This checklist is a tool for the main contractor's office: for keeping the subcontractor chain's cover in order. The logic behind it comes from the chain article and the loss-caused-by-a-subcontractor article – this is the tick-off version, in three stages.
In brief:
- Goal: no one in the chain should be left without cover or a clear line of responsibility.
- Three stages: at contract signing · on joining · continuously during the project.
- The foundation is an up-to-date chain register: who, doing what, from when, engaged by whom.
The project policy side (once, at inception)
- ☐ The CAR circle of insureds extends to the whole chain (not just the named/direct subcontractors)
- ☐ Clarified: whether new subcontractors need to be notified to the insurer (as the wording requires)
- ☐ Clarified: which losses the project policy does not cover (e.g. a subcontractor's own plant or tools)
For every subcontractor agreement
- ☐ A standard insurance clause is included (article): what the project policy covers, what they need to bring themselves
- ☐ Proof of their own contractor's professional liability insurance requested (where required)
- ☐ For a subcontractor bringing plant/equipment: the question of plant cover is settled (whose it is, under which policy – article)
- ☐ The claims procedure has been handed over: notification route, documentation expectations, contact person
On joining (for every new party)
- ☐ Added to the chain register: company, task, period, who engaged them (which level they work at)
- ☐ If the wording requires it: notification to the insurer has taken place
- ☐ Site handover documented (a record – at claim time, this identifies who worked where)
During the project (monthly routine)
- ☐ The chain register is up to date – parties leaving closed off, parties joining added
- ☐ The validity of the certificates on file has been checked (expiry dates!)
- ☐ For a disputed matter or a loss event: the documentation for the level involved has been gathered (loss documentation checklist)
From the principal's side, the same subject in the language of checking: the principal's checklist. If the chain structure is unusual (a consortium, several main contractors), the consortium article and a consultation can help: book a time.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute an offer, or insurance or legal advice. The specific covers are determined by the insurers' terms and conditions in force at any given time; the section structure and the range of extensions vary by insurer.
