Illinoiscontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: Chicago BACP + IDFPR Roofing Contractor Act
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $1,000,000
- Auto liability
- $500,000
- Surety bond
- $10,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in Illinoiscarry commercial insurance so that if a crew member gets injured on-site, a homeowner's appliance is damaged during demo, or a neighboring property suffers an impact from construction, the contractor's policy (not the homeowner's) pays the claim. AskBaily does not match homeowners to contractors below these minimums.
IL has no state GC license. Chicago BACP issues General Contractor license with $10K bond + $1M GL. Roofing contractors additionally license through IDFPR.
Common questions
What insurance does a Illinois general contractor need?
A Illinois general contractor needs at minimum $1,000,000 general liability coverage plus $500,000 auto liability. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per Chicago BACP + IDFPR Roofing Contractor Act.
How much is the surety bond for Illinois contractors?
Illinois requires a minimum $10,000 surety bond at the license level. Some project-size tiers or local authorities require additional project-specific bonds. See Chicago BACP + IDFPR Roofing Contractor Act for the current schedule.
Who is the licensing authority in Illinois?
Chicago BACP + IDFPR Roofing Contractor Act is the authority for Illinois contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp.html.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in Illinois?
AskBaily runs automated verification against Chicago BACP + IDFPR Roofing Contractor Act before a contractor is matched to a homeowner project. The pro's license number is validated live at signup.
What happens if a contractor doesn't carry the required insurance?
Underinsured contractors are removed from the AskBaily match pool immediately. A homeowner who hires an unlicensed or underinsured contractor in Illinois can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under Chicago BACP + IDFPR Roofing Contractor Act. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
AskBaily cities in Illinois
Homeowners in these cities can chat with Baily today; matched pros must meet the requirements above.
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