Before bidding out of state, verify three things: the minimum general liability limits the general contractor demands (usually $1M / $2M), which endorsements the bid requires (Additional Insured, Primary and Noncontributory, Waiver of Subrogation), and your workers' compensation status for that role and state. The limits shown here are the typical commercial GC bid demand, not a legal minimum; states generally do not set a minimum GL limit, but workers' compensation rules are set by statute. As ContractorsInsured.net (CA Lic #6015321 / TX Lic #3305690), we set up the policy and COI to match the exact requirements before you submit.
Three things every contractor should verify before bidding out of state
Before bidding out of state, verify three things: the minimum general liability limits the general contractor demands (usually $1M / $2M), which endorsements the bid requires, and your workers' compensation status for that role and state. This page also explains how a certificate of insurance (COI) differs from being named as additional insured, and links to general liability insurance for contractors.
How to use the table below: the limits shown are the typical commercial GC bid demand, not the legal minimum. States generally do not set a minimum GL limit; minimums are set by your project owner or general contractor's bid documents. Workers' compensation rules are set by statute and are noted accordingly.
- Minimum GL limits the GC demands (usually $1M / $2M; sometimes $2M / $4M on commercial work, $5M+ on public projects).
- Endorsements: does the bid packet require Additional Insured, PNC, and Waiver of Subrogation on a blanket or per-project basis?
- Workers' compensation status for your role on the job (sole-proprietor exemption is state-specific; contractual WC requirements override statutory exemptions on most commercial bids).
California, Texas, and other key states in detail
California
See our guide to general liability insurance for California contractors.
- Contractor licensing authority: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate (often $2M / $4M for public works or large GCs).
- Bond requirement: Contractor's License Bond minimum $25,000 (set by CSLB).
- Workers' compensation: Required for all contractors with employees. Sole-proprietor licensees with no employees may file the CSLB Exemption (form 13L-50), but the exemption only removes the statutory mandate, not contractual ones. C-39 roofing contractors must carry WC regardless of employee count per California Labor Code section 3715.
- Additional Insured / PNC / WOS: Universally demanded on commercial GC bids. Standard CG 20 10 (ongoing operations) plus CG 20 37 (completed operations) endorsement combination is the norm.
- State anti-indemnity statute: California Civil Code section 2782 limits the indemnity a contractor can be required to grant; carriers and brokers should be familiar with these limits when reviewing bid contracts.
Texas
See our guide to general liability insurance for Texas contractors.
- Contractor licensing authority: Texas does not have a statewide contractor licensing board for general contractors; specific trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Insurance is regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M (often $2M / $4M on major commercial; public works frequently demand $5M+ via umbrella).
- Bond requirement: Project-specific (no statewide GC bond). Performance and payment bonds required on most public projects under Texas Government Code Chapter 2253.
- Workers' compensation: Texas is the only US state that makes workers' compensation optional for private employers. However, the vast majority of commercial GCs contractually require it. Sole proprietors may opt out; partnerships and LLC members likewise.
- Additional Insured / PNC / WOS: Standard demand on commercial bids. Anti-indemnity statute (Texas Insurance Code Chapter 151) applies broadly to construction contracts.
Florida
- Licensing authority: Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M, often $2M / $4M in Miami-Dade and Broward county commercial work.
- Bond requirement: Varies by trade; certified contractors must show financial responsibility or a $10,000 to $50,000 bond.
- Workers' compensation: Required for construction contractors with one or more employees (lower threshold than most states). Sole-proprietor exemption available via Division of Workers' Compensation but does not satisfy contractual WC demands on most commercial bids.
New York
- Licensing authority: No statewide contractor license; NYC Department of Buildings licenses contractors within the five boroughs. State-level insurance regulated by the NY Department of Financial Services (DFS).
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $2M / $4M (NYC frequently demands $5M+ with $25M+ excess on public projects).
- Workers' compensation: Mandatory for almost all employers, including some sole proprietors in construction. Labor Law 240 and 241 (Scaffold Law) materially elevates contractor liability exposure; NY contractors typically carry higher umbrella limits than peers in other states.
