Contractor working on a roof – Contractors General Liability Insurance in Des Moines, IA from The Insurance Specialists, Inc.

Des Moines Contractors’ General Liability Insurance – Protect Your Business from Jobsite Risks

Every project comes with risks. From jobsite accidents to client disputes, one unexpected claim could put your contracting business and finances at risk.

That’s why contractors in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and across Polk County turn to The Insurance Specialists, Inc. for Contractors’ General Liability Insurance (CGL).

That’s why contractors in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and across Polk County turn to The Insurance Specialists, Inc. for Contractors’ General Liability Insurance (CGL).

This essential coverage helps protect against:

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    Liability claims during or after a project

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    Property damage to a client’s home or business

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    Legal defense costs if you’re sued

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    Third-party injuries on your jobsite

In Iowa, contractors are often required to carry liability insurance to secure permits or commercial contracts. Premiums can vary widely based on your trade, crew size, and revenue, but many contractors spend a few thousand dollars annually to stay protected.

At The Insurance Specialists, Inc., our team works with leading carriers to help you secure coverage tailored to your business, at competitive rates, with fast turnaround for certificates of insurance.

📞Request your personalized Des Moines contractor liability insurance quote today and keep your projects moving forward with confidence.

Tailored Liability Coverage for Iowa Contractors

No two contractors face the same risks. That’s why The Insurance Specialists, Inc. builds coverage around the unique exposures of your trade—whether you’re a Des Moines roofer, electrician, plumber, landscaper, or general contractor.

Here’s how Contractors’ General Liability Insurance can be customized to fit your work:

  • General Liability Protection – Safeguards against client lawsuits, jobsite injuries, and property damage tied to your daily operations.

  • Products & Completed Operations – Covers claims related to your finished projects or installed materials—critical for contractors handling commercial builds where warranty issues may arise.

  • Contractual Liability – Many Des Moines project agreements require contractors to assume liability on behalf of another party. This ensures you stay compliant without exposing your business to financial risk.

  • Property Damage – Helps cover accidental damage to a client’s property, whether it’s a broken window, water damage from plumbing work, or equipment mishaps.

  • Bodily Injury Coverage – Provides protection if a third party is injured on your jobsite, from slips and falls to equipment-related accidents.

  • Legal Defense Costs – Helps pay for legal representation and trial expenses, keeping a single lawsuit from draining your resources.

Unlike one-size-fits-all policies, our team takes the time to understand your projects, contracts, and compliance needs.

That means your coverage is comprehensive where it needs to be—and lean where it can be—so you’re not overpaying for protection you’ll never use.

Schedule a consultation with our Des Moines insurance team and find the liability coverage that matches your trade.

Why Choose The Insurance Specialists, Inc.

Choosing the right insurance for your contracting business is vital. Here’s why contractors turn to us for their general liability coverage:

Experienced Support

Gain insights from professionals with extensive knowledge in the construction and contracting insurance industry, helping you navigate complex coverage needs.

Tailored Protection

We design policies that fit the unique demands of your business, ensuring your coverage is suited to your specific operational risks.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Through our partnerships with top insurers, we offer affordable coverage options that fit your budget without sacrificing essential protection.

Reliable Network

Our established relationships with trusted insurance carriers mean you’ll have access to dependable and comprehensive insurance plans.

Contractors’ General Liability Insurance FAQ

We know liability coverage can be confusing, especially when requirements vary from project to project. That’s why we’ve answered the most common questions contractors in Des Moines and across Iowa ask us about Contractors’ General Liability Insurance.

Contractors’ General Liability Insurance (CGL) protects your business from financial loss when accidents happen on or off the jobsite.

It generally covers third-party property damage, bodily injuries to non-employees such as clients or bystanders, and the cost of legal defense if a claim is filed against your work.

In Des Moines and across Iowa, this protection ensures your company isn’t left paying out of pocket for accidents linked to your operations. Having CGL in place gives both you and your clients confidence that unexpected risks are managed.

Any business in construction, renovation, or skilled trades should strongly consider liability coverage.

In Iowa, this is especially important for general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades like electricians, plumbers, and roofers.

Many clients, project managers, or city permit offices in Des Moines require proof of coverage before work begins.

Even if it’s not required by law, CGL is considered an industry standard that safeguards your business and demonstrates professionalism to clients.

No. Contractors’ General Liability Insurance does not cover employee injuries. Those claims are handled through workers’ compensation insurance, which is a separate policy.

CGL is meant to protect against third-party injuries, including clients, guests, or members of the public who may be impacted by your work activities.

For full protection, many contractors carry both CGL and workers’ compensation to ensure all risks are addressed.

Iowa law does not mandate CGL insurance for every contractor.

However, in practice, many project managers, municipalities, and clients in Des Moines require contractors to show proof of liability coverage before granting contracts or permits.

Even when it isn’t legally required, carrying liability insurance is considered a safeguard against costly lawsuits and a best practice for maintaining a professional reputation.

Without it, contractors risk losing projects and being exposed to major financial liability.

Yes. If your company is sued due to property damage or injury connected to your work, your CGL policy can cover attorney fees, court expenses, and settlements up to the policy limits.

Legal defense can be expensive, even for small claims, and having this protection ensures your business finances and reputation are better protected.

This allows you to focus on your projects while knowing that potential lawsuits won’t derail your operations.

Contractors’ General Liability Insurance does not cover everything.

Common exclusions include intentional damage, mistakes in professional judgment, and repairs to your own work.

For more complete protection, contractors often combine CGL with policies such as professional liability, commercial property insurance, or workers’ compensation.

