Certificate of insurance checklist for California general contractors
Short answer
- A certificate of insurance (usually an ACORD 25) is a snapshot. It doesn't change the policy or add you to it.
- Check the named insured matches the license, the dates cover the job, and the limits meet your contract.
- Additional insured status and waiver of subrogation come from endorsements, so ask for the endorsement pages.
- Confirm with the agent listed on the certificate if anything looks off, and track expiration dates.
The checklist
- Named insured matches the business on the CSLB license and on your subcontract.
- Policy dates cover the whole job, not just the start date.
- General liability limits meet what your contract requires (many contracts ask for $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate; follow yours).
- Additional insured. If your contract requires it, ask for the actual endorsement (ongoing and completed operations). A checkbox on the certificate isn't the endorsement.
- Waiver of subrogation on GL and workers' comp, if your contract requires it, again by endorsement.
- Primary and non-contributory wording, if your contract calls for it.
- Workers' comp and employer's liability shown, with dates. If they're exempt, see workers' comp and subs.
- Auto liability if they drive company vehicles to your site, and umbrella if your contract asks for higher limits.
- Certificate holder is your company, with your correct name and address.
- Producer (the agent) is listed with contact details. Call them if anything doesn't match.
Keep it current
Certificates expire with the policy. Put every expiration date on a calendar, ask for renewals before they lapse, and keep a copy with the date you received it. Check the sub's CSLB license at the same time.
Where HatBench fits
When we introduce a sub through HatBench, you see their CSLB license status and the dates their general liability and workers' comp run through, confirmed by Insureaze. You still collect a certificate naming you before they start.
General information for California contractors, current as of November 3, 2026. It isn't legal advice; rules change, so check the official source linked above.
More guides
- How to check a California contractor license (CSLB): a GC's checklist
- Workers' comp and subcontractors in California: what GCs should check
- Additional insured and waiver of subrogation for subcontractors: a California GC's guide
- Risks of hiring an unlicensed subcontractor in California (for GCs)
- Workers' comp premium audits and subcontractors in California: how to prepare
- California contractor's license bond ($25,000): what it covers for a GC
- Matching a sub's California license classification to the work