What Does General Liability Insurance Cover for Framers? [2025 Guide]

Between 1993 and 1999, the framing industry experienced 33,021 workers' compensation claims with direct costs exceeding $197 million, highlighting the extraordinarily high-risk nature of framing work. But while workers' comp covers injuries to your own employees, general liability insurance protects your framing business from an entirely different set of potentially devastating financial exposures: claims made by property owners, general contractors, other subcontractors, and anyone else your work might affect.

For framing contractors specifically, general liability insurance isn't just recommended—it's virtually required. Working at heights, handling heavy materials like lumber and steel beams, and creating the structural framework that all other trades depend on creates unique liability exposures that can persist for years after you've completed a project. Understanding exactly what your general liability insurance covers (and critically, what it doesn't) can mean the difference between a business surviving a claim or facing bankruptcy.

This comprehensive guide explains everything framing contractors need to know about general liability coverage: what's covered, what's excluded, real-world claim examples, typical costs, and how to get the right protection for your framing business.

What is General Liability Insurance for Framers?

General liability insurance (also called commercial general liability or CGL) is a foundational business insurance policy that protects framing contractors from financial losses when their work or business operations cause bodily injury to others, damage to someone else's property, or personal and advertising injury. For framers specifically, this coverage responds when third parties—such as property owners, general contractors, other subcontractors, or visitors to the job site—suffer harm or losses allegedly caused by the framing contractor's work or operations.

The critical distinction here is "third parties." Unlike workers' compensation insurance which covers injuries to your own employees, general liability insurance covers claims made by people outside your business. If your framing crew member falls from scaffolding, that's a workers' comp claim. If a piece of lumber falls from that scaffolding and injures a passerby on the street below, that's a general liability claim.

Your general liability policy provides two essential protections that can save your business:

First, it covers the legal defense costs when someone files a lawsuit against your framing company. Even if you did nothing wrong, defending against a construction liability lawsuit can easily cost $50,000 to $100,000 or more in attorney fees, expert witness costs, and court expenses. Your GL insurance pays these defense costs regardless of whether you're ultimately found liable.

Second, it pays settlements or judgments if your framing company is found legally liable for damages. Given that construction-related lawsuits frequently reach six or seven figures—especially for serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries from falls or structural failures causing property damage—this coverage can be the difference between your business surviving a claim or closing permanently.

Industry standard coverage for framing contractors is typically $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate. This means the policy will pay up to $1 million for any single claim, and up to $2 million total for all claims during the policy period. Many large commercial projects require framing contractors to carry even higher limits, such as $2 million per occurrence or $5 million aggregate.

What Does General Liability Cover for Framers?

General liability insurance for framers provides three main areas of protection: bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage, and personal/advertising injury coverage. Each plays a critical role in protecting your framing business from third-party claims.

Bodily Injury Coverage for Framing Contractors

Bodily injury coverage protects your framing business when third parties suffer physical injuries caused by your work or operations. For framers working at heights with heavy materials, this is perhaps the most critical component of general liability insurance.

Falls represent the leading cause of injuries in construction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 39.2% of construction fatalities in 2023 were from falls, and research by CPWR (Center for Construction Research and Training) found that 48.8% of workers injured in falls weren't using any fall protection. For framers specifically—who regularly work on upper floor joists, roof trusses, and wall framing at significant heights—the risk of causing injury to others through falling objects or unstable structures is substantial.

Framing-specific bodily injury scenarios covered by general liability insurance:

• Falling lumber or materials: A 2x10 board slides off the second story floor joists and strikes a pedestrian walking past the construction site, causing a concussion and fractured shoulder. Your GL insurance covers the injured person's medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
• Trip and fall hazards: A general contractor's superintendent trips over lumber and framing materials your crew left in a walkway, suffering a broken wrist that requires surgery. Even though it wasn't your employee who fell, your operations created the hazard, making your GL coverage respond.
• Structural instability injuries: While your crew is framing walls on a new home, a partially braced wall section falls over and injures the plumber who was working nearby. The plumber requires hospitalization for a back injury and ongoing treatment. Your bodily injury coverage pays for medical expenses and potential disability claims.
• Equipment-related incidents: Your crew's framing nailer malfunctions and strikes another contractor's employee in the eye, causing permanent vision damage. As a third-party injury related to your operations, this falls under GL coverage.

