Framing contractor insurance from joists to trusses
Coverage for framing contractors, carpenters and rough carpentry specialists, from residential wood framing to commercial steel studs. We build programs that protect your business, your crew and your tools on every job site.
Same-day certificates · Coverage for multi-story and height work
Insurance for framing professionals
Framing contractors work at heights, handle heavy materials and run powerful tools every day, which creates real exposure to workplace injuries, property damage and liability claims. Add the physical demands of lifting lumber and the risks of structural work, and the right coverage becomes part of running every framing operation.
First Underwriters has insured framing contractors throughout the Pacific Northwest since 1992. We know the work, from setting floor joists to raising walls and installing roof trusses, and we build coverage for every stage of construction: wood framing, metal stud framing, roof truss installation, floor systems, sheathing and decking, and structural repairs.
Common framing contractor risks
Falls
Falls from scaffolding, ladders and elevated work areas.
Tool injuries
Injuries from nail guns, saws and power tools.
Structural failure
Collapse during construction.
Damage to existing structures
Property damage during remodels.
Tool and equipment theft
Losses from job sites and vehicles.
Defect claims
Problems discovered after project completion.
Essential coverage for framing contractors
Protection designed for the exposures of framing and carpentry work.
General Liability
Third-party bodily injury and property damage, such as debris falling on someone, damage to adjacent properties or injuries to visitors on your job site.
Commercial Auto
Work trucks, vans and vehicles that carry crews and materials, including lumber racks, tool boxes and equipment mounted on your vehicles.
Tools & Equipment
Nail guns, compressors, saws, levels and hand tools against theft, damage and breakdown, in your truck, trailer or on the job site.
Workers' Compensation
Required coverage for employee injuries. Framing is among the more hazardous construction trades, with exposure to falls, cuts, strains and repetitive motion injuries.
Completed Operations
Claims that arise after a job is finished. Structural issues, settling or defects in framing may not appear until months or years after completion.
Builder's Risk
The structure under construction against fire, storms, vandalism and theft, including the frame, materials on site and work in progress.
Framing businesses we insure
From residential carpenters to commercial framing crews.
Residential framers
New home construction and additions.
Commercial framers
Office buildings and retail spaces.
Metal stud contractors
Steel framing and drywall backing.
Truss installers
Roof and floor truss installation.
Rough carpenters
Structural carpentry and framing.
Multifamily specialists
Apartments and townhome complexes.
Remodel contractors
Additions and structural renovations.
Owner-operators
Solo framers and small crews.
Coverage for all framing operations
Whether you frame single-family homes or large commercial projects, we tailor coverage to your operations. Policies can include endorsements for height work, crane-assisted operations and multi-story construction.
Structural framing
- Wall framing and raising
- Floor joist systems
- Roof rafters and trusses
Sheathing & decking
- Wall sheathing
- Roof decking
- Subfloor installation
Commercial work
- Metal stud framing
- Tenant improvements
- Multi-story buildings
Specialty work
- Beam and post work
- Structural repairs
- Fire damage rebuild
Additional coverages available
Installation Floater
Scaffold Coverage
Hired & Non-Owned Auto
Equipment Breakdown
Crane Operations
Structural Collapse
Surety Bonds
Umbrella / Excess
Brokers who know the construction trades
Construction trade focus
We specialize in contractor insurance and understand framing exposures, from height-related risks to structural liability claims.
50+ carrier partners
Access to multiple markets means competitive options, including for new contractors and those with a claims history.
Same-day certificates
General contractors need COIs quickly. Same-day certificates keep bids and projects moving.
Claims advocacy
When a claim happens, we help you work through the process efficiently and get back to work.
Common questions about framing contractor insurance
How much does framing contractor insurance cost?
Costs depend on your annual revenue, number of employees, project types and claims history. A small residential framing crew might pay $4,000–$8,000 a year for general liability, while larger operations doing commercial work could pay $15,000–$40,000 or more. Workers' comp rates for framing are higher than many trades because of fall risk. We provide free quotes based on your situation.
Why are workers' comp rates higher for framers?
Framing is classified as one of the more hazardous construction trades because of work at heights, power tools like nail guns, heavy lifting and weather exposure. The workers' comp classification code for framing (typically 5403 for carpentry) reflects that risk. A strong safety program and a good experience modification rate can help reduce premiums.
Does my policy cover work at heights over 3 stories?
Some policies have height limitations, typically excluding work above two or three stories without an endorsement. If you do multi-story framing, make sure your policy covers your actual operations. We can structure coverage for high-rise and multi-story work with limits that fit the exposure.
What if a wall or structure collapses during construction?
General liability typically covers third-party injuries or property damage from a structural collapse. Damage to your own work in progress may require builder's risk coverage. If someone is hurt, workers' comp covers employees while general liability covers others. We can help you put protection in place for collapse scenarios.
What limits do general contractors typically require from framing subs?
Most GCs require framing subcontractors to carry at least $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate in general liability with completed operations coverage, and many require additional insured status. Larger commercial projects often require $5 million or more, which can be reached through an umbrella policy. We'll help you meet contract requirements.
Get your framing contractor insurance quote
Tell us about your crew, your projects and your current coverage, and we'll compare options across the market.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal, tax or coverage advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder. Premium ranges and classification codes are general examples, not quotes. Coverage, limits and eligibility are governed by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies issued and are subject to underwriting.