Coverage guide
Certificates of insurance and additional insured requests for electricians
Getting on a commercial job usually starts with a certificate of insurance. Knowing what is being asked for helps you bid with confidence.
What a certificate shows
The standard certificate lists your insurers, policy numbers, effective dates, and limits for general liability, auto, umbrella, and workers' compensation. It names the certificate holder, usually the general contractor or owner. It is informational only and cannot add or broaden coverage by itself.
Common requests in subcontracts
| Request | What it means |
|---|---|
| Additional insured | The GC or owner is covered under your liability policy for claims arising from your work |
| Completed operations additional insured | That protection continues after your work is finished |
| Primary and non-contributory | Your policy pays first, without seeking contribution from theirs |
| Waiver of subrogation | Your insurer gives up the right to recover from them |
| Notice of cancellation | They are told if your policy is cancelled |
| Per-project aggregate | Separate aggregate limits for each project |
Blanket versus scheduled endorsements
Many contractor policies include blanket additional insured and waiver endorsements that apply when a written contract requires them. Others require each party to be scheduled. Blanket wording saves time, but confirm it matches contract language, including whether completed operations are included.
Before you sign a subcontract
- Read the insurance and indemnity sections, not just the scope
- Send the requirements to your agent before you bid
- Check required limits against your policies and umbrella
- Look for specific endorsement form numbers
- Note how long completed operations coverage must last
Collecting certificates from your own subcontractors
If you hire subcontractors, ask for their certificates and additional insured status too. Uninsured subcontractors can be added to your payroll at audit, raising your premium.
Request a quote or read our general liability guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does a certificate of insurance change my coverage?
No. A certificate only summarizes coverage. Endorsements on the policy itself, such as additional insured status, are what change coverage.
What is a waiver of subrogation?
It is an agreement that your insurer will not try to recover what it paid from the party named in the waiver, often the general contractor or owner.
How quickly can I get a certificate?
Certificates are usually issued by your agent once the policy is in force. Endorsements the contract requires must already be on the policy.
More coverage guides
- General liability for electricians
- Workers' compensation for electricians
- Commercial auto for electricians
- Tools & equipment insurance
- License & permit bonds
- Certificates of insurance
Last updated October 15, 2026 · How we research