The short answer
Check that every policy your contract requires is listed, current and at or above your required limits; that your property and entities are named correctly; and that additional insured, waiver of subrogation and primary and non-contributory terms are backed by the endorsements, not just mentioned. This is general information; your risk manager and counsel set the requirements.
The form
Most US certificates use the ACORD 25 form. It states that it is issued as a matter of information only and confers no rights on the certificate holder. That is why endorsements matter.
Section by section
| Section | What to check |
|---|---|
| Producer and insured | The insured matches the legal name on your contract |
| Policies | General liability, automobile liability, workers compensation and umbrella or excess, as your contract requires |
| Policy dates | Current, with renewals tracked before expiration |
| Limits | Each occurrence and aggregate limits at or above your requirements |
| Additional insured box | Checked where required, with the endorsement attached |
| Waiver of subrogation box | Checked where required, with the endorsement attached |
| Description of operations | Names your property and entities and references the contract terms |
| Certificate holder | Your correct legal entity and address |
Additional insured
Additional insured status extends the contractor's liability coverage to you for claims arising from their work. It comes from an endorsement to their policy. Commonly used ISO endorsements cover ongoing operations and completed operations; your contract should say which you need.
Waiver of subrogation
A waiver of subrogation stops the contractor's insurer from pursuing you to recover a claim it paid. It also requires an endorsement. Workers compensation waivers are a common requirement.
Primary and non-contributory
This wording means the contractor's policy responds first, without asking your policy to share the loss. Again, check the endorsement.
Common gaps
- Expired policies
- Limits below the contract
- Boxes checked with no endorsement
- The wrong entity named
- Subcontractors on site with no certificate of their own
Keep certificates current automatically. See certificate and compliance tracking.
Ask S&K
S&K is fully insured and provides certificates of insurance on request. Tell us your requirements and we will send what your contract calls for. See safety and compliance.
Score every bidder with the vendor qualification scorecard, or read the full Vendor Selection, Compliance, and Procurement guide. To qualify S&K, ask for our certificates of insurance and safety documentation, or request a quote.
