Why the GC asks for it
A GC wants to know that every crew on site has workers' comp. In many states, a GC can be held responsible for an injured worker whose own employer had no coverage. Asking each contractor for a certificate is how the GC checks.
Property managers ask for the same reason. Their contract usually lists the coverage and limits they want to see.
What the certificate shows
A certificate of insurance summarizes your policies on one page. For workers' comp it shows the insurer, the policy number, the policy dates, the employer's liability limits and the certificate holder.
A certificate is evidence of coverage. It cannot add to or change your policy. If a contract needs a change, the carrier has to make it on the policy.
- The certificate holder's exact legal name and address.
- The job address and your start date.
- The contract's insurance section.
- Any waiver of subrogation request.
Waiver of subrogation
Many contracts ask for a waiver of subrogation on your workers' comp. After paying a claim, an insurer may try to recover its costs from another party that caused the injury. A waiver gives up that right against the party named in the contract.
A waiver is generally an endorsement requested from the carrier, not a box checked on the certificate. Some carriers charge for it. Ask for it as soon as you see it in a contract.
Why your subs' workers' comp matters
If you hire subcontractors, collect their workers' comp certificates before they start. An uninsured sub's crew can be charged to your policy at audit. The carrier may count what you paid that sub as your payroll and bill you for it.
Keep each certificate on file and check its dates. It should cover the whole time the sub works for you.
- Get a workers' comp certificate from every sub before work starts.
- Check that the policy dates cover the job.
- Keep the certificates with your payroll records for the audit.
If you don't have workers' comp yet
A certificate can only be issued for a policy that is in force. A quote or an application is not proof of coverage.
Send us your start date and the contract's insurance section with the quote request below. We will tell you what we need. We can't promise a policy by a specific date, so start early.
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Use this guide for planning. Confirm requirements and current fees with the agencies serving your address. Coverage depends on the policy and insurer; this guide does not confirm that a particular operation is eligible.