4,000,000 |
Workers' Compensation | Statutory limits |
Umbrella / Excess Liability | $2,000,000 |
Builder's Risk | Full project value |
Professional Liability (E&O) | $1,000,000 |
National Guide
General Contractors Insurance Requirements
State Guide
Rhode Island Insurance Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance should I require from a general contractor's subcontractors?▼
Every subcontractor should carry their own GL ($1M/$2M minimum), workers' compensation (statutory limits), and commercial auto ($1M CSL). The GC should collect and maintain COIs from all subs before they begin work. Do not rely solely on the GC's policy to cover subcontractor claims — if a sub is uninsured, the claim may flow up to the GC's policy, depleting coverage available for other claims.
What is a per-project aggregate endorsement and when do I need it?▼
A per-project aggregate endorsement ensures that the GC's full aggregate limit applies separately to each project, rather than being shared across all projects the GC is working on simultaneously. Without this endorsement, claims on other projects could deplete the aggregate limit available for your project. Require this endorsement whenever the GC is working on multiple projects concurrently.
How do I protect against construction defect claims after the project is done?▼
Require the GC to maintain completed operations coverage for a minimum of 3–5 years after project completion (10 years in states with longer statutes of repose). Verify that your additional insured status extends to completed operations via CG 20 37. Include contractual indemnification provisions and a requirement that the GC notify you if completed operations coverage is cancelled or non-renewed.
Should I require the GC to carry professional liability insurance?▼
Yes, if the GC is providing any design-build services, construction management, or project management consulting. Standard general liability policies exclude professional services — meaning design errors, specification mistakes, or project management failures would not be covered. A $1M professional liability (E&O) policy is the minimum for most commercial projects.
Do general contractors in Rhode Island need a license?▼
Licensing requirements for general contractors vary by municipality in Rhode Island. Check with your local licensing board and always request proof of current licensure on the COI.
What happens if my general contractors's insurance expires in Rhode Island?▼
In Rhode Island, you as the property manager could be held liable for injuries or damages caused by an uninsured general contractors on your property. Rhode Island courts have consistently ruled that property owners have a duty to verify contractor insurance before allowing work to begin.
Track General Contractors COIs in Rhode Island Automatically
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