Why checking certificates matters
When a subcontractor without the right insurance injures someone or damages property, the claim comes back to the general contractor, and often to the GC’s own policy. Many GC policies also audit what they pay subcontractors: an uninsured or underinsured sub can be charged on your workers’ comp and general liability audits as if they were your own employees.
Collecting a certificate isn’t the same as checking it. The common failures are policies that expired after the certificate was issued, limits below the contract minimum, and additional insured or waiver of subrogation boxes left blank.
How to read an ACORD 25
Policy dates. Each row has an effective and expiration date; a certificate is a snapshot on the day it was issued. Ask for a new one when a policy renews.
ADDL INSD and SUBR WVD. The two narrow columns on the left of each row show whether the policy includes additional insured status and a waiver of subrogation. A “Y” should be backed by the endorsement itself; ask for a copy.
Limits. General liability shows each occurrence and general aggregate; auto shows a combined single limit; workers’ comp shows “per statute” and employer’s liability limits.
Description of operations. Where the agent names the project and lists endorsements. It can’t add coverage the policy doesn’t have.
Certificate holder. Should be your company, as the contract requires.
When a certificate comes up short
Send the subcontractor the list of gaps (the button on the result writes the email for you) and ask their agent for a corrected certificate with the endorsements attached. Hold the start date, or the payment, until it arrives, as your contract allows.
If your sub can’t get the coverage, I can quote it for them. And if you want your own program reviewed (your limits, your additional insured wording, how your audits treat subcontractors), send the form below.
Common questions
Does a checked additional insured box mean I’m covered?
Not by itself. The certificate is information only; the coverage comes from the endorsement on the policy. Ask for a copy of the endorsement.
How often should I collect certificates?
Before work starts, and again whenever a policy on the certificate renews. The checker flags anything expiring within 30 days.
Can the checker tell if a policy was cancelled?
No. It reads what the certificate says. To confirm a policy is in force, call the agent or insurer listed on it.
Is there a limit to how many certificates I can check?
A few an hour, to keep it free. For a whole project’s worth, email them to [email protected].
Does the checker keep the certificate?
No. The file is sent to Anthropic’s Claude to be read and isn’t saved by this website.
This tool and page are general information from Saman Alishahi, an independent California insurance broker, License #4348151, not legal advice, a policy, a quote or an offer of coverage. Results are read by AI from the document you upload and can contain mistakes; check them against the document. Coverage depends on underwriting and the terms of the policy actually issued.