Subcontractor Insurance Checklist

Working checklist

Create a repeatable certificate and contract process for subcontracted work.

Area	What to record	Done
Subcontractor identity	Legal name, trade, license information where applicable	☐
Contract	Written agreement, scope, indemnity and insurance requirements	☐
COI	Policies, limits, dates and certificate holder	☐
Endorsements	Additional insured, completed operations, waiver, primary/noncontributory	☐
Workers comp	Coverage evidence or owner/exemption documentation as applicable	☐
Tracking	Expiration reminders and updated certificates	☐
Incident file	Which party reports a claim and who preserves job-site evidence	☐

Use the checklist with current documents

A checklist is useful only when the entries can be tied back to current business records. Keep the relevant application, quote, policy, endorsement, contract, invoice, log, or claim document beside the worksheet.

Date the worksheet and update it when the business changes.
Do not copy last year’s payroll, revenue, vehicle, property, or contract details without checking them.
Mark unanswered items for a licensed insurance professional or official state resource.
Keep a clean PDF or printed copy with the business insurance file.

Questions to resolve before relying on the result

The checklist does not determine whether coverage exists. Use it to identify mismatches between the business operation and the documents being reviewed.

Which fact on the worksheet is most likely to change underwriting?
Which contract requirement needs an actual endorsement rather than a certificate note?
Which value, limit, payroll, vehicle, or location needs supporting documentation?
Which state-specific requirement needs verification with an official agency?

Sources and verification

Use official and primary sources to verify current rules, insurer licensing, policy wording, and state requirements. The declarations page, forms, endorsements, and signed contracts control the actual insurance relationship.