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Oregon Subcontractor Insurance Requirements: What GCs Must Require from Subs
Coverage requirements for subcontractors on Oregon job sites — including Oregon's mandatory WC rules, bond requirements, and what to look for on a COI.
In this guide
Standard Insurance Requirements for Oregon Subcontractors
Oregon's Construction Contractors Board (CCB) sets minimum insurance levels as part of licensing requirements. Those minimums — $500K for general liability — are a floor, not a target. Most GCs set higher contractual requirements for commercial work.
| Coverage type | CCB minimum | Typical GC requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial General Liability (CGL) | $500K per occurrence | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate |
| Workers' Compensation | Required (statutory) | Statutory limits; verify through COI or CCB lookup |
| Contractor Bond | $20K (residential) / $75K (commercial) | Verify current via CCB license lookup |
| Commercial Auto Liability | No CCB minimum | $1M combined single limit |
| Umbrella / Excess Liability | No CCB minimum | $1M–$5M (project dependent) |
Workers' Compensation in Oregon
Oregon requires workers' compensation for all employers with one or more employees. Unlike Texas, there is no opt-out. WC can be placed through the State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF) or a private carrier licensed in Oregon.
What appears on the COI
Unlike Washington's state-only system, Oregon subs may use SAIF or private WC carriers, so a standard COI will often show a WC carrier. If the carrier is SAIF, that's normal. If no WC appears on the COI, ask why — it could indicate the sub has no employees (sole proprietor) or a lapsed policy.
Contractor Bond Requirements
Oregon requires all CCB-licensed contractors to maintain a surety bond. Bond amounts vary by contractor category:
- Residential general contractor: $20,000 bond
- Commercial contractor: $75,000 bond
- Specialty contractors (residential and commercial): $10,000–$75,000 depending on category
The bond is confirmed as part of active CCB licensure — verify through the CCB lookup rather than asking for a separate bond certificate.
Additional Insured and Waiver of Subrogation
Require both provisions in your subcontracts and verify they appear on the COI:
Additional insured endorsement
Require that your company be listed as an additional insured on the sub's CGL and commercial auto policies on a primary and non-contributory basis.
Waiver of subrogation
Require a waiver of subrogation on the sub's CGL and WC policies in your favor. On the WC side, this prevents the insurer from pursuing you after settling a claim with an injured worker.
Adjusting Minimums by Project Type
| Project type | Suggested CGL minimum | Suggested umbrella |
|---|---|---|
| Residential remodel / small commercial | $1M / $2M | Not always required |
| Mid-size commercial ($1M–$10M project value) | $1M / $2M | $1M–$2M |
| Large commercial / industrial ($10M+) | $2M / $4M | $5M+ |
| High-hazard trades (demo, roofing, structural) | $2M / $4M | $5M+ |
Collecting and Tracking Certificates of Insurance
- Collect a COI before work begins — verify GL, WC, auto, and additional insured endorsement
- Verify the sub's CCB license is Active at search.ccb.state.or.us — this confirms bond and license status simultaneously
- Track COI expiration dates and set reminders 30+ days ahead
- Re-verify CCB license at the start of each new project
FAQ
Is workers' compensation required for subcontractors in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires workers' compensation for all employers with one or more employees. There is no opt-out. WC can be placed through SAIF (state fund) or a private insurer.
What is the minimum general liability insurance for a subcontractor in Oregon?
Oregon CCB requires $500K per occurrence for most categories. GCs typically set contractual minimums of $1M / $2M for commercial work.
Does Oregon require a contractor bond?
Yes. CCB licensing requires a surety bond — $20,000 for residential GCs, $75,000 for commercial contractors. Verify bond status through the CCB license lookup.
How do I verify an Oregon sub's workers' comp coverage?
WC can be through SAIF or a private carrier — it should appear on the COI. You can also verify through the CCB license lookup, which confirms active WC coverage as part of licensure.
Track Oregon sub compliance automatically
COI expiration alerts, CCB license tracking, and bond status — all in one place.