You didn't build your trade business to lose a job over paperwork. One missing certificate of insurance and the GC gives your slot to the next sub on the list. We're a local, veteran-owned independent agency; we put the whole package together (liability, tools, trucks, comp), and when a job needs a COI, we can usually issue it the same day.
There's no single policy called contractors insurance. It's the package a trade business carries so it can sign contracts, pull permits, and keep working after something goes wrong. For most Onslow County contractors that package is:
Because we're independent, carriers compete for this package rather than one company taking it or leaving it. We compare, you choose.
North Carolina's licensing boards and your customers set two different bars, and the contract is usually the higher one.
General liability isn't mandated by state law for every trade, but try bidding commercial work without it. Most GC subcontract agreements specify minimum GL limits (commonly $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate ), name the GC as additional insured, and require a certificate before mobilization.
Workers' comp is where NC subs get caught. The state's three-employee threshold sounds simple, but NC counts differently than owners expect , and here's the trap: if you hire an uninsured sub, their people can land on your comp policy at audit. GCs know this, which is why they demand comp certificates from every sub, even sole proprietors. A "ghost policy" exists for exactly this situation; ask us whether it fits yours.
If comp is the piece you're least sure about, we wrote a fuller explainer: workers' compensation insurance in North Carolina.
The bid is due, the lease is ready, the GC wants a certificate today. If your agent takes three days to issue a COI, you're losing work to subs with faster paper. Call or text us at 910-378-1378 with the certificate holder's details and we can usually turn a COI around the same day.
Building in Onslow County means wind exposure your inland competitors don't price for. Builder's risk on coastal projects, equipment left on exposed sites through storm season, named-storm deductibles on the commercial property side; these are everyday questions here, not edge cases. We live where you build, and we write this coverage every day.
Premiums depend on your trade, payroll, receipts, claims history, and whether you use subs, so any number quoted before underwriting is a guess. What we can promise: we shop multiple carriers so you see the market, not one company's appetite. And once you're with us, you never shop again; we re-check your rates and coverage at every renewal automatically, so the package keeps fitting as your business grows.
Legally, usually not. Practically, yes: most contracts, commercial leases, and permit-pulling situations require it, and one property damage claim without it comes out of your pocket. Solo operators typically carry it from day one.
Generally at three or more employees, with counting rules that surprise people. Contracts often require it regardless of headcount. Tell us your setup and we'll tell you where you stand.
A workers' comp policy for an owner-only business that excludes the owner from coverage; it exists to satisfy GC certificate requirements when you have no employees. It's a compliance tool, not real coverage for you, and we'll tell you honestly whether it's the right call.
Typically no. Your own property, including tools and equipment, generally needs an inland marine floater. It's usually inexpensive relative to what's in the truck.
Often the same day. Call or text 910-378-1378 with the certificate holder's name and address and we'll move.
It extends your liability coverage to protect the GC for claims arising from your work. It's standard, most policies handle it by endorsement, and we set it up as part of issuing your COI.
We'll reach out the same business day (Mon–Fri) — usually much sooner — with your options.
Tell us your trade and how you work. We'll shop the carriers, put the package together, and have you covered and certificate-ready; then we re-shop it for you at every renewal so you never do this again.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not an insurance policy. Coverage is determined solely by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy issued. Requirements referenced are specific to North Carolina. Insurance coverage is not bound or altered until confirmed by an authorized representative of Kolstad Insurance Services.