Working with a specialist ensures your business is not left with gaps in coverage, especially if you take on complex projects in Iowa.

There are several ways contractors can reduce their CGL insurance costs.

Maintaining a strong jobsite safety program, keeping a clean claims history, and bundling CGL with other business policies are common strategies.

Reviewing your coverage annually with an agent ensures your policy reflects your current operations and avoids unnecessary costs.

Our Des Moines team can guide you through safety practices and policy bundling options that may help you save money while keeping full protection.

Getting liability coverage for your contracting business is a straightforward process. You start by connecting with a local insurance specialist, like our team at The Insurance Specialists, Inc.

We’ll gather details about your trade, crew size, and project scope, then compare options from top carriers to tailor a plan that fits your business needs.

To get started, request a consultation today and secure liability protection before your next project begins.

Most contractors need a certificate of insurance (COI) before they can start a project or apply for permits.

In many cases, proof of coverage can be issued within 24 hours of binding your policy.

This fast turnaround makes it easier to keep your projects on schedule and meet client or municipal requirements without delay.

Our specialists can help you secure coverage quickly so you’re ready when the work begins.

The cost of Contractors’ General Liability Insurance depends on several factors unique to your business.

These include your trade or specialty (for example, roofing typically carries higher risk than painting), your annual revenue and payroll, your claims history, and whether you use subcontractors.

Crew size and safety practices also play a role. Contractors with strong safety programs and clean claims histories often qualify for lower rates. Requesting a quote is the best way to see what your coverage will cost.

Generally, subcontractors must carry their own liability insurance rather than being included under your Contractors’ General Liability policy.

Most policies require subcontractors to carry their own liability coverage.

In Des Moines, many project owners ask contractors to show proof that subs are insured before work begins. Carrying proper coverage for everyone on site helps protect your business from liability if a subcontractor causes an accident.

Policy limits vary depending on the size and scope of your projects. Smaller contractors may choose standard limits, while larger companies or those working on high-value projects often select higher coverage amounts for stronger protection.

In Iowa, many clients and municipalities set minimum requirements for liability coverage, so choosing the right limit is also about meeting contract standards.

Our specialists can help you determine coverage levels that balance protection with cost.

Contractors’ General Liability Insurance protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs.

Professional liability insurance, often referred to as errors and omissions (E&O), helps protect against financial losses caused by oversights in your work, like design issues or incorrect recommendations.

While CGL addresses accidents and physical damage, professional liability covers the financial impact of errors in your work. Many Iowa contractors choose to carry both for complete protection.

Yes. Contractors often combine CGL with other types of business coverage, such as commercial property insurance, workers’ compensation, or business owner’s policies.

Adding liability protection to your current insurance package can make managing coverage easier and may qualify you for multi-policy discounts.

Our team can review your existing plan and tailor it to include general liability coverage that matches your contracting operations.

A certificate of insurance (COI) is an official document proving your liability coverage. Contractors in Des Moines often need COIs to start projects, apply for permits, or meet client requirements.

Many project managers won’t allow work to begin until proof of coverage is provided. With a CGL policy in place, our specialists can issue COIs quickly so your business can stay compliant and keep projects moving forward.

When an accident occurs, the first step is to report the incident to your insurance provider. Your policy may cover attorney fees, investigation costs, and settlements if the claim is valid.

In Des Moines, quick claims handling helps contractors avoid delays that can impact projects and client relationships.

Having CGL ensures that unexpected claims are managed without disrupting your business operations.

No. Contractors’ General Liability Insurance is designed to cover third-party injuries, property damage, and legal defense, not your own tools, equipment, or business vehicles.

For those, separate policies such as inland marine insurance or commercial auto coverage are needed. Pairing these with CGL gives contractors in Iowa a more complete risk management strategy.

In many cases, yes. Contractors who need liability insurance quickly—such as for permits, contracts, or new projects—may be able to secure same-day coverage through our specialists.

This includes issuing a certificate of insurance shortly after binding the policy. Fast access to coverage helps contractors in Des Moines avoid project delays and stay in compliance with client requirements.

The main benefits include financial protection from lawsuits, compliance with client and municipal requirements, and increased credibility with project owners.

Carrying CGL also helps contractors win more jobs, since proof of liability insurance is often required before contracts are signed.

In short, it protects your business operations while building trust with clients across Iowa.

Requesting a quote is simple. Share details about your trade, crew size, and project types with our specialists, and we’ll compare options from leading carriers.

This ensures you get coverage tailored to your business at a competitive rate.

Starting with a personalized quote gives you clear expectations for cost and coverage, helping you plan confidently for upcoming projects.

Our Other Commercial Insurance Services

Discover our selection of customized commercial insurance solutions crafted to address the varying needs of business owners. Click the links below to explore each service and identify the coverage that aligns best with your business requirements.

  • Commercial Auto Insurance: Get essential coverage for your business vehicles, safeguarding them from accidents, theft, and other risks on the road.

  • Commercial General Liability Insurance: Protect your company from a variety of potential issues, such as third-party claims involving injuries, damage to property, and related legal fees, helping your business stay secure in the face of unexpected situations.

  • Business Owner Insurance: Combine property and liability coverage in a comprehensive policy designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.

  • Trucking Insurance: Ensure your trucks and drivers are protected with specialized coverage tailored for the trucking industry.

  • Bonds: Secure surety bonds for your business to guarantee the completion of projects and compliance with regulations.

Looking for the Right Insurance Coverage?

Ensure your peace of mind with the right coverage. Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you explore insurance options that match your priorities and fit your budget.

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