Subcontractor General Liability Insurance
Affordable Coverage for Independent Contractors in South Carolina
If you’re a subcontractor—whether in construction, electrical, plumbing, painting, landscaping, or any other trade—you already know how important it is to have your own insurance. Subcontractor General Liability Insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s often required by general contractors, job sites, and licensing boards across South Carolina.
At The Ferguson Insurance Team, we specialize in helping subcontractors protect themselves with affordable, reliable coverage tailored to your specific trade. With offices in North Charleston and Walterboro, we understand the local market and work with dozens of carriers to find the best policy for your business.
Why Subcontractors Need Their Own Liability Insurance
Even if you’re working under a general contractor, you’re still legally responsible for your own work. If something goes wrong—whether it’s damage to someone’s property, a client injury, or a mistake that leads to a costly claim—you could be held personally liable.
Having your own subcontractor general liability policy:
- Shows professionalism and responsibility
- Helps you qualify for more jobs and contracts
- Protects your personal and business assets
- May be required by law or contract
Don’t assume the GC’s policy covers you—most of the time, it doesn’t.
What Does Liability Insurance for Subcontractors Cover?
A standard Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy for subcontractors typically includes:
- Bodily Injury – Covers injuries to third parties on a job site or due to your work.
- Property Damage – If you accidentally damage a client’s property or nearby structures.
- Products & Completed Operations – Protects you if your work causes injury or damage after a project is finished.
- Personal & Advertising Injury – Includes libel, slander, and copyright-related claims.
- Legal Defense Costs – Covers legal fees even if a claim turns out to be groundless.
For some trades, additional coverage may be recommended, such as tools & equipment coverage, inland marine, or professional liability.
Does a Subcontractor Need Workers Comp?
If you’re a one-person business with no employees, South Carolina may not require you to carry Workers Compensation. However, some GCs will still require it before letting you on the job site. If you use subcontractors under you, or if you grow and hire help, you may be legally required to carry Workers Comp.
We can help you determine if and when you need to add this important protection.
How Much Does Liability Insurance for Subcontractors Cost?
The good news? Coverage is more affordable than you might think.
Liability policies for independent contractors often start as low as $500 to $1,000 per year, depending on your trade, experience, revenue, and claims history. We’ll help you compare options from multiple carriers to find the best coverage at the best price.
Ask us about bundling general liability with tools coverage, commercial auto, or a BOP for added savings.
Insurance for All Types of Subcontractors
We insure subcontractors in nearly every trade, including:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- HVAC techs
- Painters
- Carpenters
- Masons
- Landscapers
- Drywall installers
- Tile and flooring pros
- Remodelers & handymen
- And more
Whether you work on residential homes, commercial jobs, or government contracts, we’ll make sure your policy meets the right requirements.
Get a Quote for Subcontractor General Liability Today
We’ve been serving independent contractors and small business owners in South Carolina for over 40 years. Our local, independent agency offers personal service and honest advice—no gimmicks, no upsells.
- Local offices in North Charleston and Walterboro
- Speak to a licensed agent who understands your trade
- Get proof of insurance fast to meet job requirements
Reviews From Our Customers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch insurance before my policy's renewal?
Yes! You do not have to wait until the expiration date of a policy to change to a different carrier. If you’re unsure about the process of changing your auto insurance, our agents can walk you through that process, step-by-step.
Do you offer coverage bundles?
We do! Many of the insurance companies we represent offer savings and other benefits for having multiple policies with them. We can also create a customized bundle within our agency with coverage from different companies to best fit your needs. Many of those companies still offer a discount for having multiple policies with our agency, even if they are not all with the same company.
I'm moving to South Carolina, can you help me with my insurance needs?
We help many new South Carolina residents take care of their insurance needs, both auto insurance, and home or renters, when they first move to our state. Our agents can walk you through the process obtaining car and property insurance that satisfies the specific requirements of the state, your lender or your property manager.
I'm not sure what I need, can you help?
Absolutely! We know that most people don’t spend all day thinking about insurance the way we do! We’re here to help by providing you with education and listening to your unique needs so we can better understand you and what insurance solutions would best fit your specific circumstances.
My car insurance keeps going up, what can I do?
It’s true that auto insurance rates have risen across the board in the last few years due to a variety of factors, like increased cost of both parts and labor, as well as increased loss frequency and even the increased costs of reinsurance for carriers. The good news is you have options. If your rates have gone up, it may be a good idea to chat with a local agent and see if there are other options that are more affordable.
What is "full coverage"?
Great question! Contrary to popular belief, “full coverage” is not an insurance term, and agents don’t typically use it, because it can mean many things to different people. The most common definition though, is usually an auto policy that has both collision and comprehensive (also called other-than-collision) coverage. However, even a policy with these coverages may not “fully” cover you, depending on the circumstances. Coverages like towing and roadside assistance, Gap insurance, and medical payments are just a few options that might not be included on a policy that has collision and comprehensive coverage. Instead of using generic phrases like “full coverage”, we prefer to work with our clients to discuss their needs, and explain thoroughly exactly what their policy does or does not cover.
Other Insurance You May Need
Workers' Comp
Protection for your employees is both required by law and vital to keeping your business running.
Business Auto
Affordable coverage for all of your vehicles and drivers keeps you working.
Cyber
Every business faces cyber risk, from ransomware to invoice manipulation and more.
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Have a Question? Need a Quote? Get in touch with our team today.