Contractor Insurance · Texas

Contractor Insurance in Texas That Matches How You Actually Work

Watley Insurance Group helps contractors review liability, workers' comp, auto, equipment, and project exposures with a practical, state-aware approach.

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Licensed in 8 States

Contractor & Commercial Specialist

Consultative Review Process

Multi-State, Locally Relevant

Contractor Risk in Texas: What You Need to Know

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No Mandatory Workers' Comp

Texas is the only state where workers' comp isn't required by law — but most commercial contracts and government jobs require it. Opting out creates significant liability exposure.

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Large Project & Contract Requirements

Texas GCs and subs on larger commercial projects are routinely required to carry higher liability limits and name GCs or owners as additional insureds.

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Weather Diversity

Hail damage in North Texas, flooding in Houston, and freeze events statewide create varied property and inland marine exposures depending on where you work.

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Subcontractor Risk

Texas has a large subcontractor workforce. If your subs aren't properly covered, that liability can transfer to you.

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Urban vs. Rural Risk Variation

Coverage needs and pricing can differ significantly between metro work (Dallas, Houston) and rural or agricultural-area projects.

Coverage Types We Review for Texas Contractors

General Liability

Protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and many common construction-related claims. We review limits and exclusions against your contracts and job types.

Workers' Compensation

Covers medical costs and lost wages when employees are injured on the job. We align coverage with payroll, class codes, and state rules so you are not exposed at renewal.

Commercial Auto

For trucks, vans, and fleet vehicles used in your operations. We review radius, hauling, and vehicle schedules so coverage matches how your team actually drives.

Inland Marine / Tools & Equipment

Covers tools, equipment, and materials in transit or on job sites. Critical when gear moves between projects or sits on exposed sites overnight.

Builder's Risk

Protects structures under construction from fire, theft, weather, and other covered causes. Often required before work starts on larger or financed projects.

Umbrella Liability

Adds extra liability limits above your underlying policies. Frequently required when contracts demand higher limits than your base GL or auto provides.

Professional Liability

For design-build, construction management, or advisory work where errors and omissions can lead to financial loss. We review whether your operations trigger this exposure.

Surety Bonds

Bid, performance, and payment bonds that back your contractual promises. Often required on public jobs or larger private contracts — separate from standard liability policies.

Who We Work With

Artisan contractors

General contractors

Subcontractors

New construction businesses

Growing firms needing a better coverage review

Contractors bidding larger jobs or reviewing contract requirements

Our Process

We start with discovery, not assumptions

We review operations, contracts, vehicles, payroll, and equipment

We identify gaps — not just premiums

We design coverage around the business you're building

Frequently Asked Questions

Is workers' compensation required for contractors in Texas?▼

Texas doesn't legally require workers' comp for most private employers — but that doesn't mean you can skip it. Most commercial contracts and public jobs require it, and without it, you lose certain legal protections if a worker is injured. We help you understand the real exposure before you decide.

What insurance does a general contractor need in Texas?▼

At minimum: general liability and commercial auto. Most GCs also need workers' comp (contractually if not legally), inland marine for tools/equipment, and umbrella coverage if working on larger jobs. We review your contracts and operations to figure out exactly what you need.

I already have coverage but I'm not sure it's right — will you review it?▼

Yes. That's one of the most common reasons contractors contact us. Bring what you have and we'll walk through it.

Do you work with subcontractors, not just GCs?▼

Absolutely. Subs have their own distinct exposures and contract requirements. We work with both.

Can you help with certificate of insurance requests?▼

We can help you understand what a COI request is actually asking for and whether your current coverage meets those requirements.

Get a Contractor Insurance Review Built Around Your Actual Work

Not a generic quote form. A real review of your coverage, your contracts, and your risk.

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