Jobsite Accidents Happen—We’ll Help Make Sure They Don’t Derail Your Business

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is the foundation of any smart risk plan for Arizona contractors. Whether you’re a solo builder in Queen Creek or running multiple crews in Phoenix and Tucson, this policy protects your business from lawsuits tied to injuries, property damage, or other incidents that happen because of your work. At JP Insurance Group, we specialize in contractor liability coverage that meets the expectations of general contractors, municipalities, and project owners—without overcomplicating things.

Why General Liability Insurance Matters in the Trades

Let’s say a visitor trips over an air hose on your site in Gilbert, or a falling ladder cracks a homeowner’s window in Scottsdale. If you’re hit with a claim, your general liability policy helps cover medical costs, legal fees, and repairs. Without it, your business—and your personal assets—could be on the line.



Arizona doesn’t require general liability insurance by law, but in construction, it’s often non-negotiable. Most commercial jobs and GC agreements require contractors and subs to carry at least $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate liability coverage. Skip it, and you might not even land the work.

What Contractor General Liability Covers (and Doesn’t)

Your policy is designed to handle the most common risks that come with working in the field:

Bodily Injury to Third Parties

for example, if a passerby trips over materials near the site

Property Damage

like breaking a client’s door during demolition

Legal Defense & Court Costs

even if a claim is baseless, you’ll need to defend your business

Personal or Advertising Injury

covers libel, slander, and certain accidental ad-related issues

But there are limits. General liability won’t cover:


  • Your own employees’ injuries – that’s handled through Workers’ Comp

  • Your tools, equipment, or materials – you’ll need separate coverage for that

  • Professional design mistakes – if you’re drawing plans, you may need Errors & Omissions (E&O)
A construction worker is standing in front of a crane on a construction site.

GL Insurance & Arizona Licensing: What to Know

While the Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires a license bond—not insurance—many cities, GCs, and customers will ask for proof of liability coverage before they’ll work with you. Having a current Certificate of Insurance can be the difference between winning or losing a job. If you’re in Mesa or Tempe and trying to pull permits, some local offices will ask to see this proof upfront.

How Much Does Contractor Liability Insurance Cost in Arizona?

Premiums vary based on trade, size, and claims history, but most small contractors in Arizona can expect to pay between $500 to $3,000+ per year for a $1M/$2M policy.

Several factors affect the price:


  • Your specific trade (roofers pay more than painters)
  • Annual payroll and revenue
  • Past claims or loss history
  • The limits and deductibles you choose


Want to know your exact rate? We’ll shop the market and get you quotes tailored to your business.

Quick, No-Hassle Setup—With Fast Certificate Turnaround

At JP Insurance Group, we make it simple. No pushy sales tactics—just honest guidance and competitive options.


  1. We’ll talk through your business and coverage needs
  2. We quote through multiple contractor-focused carriers
  3. You pick the policy that fits—no pressure
  4. We’ll issue your Certificate of Insurance fast (same-day in most cases)


Need to add an additional insured or update a certificate? We’ve got you covered.

Smart Ways to Avoid GL Claims on the Job

You work hard to run a clean, professional operation. These quick steps can help keep claims—and premiums—under control:


  • Keep walkways clear and jobsites tidy
  • Use contracts with clear project scopes and signed approvals
  • Add clients as additional insureds when asked—correctly and in writing


We’re here to advise on risk management every step of the way—not just hand you a policy.

Frequently Asked Questions – General Liability Insurance

  • Is general liability insurance required to get a contractor license in Arizona?

    No, it’s not a legal requirement by the AZ ROC—but most clients, GCs, and job sites expect you to carry it. Without it, you might struggle to win jobs or sign contracts, especially on commercial or residential projects where liability protection is expected.

  • What does general liability insurance actually cover?

    It covers third-party claims for things like property damage, bodily injury, or advertising injury caused by your work or operations. If a client trips over your tools or you damage a customer’s home during a job, this policy helps cover the cost.

  • Does general liability insurance cover faulty workmanship?

    Not directly. General liability doesn’t cover the cost to redo your own work—that’s considered a business risk. But if your work causes damage to something else (like a faulty pipe flooding a finished basement), that damage could be covered.

  • How much general liability coverage do contractors need?

    Most Arizona contractors carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Some commercial clients or municipalities might require higher limits, or an umbrella policy on top. JP Insurance can help you meet bid specs without overpaying.

  • Is general liability the same as a bond?

    No. Liability insurance protects you from accidents or third-party claims. A bond guarantees your performance or license compliance and can be claimed against if you break a contract or licensing rule. Many contractors need both.

  • How much does general liability insurance cost for a contractor?

    Cost depends on your trade, revenue, claim history, and crew size. A small handyman might pay around $500–$1,200/year, while higher-risk trades like roofing or framing may pay more. Bundle discounts and payment plans are available.

Don’t Let One Accident Wipe Out What You’ve Built

From Chandler to Tucson, we help contractors across Arizona protect their work and keep jobs moving. Whether you're just getting licensed or scaling your team, general liability insurance is a must-have.

Get a Fast, No-Obligation Quote Today

Or call us at  (480) 621-7220 to talk to a contractor insurance specialist.