Why high bodily injury limits matter for framers: Falls from height frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or death—catastrophic injuries where claim values easily exceed $1 million when accounting for lifetime medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. A framing contractor with only minimum coverage who faces a $2 million judgment would be personally responsible for the excess $1 million, potentially forcing bankruptcy and loss of personal assets.

Property Damage Protection for Framers

Property damage coverage protects your framing business when your work or operations damage someone else's physical property. For framers handling heavy materials and operating equipment on job sites surrounded by other structures, vehicles, and landscaping, property damage exposures are substantial.

Framing-specific property damage scenarios:

• Falling lumber damages adjacent structure: Your crew is framing a new townhome when strong winds cause a stack of 2x12 boards to fall from the second story, crashing through the window and damaging the interior of the neighboring townhome already occupied by homeowners. Your GL coverage pays for window replacement, interior repairs, temporary housing for displaced residents, and any damaged personal property inside. Claim value: $15,000-$40,000.
• Equipment damages landscaping: While delivering materials to a residential framing project, your crew's forklift backs into the homeowner's mature landscaping, destroying $8,000 worth of professionally installed shrubs and hardscaping. Your property damage coverage pays to restore the landscaping to its original condition.
• Materials dropped through floors: During second-story framing, your crew accidentally drops a bundle of lumber through the floor opening, damaging newly installed hardwood flooring on the first level. The flooring contractor demands $12,000 to replace the damaged section. Your GL insurance covers the repair costs.
• Scaffolding collapse damages adjacent property: High winds cause your crew's scaffolding to collapse against the neighboring building, damaging siding, gutters, and breaking several windows. Total repair costs reach $22,000—all covered under your property damage protection.
• Forklift damages existing structure: While maneuvering materials on a renovation project, your operator accidentally strikes the building's existing brick facade with the forklift, requiring masonry repairs costing $18,000. Your GL coverage responds.

Important distinction from commercial auto insurance: If the property damage occurs while operating a vehicle (like your work truck backing into a building), that's covered under commercial auto insurance, not general liability. However, damage caused by construction equipment like forklifts, skid steers, or telehandlers typically falls under GL coverage.

Property damage claims can range from relatively minor incidents (a few thousand dollars) to major structural damage approaching or exceeding policy limits. One particularly severe scenario: if improperly installed framing causes water intrusion that leads to extensive mold damage throughout a building, repair costs can easily exceed $100,000. This is why adequate property damage limits are essential for framing contractors.

Personal and Advertising Injury Coverage

Personal and advertising injury coverage protects against non-physical injuries like slander, libel, copyright infringement, and false advertising. While less common for framing contractors than bodily injury or property damage claims, this coverage is included in standard GL policies.

Scenarios where framers might face personal and advertising injury claims:

• Copyright infringement: A framing contractor uses building plans or architectural designs without proper authorization, leading to a copyright infringement lawsuit from the designer.
• Slander or libel: During a business dispute with a general contractor, accusations are made that damage the GC's reputation, leading to a defamation claim.
• False advertising: Marketing materials or website content make false claims about a competitor, resulting in a business disparagement lawsuit.

While these scenarios are less frequent for framing contractors compared to other coverage areas, having this protection included in your GL policy provides important coverage for unexpected claims.

Medical Payments Coverage

Most general liability policies include medical payments coverage, typically $5,000 per person. This is "no-fault" coverage that pays immediate medical expenses for someone injured on your job site or due to your operations, regardless of whether you're legally liable.

How medical payments works for framers:

A homeowner visits the framing project to check progress and trips over a scrap piece of lumber, spraining their ankle. Even if your crew wasn't negligent (maybe the homeowner was in a restricted area), your medical payments coverage can pay their emergency room visit, X-rays, and follow-up care up to $5,000. This immediate payment often prevents small incidents from escalating into lawsuits, provides good customer relations, and demonstrates your professionalism and responsibility.

