Tennessee workers’ comp and subcontractor insurance requirements
What general contractors, property managers and other businesses hiring subcontractors in Tennessee need to know: who has to carry workers’ comp, when you’re on the hook for an uninsured sub, and what to collect before work starts.
Tennessee at a glance
| Who must carry workers’ comp | Non-construction employers with 5 or more employees. |
|---|---|
| Construction | Construction employers must carry coverage with 1 or more employees, and construction business owners must cover themselves unless they register for an exemption with the state. |
| Where coverage comes from | Private insurers, plus self-insurance where approved |
| Regulator | Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation |
Are you liable for an uninsured sub in Tennessee?
A principal contractor is liable for an uninsured subcontractor’s employees (Tenn. Code § 50-6-113).
Separately, your own workers’ comp premium auditor may charge you for an uninsured sub’s payroll. Collecting a current certificate for every sub is the simplest protection. See workers’ comp audits and uninsured subcontractors, or estimate the cost with the workers’ comp audit calculator.
What to collect from subcontractors in Tennessee
- A certificate of insurance, usually an ACORD 25, showing GL, auto, umbrella and workers’ comp.
- Exemption paperwork for sole proprietors or officers who claim they don’t need workers’ comp under Tennessee rules.
- Additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements for higher-risk trades. See waiver of subrogation on workers’ comp.
- A renewal certificate before each policy expires. See COI expiration.
Common contract minimums
These aren’t set by Tennessee law. They’re typical subcontract requirements that you can adjust by trade and project size.
| Coverage | Typical minimum |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate, additional insured, primary and non-contributory |
| Auto liability | $1M combined single limit |
| Umbrella / excess | $1M–$5M+, by trade risk and project size |
| Workers’ comp / employers’ liability | Statutory / $500K–$1M each, waiver of subrogation |
Generate requirements by trade with the subcontractor insurance requirements generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers’ comp required in Tennessee?
Non-construction employers with 5 or more employees. Construction employers must carry coverage with 1 or more employees, and construction business owners must cover themselves unless they register for an exemption with the state. Confirm details with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Is a general contractor liable for an uninsured subcontractor in Tennessee?
A principal contractor is liable for an uninsured subcontractor’s employees (Tenn. Code § 50-6-113).
What insurance should I require from subcontractors in Tennessee?
State law sets workers’ comp rules; your contract sets everything else. Common minimums are general liability of $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate, auto liability of $1M, workers’ comp with employers’ liability of $500K–$1M, and additional insured status and waiver of subrogation in your favor.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation or a licensed professional.
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