THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Liability arising from others' work does not make every third party an insured.
- The contracting chain should match actual tasks.
- A summary certificate does not replace policy scope.
An offer that makes subcontracting explicit
Ageas describes damage caused by subcontractors working for the business within its Construction Liability solution. This illustrates why express wording matters; it does not establish that every subcontractor is insured in its own name or that every activity is included.
Sources: Ageas — General Liability, Construction offering; public page checked on 30 October 2026 ↗
Map the work chain
As an organisational tool, map the property owner, appointed business and each external provider. For each link, record who appointed whom and the task performed. Add the work location and period. Do not assign ultimate liability for an accident solely from this diagram.
Compare the map with insured identities, declared activities and exclusions in relevant policies. Ask separately about the main business's liability and the provider's own insurance. Work-accident insurance serves a different need from liability towards third parties.
Henrique leaves a budget line for questions still unresolved. Clara asks him to compare tasks and responsibilities before focusing on the premium. The same unexpected expense may weigh differently on a business with little spare margin; a larger budget does not turn a provider into an insured either.
Falling material raises specific questions
Fictional example: Henrique's façade-maintenance business appoints another firm to erect scaffolding. An object falls and damages a parked car. Clara helps him organise the facts, roles and policy terms before identifying which policy responds. The example does not assign fault to whoever issued the first invoice.
When preparing cover, ask how subcontracted work is addressed and whether provider-related duties apply. Obtain current documents matching the work, without treating a generic certificate as proof that every requirement of the property owner is met.
Prepare the quote before the works
RMACHADO can help organise a business liability quote using tasks, participants and locations. Identify work performed directly and work subcontracted. For existing damage, use the claims channel and preserve documents; liability and coverage assessment depend on the particular case.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Map the appointing entities, providers and tasks.
- Check insured identities and declared activities.
- Separate liability from work-accident protection.
- Keep current wording and certificates.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.