Is a COI enough to verify requirements?

A COI is a summary, not the policy. GCs should use the COI to identify policies and dates, then confirm endorsements and limits match the contract before clearing vendors for mobilization. Missing endorsements are a common gap even when the certificate checkbox is marked.

When should requirements be re-verified?

Re-verify at onboarding, before mobilization, at renewal, and whenever scope or entity structure changes (e.g., new LLC, merged operations). Mid-project policy renewals always require a new review.

Do GCs need the endorsement PDF or just the COI?

Reviewers need the endorsement when additional insured or waiver language is required. The COI points to coverage but does not replace the underlying endorsement form attached to the policy.

Compliance requirements

Subcontractor insurance requirements: what GCs should verify

By Policyhold Team, Compliance operationsPublished May 20, 2026Updated June 2, 20262 min readSources & references

subcontractor insurance
additional insured
coi requirements

Policyhold Team, Compliance operations. Practical guidance for GC compliance and mobilization operations.

Before a subcontractor steps on site, general contractors need confidence that insurance requirements in the contract are reflected on the certificate and endorsements, not assumed from a prior project.

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Answer six questions about project type, state, trade, and value tier. Get printable GL limits, workers comp, auto, umbrella, and endorsement language.

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Flag certificate issues by severity and export coordinator notes for your vendor file.

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What belongs on a standard subcontractor COI review checklist?

Named insured matches the entity performing work (including DBA if applicable).
Certificate holder and additional insured parties match the GC and owner requirements.
Policy effective and expiration dates cover the mobilization window.
Limits meet or exceed contract minimums for GL, auto, and workers comp.
Required endorsements are listed and form numbers are identifiable.

For ongoing monitoring after onboarding, pair this checklist with COI tracking for general contractors.

What endorsements do GCs most often miss?

Additional insured endorsement: Amends the subcontractor's liability policy to extend coverage to the parties named in the endorsement (often the GC and owner).

GC teams frequently approve COIs where the certificate states additional insured status but the underlying CG 20 10 / CG 20 37 (or equivalent) endorsement is missing or expired.

How should requirements connect to pricing and procurement?

Insurance verification is part of vendor qualification, not a post-award paperwork step. Programs that standardize requirements reduce change orders driven by last-minute mobilization holds.

Compare program tiers on pricing. For COI workflows, see COI tracking for general contractors.

Sources

Reference starting points for GC compliance teams. Verify requirements with counsel and your owner contract.

ACORD: Certificate of Liability Insurance (ACORD 25)
Industry-standard certificate form used to summarize liability coverage.
OSHA: Multi-Employer Citation Policy (CPL 02-00-124)
How controlling and exposing employers share safety obligations on shared sites.
NAIC: Insurance regulatory resources
National Association of Insurance Commissioners reference materials.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions from GC compliance teams.

Most programs require general liability, workers compensation, and automobile liability at minimum. Contracts often specify additional insured status, waiver of subrogation, and primary/non-contributory language depending on risk transfer goals and owner requirements.

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