What GL limits do commercial painters typically need?

Most commercial contracts require a minimum of $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate. Larger projects and government contracts often require $2M/$4M. We can quote both.

Do I need to be additionally insured on every GC's policy?

No — it works the other way. Your GC requires you to name them as additional insured on your policy, not the other way around. A blanket additional insured endorsement covers all your GCs automatically.

What's a waiver of subrogation and do I need it?

A waiver of subrogation prevents your carrier from pursuing recovery from your GC after paying a claim. Many commercial contracts require it. We can add it to your policy.

How fast can I get a certificate of insurance for a new job?

Your COI is issued instantly once you bind coverage. Same-day coverage is typically available, so you can often get a COI the same day you need it.

Can you cover commercial painters with crews and subcontractors?

Yes. We can write coverage that accounts for your employees and subcontractors. Tell us your setup on the quote form and we'll structure the coverage accordingly.

Commercial Painter Insurance

Why Commercial Painters Need Specialized Coverage

Commercial painting work carries different risks than residential work. You're working in occupied buildings, around expensive equipment, alongside other trades, and often under contract with general contractors who have specific insurance requirements. Generic business insurance often falls short of what the job actually requires.

What Commercial Painters Need

General Liability

The foundation of any commercial painting program. Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage — paint overspray on equipment, a ladder falling on a worker from another trade, or damage to a client's property. Most commercial contracts require a minimum of $1M/$2M, and many require $2M/$4M for larger projects.

Blanket Additional Insured

General contractors and property managers almost always require to be named as additional insured on your policy. A blanket additional insured endorsement covers any GC or owner you work for without having to add them one by one — making certificate production fast and easy.

Waiver of Subrogation

Many commercial contracts require a waiver of subrogation, which prevents your insurance carrier from pursuing recovery from the GC if they pay a claim on your behalf. This is a standard endorsement we can add to your policy.

Tools & Equipment

Your sprayers, scaffolding, ladders, and compressors travel from job to job. Inland marine coverage protects them whether they're on the job site, in your truck, or in a storage unit. Standard GL doesn't cover your own equipment.

Primary & Non-Contributory

Some GC contracts require your insurance to be primary and non-contributory, meaning your policy responds first before any other coverage. This is an endorsement we can add when required by contract.

Certificate of Insurance Requirements

Commercial painting work almost always requires a certificate of insurance before you can mobilize. Once you bind coverage with us, your COI is issued instantly — ready to send to your GC or property manager the same day you need it.

Coverage Limits for Commercial Work

Most commercial painting projects require a minimum of $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate in general liability. Larger commercial projects, government contracts, and work in certain industries may require $2M/$4M. We can quote both and help you match your coverage to your contract requirements.