Illinois
- Licensing authority: No statewide license for GCs; specific trades license through IDFPR. Roofers are licensed statewide.
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M, $2M / $4M on Chicago commercial.
- Workers' compensation: Required for any business with employees; construction sole proprietors may exempt but most commercial GCs contractually require coverage.
Arizona
- Licensing authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M.
- Bond requirement: Tiered by license type ($1,000 to $200,000).
- Workers' compensation: Required for all employees including part-time. Sole-proprietor exemption available.
Nevada
- Licensing authority: Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M, $2M / $4M on Las Vegas Strip projects.
- Bond requirement: $1,000 to $500,000 depending on license classification.
- Workers' compensation: Mandatory for all employees. Sole proprietors may opt in; most commercial bids contractually require.
Washington
- Licensing authority: Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M.
- Bond requirement: $12,000 (general) / $6,000 (specialty).
- Workers' compensation: WA operates a state-fund WC monopoly through L&I. Private WC carriers cannot write in WA; contractors purchase coverage directly from L&I.
Georgia
- Licensing authority: State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M.
- Workers' compensation: Required for businesses with three or more employees.
North Carolina
- Licensing authority: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M.
- Workers' compensation: Required for businesses with three or more employees; construction has a lower threshold.
Colorado
- Licensing authority: No statewide GC license; municipalities license. Electricians and plumbers license through DORA.
- Typical commercial bid GL limit: $1M / $2M.
- Workers' compensation: Mandatory for any employer of one or more (including part-time).
All 50 states, quick reference table
The limits below are the typical commercial GC bid demand, not a legal minimum. Statewide license and workers' comp columns reflect statute; always verify against the actual bid documents.
| State | Typical bid GL limit | Statewide GC license? | WC sole-prop exemption? | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1M / $2M | Yes (AGCB) | Yes (with conditions) | AGCB |
| Alaska | $1M / $2M | Yes (DCBPL) | Yes | DCBPL |
| Arizona | $1M / $2M | Yes (ROC) | Yes | ROC |
| Arkansas | $1M / $2M | Yes (CLB) | Yes | CLB |
| California | $1M / $2M (often $2M/$4M) | Yes (CSLB) | Yes (with CSLB form 13L-50; not C-39) | CSLB |
| Colorado | $1M / $2M | No (municipal) | Limited | DORA |
| Connecticut | $1M / $2M | Yes (DCP) | Limited | DCP |
| Delaware | $1M / $2M | No (state biz license) | Yes | DE Revenue |
| Florida | $1M / $2M | Yes (CILB) | Yes (industry-specific) | CILB |
| Georgia | $1M / $2M | Yes (SLBRGC) | Yes (under 3 employees) | SLBRGC |
| Hawaii | $1M / $2M | Yes (CLB) | Yes | CCA |
| Idaho | $1M / $2M | Yes (ICB) | Yes | DOPL |
| Illinois | $1M / $2M | No (trade-specific) | Yes | IDFPR |
| Indiana | $1M / $2M | No (municipal) | Yes | PLA |
| Iowa | $1M / $2M | Yes (registration) | Yes | Iowa DOL |
| Kansas | $1M / $2M | No (municipal) | Yes | Local jurisdictions |
| Kentucky | $1M / $2M | No (trade-specific) | Yes | KBC |
| Louisiana | $1M / $2M | Yes (LSLBC) | Yes | LSLBC |
| Maine | $1M / $2M | No | Yes | PFR |
| Maryland | $1M / $2M | Yes (MHIC for home imp.) | Yes | DLLR |
| Massachusetts | $1M / $2M (often $2M/$4M Boston) | Yes (HIC registration) | Yes (limited) | Mass.gov |
| Michigan | $1M / $2M | Yes (LARA) | Yes | LARA |
| Minnesota | $1M / $2M | Yes (DLI) | Yes | DLI |
| Mississippi | $1M / $2M | Yes (MSBOC) | Yes | MSBOC |
| Missouri | $1M / $2M | No (municipal) | Yes | Local jurisdictions |
| Montana | $1M / $2M | Yes (registration) | Yes (Independent Contractor Exemption) | ERD |
