Sample Certificate of Insurance for Subcontractors (with Example)
Here is an example of what a good subcontractor certificate of insurance contains, using a made-up roofing company. The real form your sub sends will usually be an ACORD 25, laid out differently but carrying the same information.
Example: what the certificate shows
| Field | Sample entry | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Date issued | 03/02/2027 | Recent, not months old |
| Producer (agent) | Main Street Insurance Agency, (555) 010-2200 | Who to call to verify |
| Insured | Summit Ridge Roofing LLC | Matches your subcontract and W-9 |
| General liability | Occurrence, $1,000,000 each occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate, 01/15/2027 to 01/15/2028 | Limits meet your contract; dates current |
| Automobile liability | Any auto, $1,000,000 combined single limit, 01/15/2027 to 01/15/2028 | Covers vehicles used on your job |
| Umbrella | $2,000,000 each occurrence, 01/15/2027 to 01/15/2028 | Required for higher-risk trades like roofing |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory limits, employer's liability $1,000,000, 06/01/2026 to 06/01/2027 | A different renewal date than the others, track it separately |
| ADDL INSD / SUBR WVD | Y on general liability, auto and umbrella; Y subrogation waived on workers' comp | Matches your contract; ask for endorsements |
| Description of operations | Re: 412 Oak St. Certificate holder is additional insured, primary and non-contributory, per written contract. | Names your project and wording |
| Certificate holder | Your company name and address | That is you |
All names and numbers above are fictional.
Red flags on a subcontractor certificate of insurance
- A policy that expires within the next few weeks, with no renewal promised.
- No workers' compensation and no state exemption on file.
- An insured name that differs from the company you pay.
- Limits lower than your subcontract requires.
- A certificate the sub filled in or edited themselves rather than their agent. If in doubt, call the producer.
Keep the dates, not just the PDF
The policies on one certificate often renew on different dates, as with the workers' comp line above. Record every expiration date so you know before any one of them lapses. See how to read an ACORD 25 for a box-by-box walkthrough.
This example is for illustration only, not insurance advice.