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CertifiKit
Free requirements builder

What insurance should you require?

Pick who you're hiring and get the insurance paragraph to paste into the contract — limits, endorsements, and the certificate language. Free, no account.

① Who are you hiring?
④ About them
Adjust limits

These defaults are a starting point, not a standard. If you know your market, override them.

Why these numbers

  • General liability at the $1M/$2M baseline for standard work.
  • No umbrella required: at this size and risk it would price out small vendors without adding meaningful protection.
  • Workers' compensation is statutory, with employers' liability at $1M.

Got a certificate back? Check it against these requirements.

Insurance Requirements

Subcontractor shall, at its own expense, procure and maintain for the duration of the work insurance of not less than the following limits:

  • Commercial General Liability$1,000,000 each occurrence / $2,000,000 general aggregate
  • Automobile Liability$1,000,000 combined single limit
  • Workers' Compensation and Employers' LiabilityStatutory limits; Employers' Liability $1,000,000 each accident

Subcontractor shall name Contractor as an additional insured on the Commercial General Liability policy, for both ongoing and completed operations.

Such coverage shall be primary and non-contributory with any insurance carried by Contractor.

Subcontractor shall provide a waiver of subrogation in favor of Contractor.

Subcontractor shall furnish a certificate of insurance evidencing the above before commencing work, and shall not commence work until it has been received and accepted.

A renewal certificate shall be furnished at least 30 days before any policy expires. Coverage shall be maintained without lapse for the duration of the work.

Subcontractor shall provide Contractor at least 30 days' written notice before any required policy is cancelled, non-renewed, or materially changed.

Additional provisions

Condition of payment

Maintenance of the insurance required above is a condition of payment. Contractor may withhold payment, and may suspend the work, for so long as required coverage is not in force and evidenced.

These clauses can't be verified from a certificate alone — the free checker confirms limits, dates and the three endorsements above, but professional liability, pollution cover and declarations need a human eye.

This is a starting template, not legal advice. Insurance requirements vary by state, trade, and contract value — have your insurance professional or attorney review before use.

Want the reasoning behind each line? Read subcontractor insurance requirements or, for managed properties, HOA vendor insurance requirements.

Decision support only — not insurance, legal, or coverage advice. Always confirm requirements with your insurance professional.