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Moving Company Certificates of Insurance: What Buildings and Property Managers Should Require

By SubCover HQ · Updated Nov 3, 2026 · 2 min read

Move-ins and move-outs are among the most common times a building sees an uninsured crew. Movers prop doors, pad elevators, and haul heavy items through common areas, and a scratched elevator cab or a dropped dresser on a resident's foot becomes the building's problem fast. That's why many managed buildings ask for a mover's certificate of insurance before the truck shows up.

What buildings commonly require from movers

• General liability, often $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, for injury and damage to the building and common areas.
• Commercial auto liability covering the truck, often $1,000,000 combined single limit.
• Workers' compensation with employers' liability, because moving crews get hurt lifting and on stairs.
• Additional insured status for the building owner, the association, and the management company, as your agreements require.
• Umbrella for high-rise or high-value buildings, if your policy calls for it.

A mover's cargo coverage or valuation protects the resident's belongings, which is the resident's concern. The building's concern is liability for people and the property itself.

Getting the certificate holder right

Give residents a one-page sheet with the exact legal names to list as certificate holder and additional insured, the building address, and where to send the certificate. Most rejected mover certificates are simply wrong names. Our additional insured vs. certificate holder guide explains the difference.

Making move-day requests manageable

1. Require the certificate a set number of business days before the move, such as two, so there's time to fix it.
2. Check the policy dates cover the move date.
3. Keep certificates from movers who show up repeatedly; many buildings see the same few companies, and their certificates only need refreshing at renewal.
4. Tie elevator reservations to an approved certificate, so nobody gets the key without one.

For other vendors in residential buildings, see our vendor COI requirements by property type and our guide to one-time jobs and short-term vendors.

Key takeaways

Publish clear mover requirements with exact names, require the certificate ahead of the move, and tie elevator access to approval. SubCover HQ collects and reviews vendor certificates for property managers and keeps repeat vendors current, for $99/month.

Frequently asked questions

Why do buildings require a certificate of insurance from movers?

Movers work in common areas and elevators, so buildings want proof the mover's insurance, not the building's, will respond to injury or damage.

What insurance should a mover carry for a building move?

Commonly general liability, commercial auto, and workers' compensation, with the owner, association, and management company as additional insureds where required.

How far ahead should a mover send the COI?

Many buildings ask for it at least a couple of business days before the move so errors can be fixed in time.

This guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your management agreement, governing documents, and insurance professional determine what you should require.