Scaffolding is one of the highest-risk trades in Texas construction — and a standard contractor’s policy often isn’t built for it. The right scaffolding insurance program protects your crew, satisfies GC contract requirements, and keeps your business standing after a serious claim. Here’s what every scaffolding contractor in Texas needs to have in place. 
Core Coverages for Scaffolding Contractors
· General Liability Insurance. Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage from your operations. Most commercial GC contracts require at least $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate — make sure your limits match the jobs you bid.
· Workers’ Compensation. Texas is the only state that does not require most private employers to carry workers’ compensation — but going without it is a serious risk in a high-exposure trade like scaffolding. Injured workers can sue directly in court without the usual legal protections employers receive under a standard comp policy. Carrying coverage protects your finances and is often required by general contractors regardless of state law.
· Umbrella / Excess Liability. A fall or collapse can generate claims that exceed your primary GL limit. A $5M umbrella is the practical minimum for most commercial scaffolding work and is often required by public agencies and large GCs.
· Equipment Coverage. Protects your frames, planks, and accessories against theft, damage in transit, and vandalism — on site, in storage, or on the road.
· Commercial Auto Insurance. Personal auto policies don’t cover vehicles used for business. If your trucks haul equipment to job sites, commercial auto coverage is essential.
Watch Out for These Common Coverage Gaps
· Scaffold-specific exclusions hidden in your policy that eliminate coverage during erection and dismantling — the riskiest phases of the job.
· Liability limits that haven’t kept pace with the size of jobs you now bid.
· Uninsured subcontractors whose claims roll back onto your policy.
· Equipment schedules that haven’t been updated as your inventory grew, leaving new sections unprotected.
Get a Coverage Review Before Your Next Job
Contact Bone, Robertson & McBride Inc. for a scaffolding insurance review. We serve contractors throughout Texas, access multiple carriers, and build coverage around the real risks of your operation. A conversation costs nothing. A coverage gap on a serious job can cost everything.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.