What Ohio Contractors Need to Know About Certificate of Insurance Requests

If you’ve ever lost a bid because you couldn’t produce a certificate of insurance (COI) fast enough, you already understand the pressure these documents create. General contractors, project owners and property managers routinely require certificates before any work begins, and the process can stall a job just as quickly as a missing permit. A COI is a snapshot of your existing policies, and the quality of that snapshot depends entirely on the coverage you carry.

 

What a Certificate of Insurance Shows

A certificate lists your active policies, the insuring company, policy numbers, effective dates and coverage types. Requestors typically look for general liability, workers’ compensation and, depending on the project, commercial auto or builder’s risk insurance. In Ohio, workers’ compensation comes through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) rather than a private carrier, so proof is typically a BWC certificate of coverage.

 

Common Requests Contractors Face

Project owners and general contractors frequently require:

• General liability with specific per-occurrence and aggregate limits
• Proof of workers’ compensation coverage through the Ohio BWC for all employees
• Additional insured status naming the requesting party on your policy
• Waiver of subrogation endorsements tied to the contract
• Primary and noncontributory language for larger commercial projects

 

Why Coverage Gaps Create Problems

If your policy excludes certain operations or your general liability does not cover completed operations, that can surface when a requestor asks to see the policy or endorsements, because a certificate doesn’t list exclusions. Requestors who review your coverage closely will push back, and you may need to modify your policy before a project can start.

 

Manage Requests Without Delays

Working with an independent agent means you have someone who can pull certificates quickly, explain what endorsements a contract requires and coordinate changes with your insurer before a deadline arrives.

 

Contact Garlesky Insurance Agency today to review your contractors insurance package and make sure your coverage is ready before the next certificate request comes in. We proudly serve contractors in Cuyahoga Falls, OH and nearby areas.

 

 

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.