Medical payments coverage is limited—$5,000 is typical—but serves as valuable "goodwill" coverage that can resolve minor injury claims quickly and maintain positive business relationships.

Completed Operations Coverage: Why It's Critical for Framers

Of all the coverage components in a general liability policy, completed operations coverage may be the most critical for framing contractors—yet it's often misunderstood or undervalued. This coverage protects your business from claims arising from defects or problems discovered after you've finished a project and moved on to the next job.

Why completed operations is uniquely important for framers:

Framing is the structural skeleton of every building. Every other trade—electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, drywallers, roofers—builds their work on top of the framing structure you create. If there's a problem with the framing that doesn't become apparent until months or years later, the resulting damage can be catastrophic and affect every subsequent trade's work.

Unlike trades that perform surface-level work you can immediately inspect, framing defects often hide behind walls, beneath floors, or above ceilings for years before becoming apparent. When they do surface, the damages can be extensive because the defective framing has allowed other problems to develop.

How long can completed operations claims arise?

State statutes of repose (the time limit after project completion when construction defect claims can still be filed) typically range from 2-10 years depending on the state. This means you could face a claim for framing work you completed a decade ago. Without completed operations coverage, you'd be personally liable for defending against and potentially paying these claims years after receiving payment for the work.

Real-world completed operations scenarios for framers:

• Structural beam failure: Three years after completing a residential framing project, a critical support beam installed by your crew fails due to improper sizing or connection. The resulting structural settlement damages the home's foundation, framing, and finishes throughout the house. Total claim: $225,000 for structural repairs, architectural fees, and homeowner's temporary housing. Without completed operations coverage, your business would face this quarter-million-dollar liability personally.
• Roof sag from improper framing: Five years after project completion, a homeowner notices the ridge beam has sagged, causing roof shingles to break and allowing water intrusion. Investigation reveals the roof framing doesn't meet code requirements for snow load capacity. Repairs require removing roofing, installing proper structural supports, and repairing water damage. Claim: $180,000. Your completed operations coverage pays the full amount.
• Wall collapse causes injuries: Four years after framing a commercial building, a wall collapses due to improperly secured wall plates, injuring two office workers inside. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering claims, and structural repairs total $1.1 million. This catastrophic completed operations claim is covered up to your policy limits.
• Water damage from improper flashing: Your framing crew installed window headers and wall framing, and another contractor installed windows. Years later, water intrusion around windows causes extensive mold and structural damage. Investigation determines the framing didn't properly support the window flashing system, making your framing work the root cause. Remediation costs exceed $150,000. Completed operations coverage responds.

Products-completed operations aggregate limit:

Most GL policies have a separate aggregate limit for products and completed operations claims. This is typically equal to your general aggregate limit (for example, if you have a $2 million general aggregate, you'll usually have a $2 million products-completed operations aggregate). This separate "bucket" of coverage ensures completed operations claims don't exhaust your coverage for current operations.

Critical warning: Some insurance companies offer reduced-premium policies that eliminate or severely limit completed operations coverage. For framers, accepting such a policy to save $200-$400 annually is extraordinarily dangerous. The potential exposure from a single completed operations claim—which could exceed $100,000 to $300,000 for structural framing failures—far outweighs any premium savings. Never eliminate completed operations coverage from your GL policy.

What General Liability Does NOT Cover for Framers

Understanding what general liability insurance doesn't cover is just as important as knowing what it does cover. These exclusions catch many framing contractors by surprise when they file claims, potentially leaving them with enormous out-of-pocket expenses. Let's examine the major exclusions that affect framers.

Your Own Work (The Faulty Workmanship Exclusion)

The single most misunderstood aspect of general liability insurance is the "business risk" or "faulty workmanship" exclusion. Your GL insurance will NOT pay to fix, replace, or repair your own defective work. This surprises many contractors, but insurance isn't designed to guarantee the quality of your workmanship—it's designed to cover the liability you incur when your defective work damages other people or property.

