New York contractors insurance

Licensing & registration in New York

Contractor licensing in New York 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 home-improvement and contractor licensing are largely set by cities and counties (such as New York City and Suffolk and Nassau counties). Verify the current requirement with the local jurisdiction where you work (and your state licensing board for any state-regulated trade) 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 New York 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 New York

Common New York users include home builders and remodelers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and landscapers across New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany.