Kentuckycontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: KY DHBC KRS 198B
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $500,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in Kentuckycarry 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.
DHBC licenses HVAC, plumbing, electrical. No state GC license — local AHJ (Louisville Metro, Lexington) handles GC.
Common questions
What insurance does a Kentucky general contractor need?
A Kentucky general contractor needs at minimum $500,000 general liability coverage. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per KY DHBC KRS 198B.
How much is the surety bond for Kentucky contractors?
Kentucky does not require a state-level surety bond for general contractors. DHBC licenses HVAC, plumbing, electrical. No state GC license — local AHJ (Louisville Metro, Lexington) handles GC.
Who is the licensing authority in Kentucky?
KY DHBC KRS 198B is the authority for Kentucky contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://dhbc.ky.gov/.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in Kentucky?
AskBaily runs automated verification against KY DHBC KRS 198B 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 Kentucky can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under KY DHBC KRS 198B. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
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