How the faulty workmanship exclusion works:

Let's say your framing crew improperly installs ceiling joists that don't meet code requirements. A building inspector fails the framing inspection and requires the joists to be removed and reinstalled correctly. The cost to fix your defective framing—materials, labor, disposal of incorrect materials—is not covered by general liability insurance. That's your business risk, not an insurable loss.

However—and this is the critical distinction—if those improperly installed ceiling joists later fail and cause damage to other property or injure someone, your GL insurance does cover that resulting damage.

Example illustrating the distinction:

Your framing crew improperly installs a load-bearing beam, using an undersized beam that doesn't meet structural requirements.

• Not covered: The cost to remove the incorrect beam and install the proper sized beam. This is repairing your own defective work—a business risk, not an insurable claim. Cost: $8,000 (your responsibility).
• Covered: If that undersized beam later fails and the ceiling collapses, damaging the electrician's recently installed wiring, HVAC ductwork, and drywall installation, plus injuring a worker below—those damages to other trades' work and the bodily injury are covered by your GL insurance. Claim value: $75,000 (covered by insurance).

Many framers mistakenly believe GL insurance acts as a warranty or performance bond that will pay to correct their mistakes. It doesn't. The policy only covers the liability you incur when your mistakes damage others or their property.

Tools, Equipment, and Materials

General liability insurance does NOT cover your business property. This is another common misconception that leaves framers with uncovered losses.

Your framing tools, equipment, and materials are considered business property, not third-party liability exposures. When your nail guns, saws, framing squares, scaffolding, or lumber inventory are stolen, damaged, or destroyed, your GL policy won't respond.

Examples of what's NOT covered:

• Stolen tools: Thieves break into your job site trailer and steal $30,000 worth of framing nailers, saws, levels, laser tools, and hand tools. Not covered by GL insurance.
• Damaged equipment: Your framing crew's pneumatic nailer falls from the second story and is destroyed. Not covered by GL insurance.
• Materials awaiting installation: A storm damages lumber and OSB sheathing stored at the job site before installation. Not covered by GL insurance.
• Vehicle damage: Your work truck is damaged at the job site. Not covered by GL insurance (need commercial auto insurance).

What coverage DO you need for tools and equipment?

Inland marine insurance (also called tools and equipment coverage or contractor's equipment coverage) specifically protects your business property. This coverage typically costs $400-$800 annually for $25,000-$50,000 in coverage and protects against theft, damage, and loss of your framing tools and equipment whether at the job site, in your shop, in your vehicle, or in transit.

Employee Injuries (Workers Compensation Territory)

General liability insurance does NOT cover injuries to your own employees. This is workers' compensation territory, and the two policies serve completely different purposes.

If your framing crew member falls from a ladder, is struck by falling lumber, or suffers any injury while working for your company, that claim goes through your workers' compensation insurance—never your general liability policy.

The critical distinction:

• Workers' compensation: Covers injuries to YOUR employees (your framer, your laborers, your foreman)
• General liability: Covers injuries to OTHERS (property owners, other contractors' employees, passersby, visitors)

Why you need both policies:

Most states legally require workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. It's not optional. And general contractors universally require proof of both workers' comp and general liability insurance before allowing subcontractors on job sites.

Real Claim Examples for Framing Contractors

Understanding coverage in theory is valuable, but seeing how general liability insurance responds (or doesn't respond) to real-world scenarios helps clarify what framers actually need. Here are detailed claim examples based on common framing contractor exposures:

Claim #1: Falling Lumber Causes Serious Injury - COVERED

What happened: A framing crew working on the second story of a new townhome construction project had stacked 2x10 lumber near the edge of the floor platform. A sudden wind gust caused the stack to shift, and three boards fell off the edge, striking a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk below. The pedestrian suffered a fractured skull, broken collarbone, and traumatic brain injury requiring emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation.

Claim outcome: The injured pedestrian's attorney demanded $2 million for medical expenses, lost wages (the victim could no longer work in his profession), and pain and suffering. The framing contractor's GL insurance provided full legal defense, negotiated with plaintiff's attorney, and settled the claim for $450,000—all paid by the insurance company within policy limits. The framing contractor paid nothing out of pocket except their deductible (typically $1,000-$5,000).

