Contractor Insurance in New York: What Coverage Do You Actually Need?

Every NYC contractor eventually gets the same email from a GC or building manager: 'Send over your COI before Monday.' What they're asking for is usually a specific combination of general liability, workers comp, and sometimes umbrella — with the right additional insureds listed.

General liability insurance NYC contractor policies are the baseline. $1M / $2M is the standard ask; some Manhattan high-rises now require $2M / $4M before you can swing a hammer. Workers comp is required by New York law the moment you have an employee — even one part-timer.

What's optional but smart: tools and equipment coverage if you carry more than $5–10K of gear, and a commercial umbrella once your projects creep above the $1M GL limit. What's usually overskill: a $5M umbrella for a two-person handyman crew doing apartment renovations.

We can quote and issue a certificate of insurance same day NYC GCs and landlords accept — including all the additional insured endorsements they're going to ask for.