Every vendor packet includes a certificate of insurance. It takes two minutes to check if you know where to look. Remember that the certificate is a summary. The coverage that protects you lives in the policy and its endorsements.
Start with the name
The insured’s name on the certificate should exactly match the legal name on the W-9 and on your agreement. A trade name by itself is not enough; look for the full legal entity name, including “LLC” or “Inc.”
Texas workers’ compensation is optional, so ask
Texas is the only state where most private employers may choose not to carry workers’ compensation. These employers are called nonsubscribers. If a vendor is a nonsubscriber, an injured tech may be able to sue the property owner or manager directly. Most facility programs require workers’ compensation and employer’s liability anyway. Look for both on the certificate, and look for a waiver of subrogation on the workers’ compensation line.
Limits
Many programs ask for general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, auto liability of $1,000,000 including hired and non-owned autos, and employer’s liability of $1,000,000. Match the numbers to your contract, not to what is typical.
Endorsements that matter
- Additional insured for both ongoing and completed operations, ideally on a blanket basis
- Primary and non-contributory wording, so the vendor’s policy pays first
- Waiver of subrogation on general liability, auto and workers’ compensation
- Notice of cancellation to the certificate holder, commonly 30 days
Dates and holder
Make sure the policies cover the whole service period and that the certificate holder box shows your exact legal name and address. Put the expiration dates on a calendar.
Request our certificate from the compliance page.