Claim #2: Structural Failure Years Later - COVERED (Completed Operations)

What happened: Four years after completing the framing on a residential addition, the homeowner noticed cracks in interior walls and the ceiling beginning to sag. Structural inspection revealed the framing contractor had undersized the ceiling joists and incorrectly spaced support beams, causing the roof structure to settle. Repairs required removing the finished ceiling and roofing, installing proper structural supports, and refinishing.

Claim outcome: Total repair costs reached $225,000: $85,000 for structural corrections, $60,000 to remove and replace roofing, $45,000 to remove and replace ceiling finishes, $20,000 in engineering fees, and $15,000 for homeowner's temporary housing during repairs. The framing contractor's completed operations coverage paid the full amount.

Claim #3: Stolen Tools - EXCLUDED (Need Inland Marine)

What happened: Thieves broke into the framing contractor's job site storage trailer overnight and stole approximately $30,000 worth of tools: framing nailers, saws, laser levels, transits, power tools, hand tools, and scaffolding components.

Claim outcome: The framing contractor filed a claim with their GL insurance carrier, which denied coverage citing the business property exclusion. The contractor had no inland marine/tools coverage, so they absorbed the full $30,000 loss, significantly impacting their cash flow and ability to operate.

Claim #4: Deck Collapse - COVERED (Completed Operations)

What happened: Four years after a framing contractor completed the structural framing for a large residential deck, the deck collapsed during a family gathering, injuring six people. Investigation revealed the framing contractor had used incorrect joist hangers that weren't rated for the load, and the connections had gradually failed over time.

Claim outcome: Six injured parties with varying severity of injuries. Total settlement: $1.2 million. The framing contractor's $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate policy paid the full amount. The contractor's policy was exhausted, but the structure protected them from personal bankruptcy.

How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost for Framers?

One of the first questions framing contractors ask is: "What will general liability insurance cost me?" The answer varies based on several factors, but industry data provides reliable ranges for typical framing operations.

Average cost for framing contractor GL insurance: $55-$79 per month ($660-$948 annually)

This typical pricing is for standard coverage of $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate—the minimum required by most general contractors and project contracts.

According to Insureon's contractor insurance cost data, framing contractors typically pay around $80 per month ($960 per year) for general liability insurance, placing framers in the moderate-cost range for construction trades.

Factors That Affect Your GL Insurance Cost

1. Annual Revenue and Payroll

• Solo framer ($100K-$250K revenue): $55-$70/month
• Small crew ($250K-$750K revenue, 3-5 employees): $80-$120/month
• Established operation ($750K-$2M revenue, 6-10 employees): $130-$200/month
• Larger company ($2M+ revenue, 10+ employees): $200-$350/month

2. Claims History

• Clean loss history (no claims 5+ years): Standard rates
• One claim (past 5 years): 10-25% premium increase
• Multiple claims: 30-75% premium increase or difficulty obtaining coverage

3. Location (State)

• Lower cost states: Texas, Arizona, Indiana, Ohio ($600-$800/year typical)
• Moderate cost states: Florida, Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina ($800-$1,100/year)
• Higher cost states: California, New York, Illinois ($1,200-$1,800/year)

4. Type of Framing Work

• Residential wood framing (single-family homes, townhomes): Moderate rates
• Commercial wood framing (apartments, mixed-use): Moderate to high rates
• Metal stud framing (commercial interiors): Lower rates than wood framing
• Heavy timber framing (post & beam, timber frame homes): Higher rates due to specialty exposure

Do Framers Need General Liability Insurance?

Short answer: YES. Virtually every framing contractor operating commercially needs general liability insurance, and here's why:

Contractual Requirements Are Universal

In modern construction, you cannot work as a subcontractor without general liability insurance. General contractors universally require all subcontractors to provide proof of insurance before allowing them on job sites. The requirement isn't negotiable—no certificate of insurance (COI) means you don't get the job, period.

