New York Citycontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: NYC DCWP §20-387 + DOB Administrative Code §28-401
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $1,000,000
- Auto liability
- $500,000
- Surety bond
- $20,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in New York Citycarry 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.
DCWP HIC license + $20K bond. DOB construction superintendent registration for contracts ≥$1M. Per-project bonds additionally required for projects in Special Zoning Districts.
Common questions
What insurance does a New York City general contractor need?
A New York City general contractor needs at minimum $1,000,000 general liability coverage plus $500,000 auto liability. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per NYC DCWP §20-387 + DOB Administrative Code §28-401.
How much is the surety bond for New York City contractors?
New York City requires a minimum $20,000 surety bond at the license level. Some project-size tiers or local authorities require additional project-specific bonds. See NYC DCWP §20-387 + DOB Administrative Code §28-401 for the current schedule.
Who is the licensing authority in New York City?
NYC DCWP §20-387 + DOB Administrative Code §28-401 is the authority for New York City contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in New York City?
AskBaily runs automated verification against NYC DCWP §20-387 + DOB Administrative Code §28-401 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 City can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under NYC DCWP §20-387 + DOB Administrative Code §28-401. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
AskBaily cities in New York City
Homeowners in these cities can chat with Baily today; matched pros must meet the requirements above.
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