Does General Liability Cover Independent Contractors?
Not automatically. A contractor is covered only if the policy or an endorsement gives that person insured status.
The ISO form covers only specified people and entities; an endorsement may extend protection for particular work or completed operations.
Check the contract’s insurance requirements and the policy endorsement. Confirm each party’s named insured, additional-insured wording, operations, and limits; a certificate alone does not establish coverage.
Coverage Guides Related to General Liability Insurance
Sources for This Answer
- Commercial general liability insurance. Insurance Information Institute; What commercial general liability insurance covers; Coverage A, B and C; Additional liability coverages to consider. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Commercial Insurance Guide. California Department of Insurance; Commercial General Liability; Commercial Automobile; Workers Compensation; Commercial Property. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Commercial General Liability Coverage Form, CG 00 01 12 07. ISO; specimen hosted by Hiscox; Coverage A I.A pp.1–5; Coverage B I.B pp.6–7; Who Is An Insured II pp.9–10; Limits III p.10; Conditions IV pp.10–12; Definitions V pp.12–16. Accessed 2026-09-25.