Certificates of insurance for California contractors
Explained simply
A certificate is a snapshot of your insurance, like a photo of your ID. It shows the policy exists but changes nothing. To protect a GC under your policy, they must be added by an endorsement as an additional insured, which usually covers only claims tied to your work.
No GC lets a sub onto the site without one. Here is what the certificate actually proves, why being named on it is not the same as being covered, and the contract language you will see again and again.
Named on the certificate vs added to the policy
| Certificate holder | Additional insured | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the name goes | The certificate's holder box | An endorsement on your policy |
| What they receive | Proof you are insured | Protection for claims from your work |
| Changes your policy? | No | Yes |
| Enough for most GCs? | Rarely | Usually what they require |
The details · tap to open
What the certificate shows
A one-page summary of your policies, usually on an ACORD 25.
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a single page that summarizes the coverage you carry. For general liability, the standard form is the ACORD 25. On it you will find:
- Your business as the named insured
- Each insurance company and policy number
- Effective and expiration dates
- Limits, including each occurrence and general aggregate
- The certificate holder, meaning who it was issued to
- A description area for the job, additional insured status and other notes
The certificate is evidence, not a contract. It reflects what your policy says on the day it was issued and cannot add anything to it. Typing "additional insured" in the description area does not make anyone an additional insured. Only an endorsement on the policy does.
Holder and additional insured are different things
One gets paperwork, the other gets protection under your policy.
Mixing these up causes real trouble when a claim comes in.
- Certificate holder: whoever the certificate is made out to. They receive proof that you carry insurance, and nothing more. Your policy gives them no coverage.
- Additional insured: a party added to your policy through an endorsement. If they are drawn into a claim because of your work, your policy can defend and respond for them, within the endorsement's terms.
Most GCs want additional insured status, not just a certificate. Property owners and management companies often ask for the same. Your subcontract will spell out exactly who must be added and on what terms, so read it before you sign. A deeper look at endorsements is on the additional insured endorsement page.
Subcontract language, translated
Primary and non-contributory, waiver of subrogation, blanket AI.
Subcontracts usually ask for more than a plain certificate. In general terms, the common phrases mean:
- Primary and non-contributory: for claims arising from your work, your policy pays first and the GC's own policy is not asked to chip in.
- Waiver of subrogation: once your insurer pays a claim, it agrees not to pursue the GC to get that money back.
- Completed operations: the GC stays an additional insured after your work ends, since many claims arrive later.
- Scheduled additional insured: a specific GC or owner is named on an endorsement. Each new GC may need its own.
- Blanket additional insured: the endorsement automatically includes anyone a written contract requires you to add. Handy if you work for many GCs, but not every policy has it.
When you compare quotes, check what each includes and excludes. If your GCs require these terms, choose a policy that can provide them.
What GCs in California usually ask for
$1M/$2M, additional insured, often primary and a waiver.
Every contract is its own document, but this list turns up constantly:
| Requirement | Typical ask |
|---|---|
| GL limits | $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate |
| Additional insured | The GC, often the owner too, by endorsement |
| Primary and non-contributory | Frequently |
| Waiver of subrogation | Frequently |
| Workers' comp | Proof of a policy, or an exemption when you have no employees and your class allows one |
Our online GL quote uses those $1M / $2M limits. LLC licences also have a CSLB minimum; see the LLC insurance requirement. Workers' comp is a separate policy; see workers' comp and the 2028 change.
Getting a certificate through CalRisk
Get covered first; then we send the certificate to your GC.
A certificate can only be issued once a policy is active. The path:
- Type your CSLB license number and answer about a minute of questions.
- Compare quotes from multiple A-rated programs, each showing limits, deductible, and what is included and excluded.
- Tap "Submit for approval" and a licensed agent takes over, then emails the final quote for your signature. Coverage starts only once you sign.
- Once you are covered, we send the certificate to your GC.
Need another certificate for a new GC or owner later? Call or text (877) 940-4313 with the holder's legal name, mailing address and the insurance wording from the contract.
Homeowner jobs use a CGL notice instead
Home improvement contracts must carry a CGL notice.
Certificates are mainly a GC and commercial-owner tool. Homeowner contracts follow their own rule. Under B&P Code §7159 and §7159.10, home improvement and service-and-repair contracts must include a notice headed "Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL)." The notice gives the one statement that is true for you: you carry CGL (with the insurer's name and phone number), you do not carry it, you are self-insured, or the LLC statement.
Builders of single-family homes must also disclose in writing whether they carry commercial general liability insurance (B&P §7164). With a current policy, both are easy to complete. More on the notice: the home improvement contract insurance notice. Related: general contractor insurance and what drives GL cost.
Common questions
What does a certificate of insurance prove?
That a policy existed with the listed dates and limits when the certificate was issued. It does not change the policy or give the holder any coverage.
Is a certificate holder covered by my policy?
No. A certificate holder only receives proof of insurance. To be covered for claims from your work, they must be added to your policy as an additional insured by endorsement.
What is a waiver of subrogation in a subcontract?
It means your insurer gives up the right to recover from the GC after it pays a claim. Many California subcontracts require it.
What GL limits do California GCs require from subs?
Most ask for $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, often with additional insured, primary and non-contributory, and waiver of subrogation. Your contract has the final word.
How fast can I get a COI for a new job?
You need an active policy first. Once you are covered through CalRisk, we send the certificate to your GC. For extra certificates, call or text (877) 940-4313.
Do homeowners need a certificate of insurance from me?
Some ask, but California home improvement contracts must include the CGL notice under B&P §7159, stating your insurer and phone number or one of the other allowed statements.
General information about California rules, not legal advice. Check your own licence with CSLB. Coverage is subject to the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions, and to the insurance company's approval. Some licence types are quoted by an agent instead of online. Updated 2026-10-25.