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Subcontractor COI Requirements Checklist

Free · Updated Oct 27, 2026

Use this checklist for every new sub or vendor and every certificate review. Send it with your subcontract so their agent knows exactly what to issue. For the reasoning behind each line, see how to track subcontractor COIs.

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Before work starts

• Signed subcontract or vendor agreement with insurance requirements
• Current ACORD 25 certificate issued by the sub's insurance agent
• Insured name matches the contracting legal entity
• Certificate holder: exact legal name and address
• Agent / producer contact saved for renewals

General liability

• Occurrence form (not claims-made)
• Each occurrence limit meets requirement (commonly $1,000,000)
• General aggregate meets requirement (commonly $2,000,000), per project if required
• Products-completed operations aggregate meets requirement
• Additional insured: ongoing operations endorsement on file (e.g. CG 20 10 or blanket)
• Additional insured: completed operations endorsement on file (e.g. CG 20 37 or blanket)
• Primary and noncontributory, if required
• Waiver of subrogation endorsement, if required

Commercial auto

• Any auto, or owned + hired + non-owned autos
• Combined single limit meets requirement (commonly $1,000,000)
• Additional insured / waiver, if required

Workers' compensation & employers' liability

• Workers' comp: statutory limits for the state(s) where work is done
• Employers' liability limits meet requirement
• Waiver of subrogation, if required and allowed by state law
• Or: documented, state-allowed exemption on file

Umbrella / excess

• Limit meets requirement for the trade's risk tier
• Follows form / extends additional insured status, if required

Ongoing tracking

• Every policy's expiration date recorded separately
• Renewal requested 30 days before expiration
• Follow-ups at 14 and 7 days
• Expired or deficient subs blocked from new work until fixed
• Monthly audit of active subs vs. certificates on file

Limits shown are common practice for general information, not insurance or legal advice. Set your requirements with your broker and attorney.