| Nebraska | $1M / $2M | Yes (NDOL registration) | Yes | NDOL |
| Nevada | $1M / $2M | Yes (NSCB) | Limited | NSCB |
| New Hampshire | $1M / $2M | No | Yes | OPLC |
| New Jersey | $1M / $2M | Yes (HIC for home imp.) | Yes (limited) | DCA |
| New Mexico | $1M / $2M | Yes (CID) | Yes | CID |
| New York | $2M / $4M (often $5M+ NYC) | No (municipal) | Limited | NY DFS |
| North Carolina | $1M / $2M | Yes (NCLBGC) | Yes (under 3) | NCLBGC |
| North Dakota | $1M / $2M | Yes (over $4K) | Yes | SOS |
| Ohio | $1M / $2M | No (trade-specific) | Yes (state-fund WC) | BWC |
| Oklahoma | $1M / $2M | No (municipal) | Yes | Local jurisdictions |
| Oregon | $1M / $2M | Yes (CCB) | Yes (Independent Contractor) | CCB |
| Pennsylvania | $1M / $2M | Yes (HIC registration) | Yes | PA AG |
| Rhode Island | $1M / $2M | Yes (CRB) | Yes | CRB |
| South Carolina | $1M / $2M | Yes (CLB) | Yes (under 4) | LLR |
| South Dakota | $1M / $2M | No | Yes | DLR |
| Tennessee | $1M / $2M | Yes (over $25K) | Yes (5+ in construction) | CLB |
| Texas | $1M / $2M (often $2M/$4M) | No (trade-specific via TDLR) | Yes (TX is opt-in) | TDI |
| Utah | $1M / $2M | Yes (DOPL) | Yes | DOPL |
| Vermont | $1M / $2M | Yes (residential) | Yes | SOS |
| Virginia | $1M / $2M | Yes (DPOR) | Yes | DPOR |
| Washington | $1M / $2M | Yes (L&I) | Yes (state WC monopoly) | L&I |
| West Virginia | $1M / $2M | Yes (WVDOL) | Yes | WVDOL |
| Wisconsin | $1M / $2M | Yes (DSPS) | Yes | DSPS |
| Wyoming | $1M / $2M | No | Yes | DWS |
Additional Insured, PNC, and WOS practical norms
Across every state, the three endorsements demanded on commercial bid packets are nearly universal. The variation is in form and scope, not in whether they are required. Remember that a certificate of insurance (COI) is only proof that coverage exists on a given date; being named as additional insured actually extends your policy's protection to the other party, which a COI alone does not do.
- Additional Insured: Blanket-by-written-contract endorsements (CG 20 33 / CG 20 38 / CG 20 10) are common. Some sophisticated GCs reject blanket forms and require schedule-listed AIs by entity name on each project.
- Primary & Noncontributory: Almost always demanded alongside AI. Carriers that quietly drop PNC language are a frequent source of bid rejection.
- Waiver of Subrogation: Required almost universally on commercial GC bids and public works. WC waivers are state- and policy-specific; California requires a separate WC WOS endorsement; Texas WC ghost policies cannot grant WOS.
When to get your broker involved
- Bid packet language does not match standard ACORD language. Custom indemnity or blanket wording that exceeds the carrier's policy form will not be honored at claim time, regardless of what the COI says.
- You are bidding across state lines for the first time. Workers' comp reciprocity is rare; you usually need a policy specifically for the work state.
- The GC wants per-project Additional Insured. Your blanket AI endorsement may not satisfy this, and the broker may need to issue a project-specific endorsement.
- The bid demands $5M+ in combined limits. An umbrella or excess policy is almost always cheaper than raising the underlying limit.
No policy yet but a GC wants a COI? We quote general liability the same business day, bind, and issue the certificate right after. Already covered? Send the certificate holder details and endorsement wording and we match it.
Sources and verification: Limits and rules above are based on publicly published guidance from the state regulators, current commercial bid practice in 2026, and Pascal Burke Insurance Brokerage's book of business spanning California, Texas, and adjacent states. Specific bid requirements are set by individual project owners and general contractors; always verify against the actual bid documents.