General FAQs

If you subcontract work out, you may still be responsible to your client for the overall job, even if someone else does part of the work. That is why it is important to think about both their insurance and yours.

A common approach is to make sure subcontractors hold their own public liability, and professional indemnity if they provide advice or a professional service. It also helps to collect and keep their Certificates of Currency, so you can show what they have in place if a client or insurer asks. You should also check your own policy to confirm it allows for subcontractors and matches how you actually operate, because some policies have conditions or limits around subcontracted work. Using a written agreement that clearly sets out who is responsible for what can also reduce disputes if something goes wrong.

It is also worth being careful with worker classifications. In some situations, contractors can be treated like employees for insurance or legal purposes, and requirements can vary by state and the way the work is arranged.

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