Typical general contractor insurance requirements for framing subs:

• Minimum limits: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
• Large commercial projects: Often require $2 million per occurrence / $4 million aggregate
• Additional insured endorsement: You must add the GC as additional insured on your policy
• Waiver of subrogation: Your insurance can't sue the GC to recover claim payments
• 30-day cancellation notice: GC must be notified if your coverage is cancelled
• Certificate of insurance: Must be provided before starting work

What Happens If You Don't Have General Liability Insurance?

• 1. Cannot Bid Jobs: Without a current certificate of insurance, you cannot submit bids to general contractors. This eliminates the vast majority of commercial framing work.
• 2. Personal Liability Exposure: Every project you complete without insurance creates unlimited personal liability.
• 3. No Legal Defense: Even if you did nothing wrong, defending a construction lawsuit costs $50,000-$100,000+.
• 4. Catastrophic Financial Risk: A single serious bodily injury or structural failure claim can create liability exceeding $500,000 to $2 million.

General Liability vs Workers Compensation for Framers

Framing contractors need both general liability and workers' compensation insurance, but they serve completely different purposes. Understanding the distinction prevents dangerous coverage gaps.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Why You Need Both Policies

The two policies protect against completely different exposures:

Scenario: Fall from scaffolding

Your framing crew is installing roof trusses when scaffolding collapses, causing:

• Your employee (the framer) to fall and break their leg
• A passerby below to be struck by falling equipment and suffer a concussion

Which insurance responds?

• Workers' compensation: Pays medical expenses, wage replacement, and disability benefits for YOUR employee
• General liability: Pays medical expenses, legal defense, and damages for the PASSERBY (third party)

How to Get General Liability Insurance for Framers

Ready to purchase GL insurance for your framing business? Here's the step-by-step process to get properly covered:

Step 1: Determine Your Coverage Needs

Coverage Limits:

• Review your general contractor agreements to see what limits they require
• Industry standard: $1M occurrence / $2M aggregate
• Large commercial projects: Often require $2M/$4M
• Consider higher limits if you do significant structural framing

Step 2: Gather Business Information

Required Information:

• Years in business and experience
• Legal structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation)
• Annual revenue (previous year and projected)
• Number of employees
• Types of framing work performed (residential, commercial, wood, metal)
• States where you operate
• Claims history (past 5 years)

Step 3: Compare Quotes From Multiple Carriers

Get at least 3 quotes to ensure competitive pricing. Compare coverage, not just price.

Step 4: Review Policy Details

• Verify coverage limits match your needs
• Confirm all locations and operations are covered
• Check policy dates (continuous coverage with no gaps)
• Verify completed operations is included (NOT excluded)

Frequently Asked Questions About General Liability for Framers

Conclusion

General liability insurance is the foundational protection every framing contractor needs to operate safely and successfully in today's construction market. With the ability to protect your business from potentially devastating third-party claims, cover legal defense costs that easily reach six figures, and meet the universal insurance requirements of general contractors, GL insurance isn't optional—it's essential.

For framing contractors specifically—working at heights, handling heavy materials, and creating structural frameworks that other trades depend on—the risks are substantial and long-lasting. Your exposure doesn't end when you complete a project; it can extend years into the future through completed operations liability. Understanding the three core coverage areas (bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations) while recognizing critical exclusions (tools, faulty workmanship, employee injuries) ensures you have the right protection in place.

At a typical cost of $55-$79 per month for $1 million in coverage, general liability insurance represents a small investment that protects your business, personal assets, and livelihood from claims that could otherwise force bankruptcy. Combined with workers' compensation, commercial auto, and inland marine coverage for tools, you create a comprehensive insurance program that lets you focus on building quality framing projects rather than worrying about financial catastrophe.

Ready to protect your framing business? Contact a commercial insurance agent specializing in construction contractors to get quotes from multiple carriers. Compare coverage, not just price, and ensure your policy includes completed operations coverage with adequate limits for the structural nature of framing work. With the right general liability insurance in place, you can bid confidently, work safely, and build your framing business on a solid foundation of protection.