Illinois contractors insurance

Licensing & registration in Illinois

Contractor licensing in Illinois is handled at the state and/or local level and can vary by trade and project size — there is no single statewide general-contractor license, so cities and counties (such as Chicago) set many requirements, while trades like plumbing are regulated at the state level. Verify the current requirement with your state licensing board and the local jurisdiction where you work before bidding.

Many licensing bodies require a license or registration bond as a guarantee to the public, separate from your liability insurance. Whether a bond applies depends on your jurisdiction and trade, so confirm the current rule before you start.

Coverages Illinois contractors carry

• •General liability — generally intended to respond to third-party injury and property damage from your work, including completed-operations claims that surface after a job.
• •Workers’ compensation — required in most states once you have employees, and commonly required of subs by the GCs who hire them.
• •License / registration bond — a guarantee to the public required by many licensing bodies; distinct from your liability insurance.
• •Tools & equipment (inland marine) — optional coverage generally intended to address loss or damage to your own gear.
• •Commercial auto — for work trucks and vans; personal auto typically excludes business use.

Who needs it in Illinois

Common Illinois users include home builders and remodelers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and landscapers across Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, and Naperville.