Rhode Islandcontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: RI Contractors Registration Board §5-65
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $500,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in Rhode Islandcarry 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.
CRB registration required for all residential work. No bond — insurance only.
Common questions
What insurance does a Rhode Island general contractor need?
A Rhode Island general contractor needs at minimum $500,000 general liability coverage. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per RI Contractors Registration Board §5-65.
How much is the surety bond for Rhode Island contractors?
Rhode Island does not require a state-level surety bond for general contractors. CRB registration required for all residential work. No bond — insurance only.
Who is the licensing authority in Rhode Island?
RI Contractors Registration Board §5-65 is the authority for Rhode Island contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://www.crb.ri.gov/.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in Rhode Island?
AskBaily runs automated verification against RI Contractors Registration Board §5-65 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 Rhode Island can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under RI Contractors Registration Board §5-65. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
Nearby jurisdictions
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