New Yorkcontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: NY DOS Home Improvement Contractor Law §20 Art 36-A (outside NYC)
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $1,000,000
- Auto liability
- $500,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in New Yorkcarry 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.
Outside NYC: HIC registration via DOS. Inside NYC: DOB + DCWP licenses apply (see NY-NYC).
Common questions
What insurance does a New York general contractor need?
A New York general contractor needs at minimum $1,000,000 general liability coverage plus $500,000 auto liability. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per NY DOS Home Improvement Contractor Law §20 Art 36-A (outside NYC).
How much is the surety bond for New York contractors?
New York does not require a state-level surety bond for general contractors. Outside NYC: HIC registration via DOS. Inside NYC: DOB + DCWP licenses apply (see NY-NYC).
Who is the licensing authority in New York?
NY DOS Home Improvement Contractor Law §20 Art 36-A (outside NYC) is the authority for New York contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://dos.ny.gov/.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in New York?
AskBaily runs automated verification against NY DOS Home Improvement Contractor Law §20 Art 36-A (outside NYC) 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 New York can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under NY DOS Home Improvement Contractor Law §20 Art 36-A (outside NYC). That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
AskBaily cities in New York
Homeowners in these cities can chat with Baily today; matched pros must meet the requirements above.
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