Updated for 2026

General Contractor Compliance Checklist

The complete checklist for managing subcontractor insurance, OSHA requirements, licensing, and audit readiness. Used by 400+ general contractors nationwide.

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Why This Matters

A single lapse in subcontractor insurance can expose your company to lawsuits, project shutdowns, and loss of bonding capacity. In 2025, the average uninsured subcontractor claim cost GCs $127,000 in direct liability. Systematic compliance tracking is not optional — it is a business survival requirement.

Subcontractor Insurance Verification

Collect COI (Certificate of Insurance) from every subcontractor before work begins
Verify General Liability coverage meets your minimum ($1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate typical)
Confirm Workers' Compensation coverage is active and compliant with state minimums
Check Commercial Auto Liability if subcontractor drives to job sites
Verify Umbrella/Excess Liability for high-risk trades (roofing, electrical, demolition)
Confirm your company is listed as Additional Insured on each policy
Validate policy effective dates — no expired certificates
Cross-reference carrier A.M. Best rating (A- VII or better)
Set up expiration tracking and renewal alerts for every COI

OSHA & Safety Compliance

Verify subcontractor OSHA 300 logs and EMR (Experience Modification Rate) < 1.0
Collect signed safety acknowledgments from all subcontractor crews
Ensure site-specific safety plans are filed and accessible
Confirm hazard communication (HazCom) compliance for chemical-handling trades
Validate fall protection compliance for work above 6 feet
Document toolbox talks and safety meetings with attendance records
Verify subcontractor employees have required certifications (OSHA 10/30, confined space, etc.)

Licensing & Legal

Verify active state contractor license for each subcontractor
Confirm business registration and good standing
Collect W-9 forms for all subcontractors before first payment
Execute signed subcontract agreements with scope, payment terms, and insurance requirements
Include indemnification and hold-harmless clauses in all contracts
Document prevailing wage compliance if on public/government projects
Verify E-Verify enrollment if required by project owner or jurisdiction

Ongoing Monitoring

Track COI expiration dates and send renewal reminders 30 days in advance
Re-verify insurance coverage at each policy renewal, not just at project start
Monitor subcontractor safety incidents and EMR changes
Conduct periodic compliance audits (quarterly recommended)
Document all compliance exceptions and remediation steps
Maintain an audit trail of all communications and document requests

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Related Resources

Construction Compliance SoftwareSubcontractor Compliance ChecklistVendor ComplianceConstruction Insurance Requirements