A customer’s insurance requirement can involve more than sending a certificate. First separate the document they want from the policy terms they require.
A certificate summarizes existing insurance. It does not add coverage or change the policy. The Texas Department of Insurance certificate guidance explains why the wording cannot go beyond the underlying policy.
Three terms with different jobs
- Certificate holder
- The recipient identified on the certificate. Being listed as the holder does not itself make that person or business an additional insured.
- Additional insured
- A person or organization whose protection depends on the policy and applicable endorsements. The request, work and actual terms need to be checked together.
- Policy endorsement
- A document that changes or adds policy terms. A certificate cannot create a change the policy does not provide.
If you are hiring a subcontractor
Start with the work and your written insurance requirements. Gather the relevant certificate and any requested policy or endorsement documents through the agreed process. Identify what still needs review before treating the requirement as complete.
If the scope, location or dates change, revisit those questions. Paperwork for an earlier job may not answer a different operation or a revised requirement.
If you are working as a subcontractor
Get the customer’s written insurance request and send it with the job description and dates. Flag terms such as additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary and noncontributory, required limits or a specific endorsement.
Ask which requirements the existing policy addresses and which would require a change. Obtain confirmation of the actual terms before representing that the requirement has been met.
Keep the unresolved questions visible
- Which person or business is requesting the protection?
- What work, location and dates does the requirement concern?
- Does the request call for a certificate, endorsement or other evidence?
- What remains unanswered, and when is a response needed?
Use the certificate request checklist for recipient and delivery details. Our General Liability Insurance guide explains the broader coverage discussion. Insurance review addresses the policy questions; ask your attorney about the legal obligations in the contract.
A sheet to keep for your review
Hiring a subcontractor or working as one?
Use the worksheet to record the request, the details you have and the questions for our office.
Keep your notes
Print this sheet or use your own notes. Use the blank rows to record several activities, items or jobs together. On a phone, scroll across the table to see all columns. Leave uncertain details as questions for the office.
| Job or request | What to gather | What is unresolved | Date to discuss |
|---|---|---|---|
A preparation aid, not an application, certificate or coverage confirmation. A website request does not bind, change, cancel, reinstate, or confirm coverage.