COI requirements by trade / Painting
Painting COI requirements
Painters work on ladders, lifts, and scaffolding, often in occupied buildings. Overspray, lead paint, and ladder falls are the usual sources of claims.
What makes painting risky
- Ladder, lift, and scaffold falls.
- Overspray damage to cars, buildings, and neighboring property.
- Lead paint disturbance on older buildings.
- Damage to finished surfaces and tenant belongings.
Coverage to require on the certificate
| Coverage | What's common, and what to check |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is common. Check for overspray exclusions and height limitations. |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory, plus employers' liability. Painting is a common trade for uninsured crews and 1099 labor. |
| Commercial auto | $1M combined single limit. |
| Pollution / lead | Where older buildings may contain lead paint, ask your broker whether contractor pollution coverage should be required. |
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 painting certificates
- Lead exclusions on pre-1978 buildings.
- Height limitations when exterior or high-rise work is in scope.
- A sole proprietor with no workers' comp who shows up with helpers.
Tip
For pre-1978 residential buildings, confirm both the insurance and that the firm is certified for lead-safe work where federal or state rules require it.
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 painting 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 painting subcontractor carry?
Common requirements include general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, and pollution / lead. 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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