COI requirements by trade / Siding and gutters
Siding and gutters COI requirements
Siding and gutter work happens on ladders and lifts on the outside of occupied buildings. Water intrusion behind new siding is a classic completed operations claim.
What makes siding and gutters risky
- Falls from ladders, scaffolds, and lifts.
- Water intrusion and rot from improperly installed siding, flashing, or gutters.
- Damage to windows, landscaping, and cars below the work area.
- Debris and dropped materials injuring residents or passersby.
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 height limitations and residential or multifamily exclusions. |
| Products-completed operations | Important because water intrusion often shows up after the job is closed out. |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory, plus employers' liability. Exterior crews are often 1099 labor, so ask who is actually on the ladders. |
| Commercial auto | $1M combined single limit is common for trucks and trailers. |
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 siding and gutters certificates
- A height limitation lower than the building.
- A multifamily or condo exclusion on HOA and apartment work.
- No completed operations coverage.
Tip
On multifamily and HOA work, ask the agent whether the policy has a habitational, condo, or multi-unit exclusion. Exterior contractors carry them more often than people expect.
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 siding and gutters 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 siding and gutters subcontractor carry?
Common requirements include general liability, products-completed operations, workers' compensation, 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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