COI requirements by trade / Glass, glazing, and storefronts
Glass, glazing, and storefronts COI requirements
Glazing contractors install heavy, fragile panels, often from lifts or swing stages, on the outside of buildings. Breakage, falling glass, and leaks around new windows drive the claims.
What makes glass, glazing, and storefronts risky
- Falling glass and dropped panels injuring people below.
- Water intrusion around windows, curtain wall, and storefronts after completion.
- Falls from lifts, scaffolds, and swing stages.
- Cuts and handling injuries.
Coverage to require on the certificate
| Coverage | What's common, and what to check |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is a common floor. Check for height limitations and exterior work exclusions. |
| Products-completed operations | Important, since leaks and failed seals often show up after the building is occupied. |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory, plus employers' liability. |
| Umbrella / excess | Often required on curtain wall and multi-story work. |
| Commercial auto | $1M combined single limit is common for glass trucks. |
On top of the coverage itself, most contracts also require additional insured status for you (and the owner, where applicable), a waiver of subrogation, and primary and noncontributory wording. Those come from endorsements, so ask for copies.
Red flags on glass, glazing, and storefronts certificates
- A height limitation lower than the building.
- No completed operations coverage on a contractor whose work keeps water out.
- A residential-only policy on commercial storefront work.
Tip
On multi-story work, confirm the GL policy has no height limit below the top of the building and ask how swing stage or lift work is covered.
Review checklist
- Insured name matches the company on your contract.
- Every coverage above that your contract requires is listed.
- Each limit meets your minimum.
- No policy expires before the job ends. Track each expiration date separately.
- ADDL INSD and SUBR WVD are marked, with endorsements on file.
- You've asked the agent about any glass, glazing, and storefronts exclusions that matter.
New to reading certificates? Start with how to read an ACORD 25, grab the free COI checklist, or log dates in the free expiration tracker.
Common questions
What insurance should a glass, glazing, and storefronts subcontractor carry?
Common requirements include general liability, products-completed operations, workers' compensation, umbrella / excess, and commercial auto. Your contracts and broker set the actual minimums.
Are these limits required by law?
Generally no. Insurance requirements for subcontractors and vendors are set by your contracts, your own insurer, and any owner, lender, or public agency on the job. Workers' compensation requirements are set by state law. The figures here describe common practice only.
Does the ACORD 25 show exclusions?
Usually not. A certificate summarizes policy types, limits, and dates. Exclusions like height limits, residential work, or pollution are in the policy itself, so ask the agent directly when they matter for the trade.
Who should issue the certificate?
Ask the sub's insurance agent or broker to issue it, not the sub. Agents issue certificates daily and can send the endorsements at the same time.
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