Certificate of insurance for contractors in California
Before you start a job, the GC or owner will ask for a certificate of insurance. Here is what it is, what the wording means, and what they usually expect to see.
What a certificate of insurance is
A certificate of insurance, often called a COI, is a one-page summary that shows your coverage exists. For general liability it is usually the ACORD 25 form. It lists:
- Your business name as the insured
- The insurance company and policy number for each policy
- Policy start and end dates
- Limits, such as each occurrence and general aggregate
- Who the certificate is issued to (the certificate holder)
- A description box for the project, additional insured status and other special wording
The certificate does not change your policy. It is proof of what the policy already says. If the GC wants to be an additional insured, the policy itself has to include that, usually through an endorsement. Writing it in the description box alone does not do it.
Certificate holder vs additional insured
These two get mixed up all the time, and the difference matters when something goes wrong.
- Certificate holder. The person or company the certificate is addressed to. They get proof that you are insured. That is all. Being a certificate holder does not give them any coverage under your policy.
- Additional insured. A party added to your policy by endorsement. If they get pulled into a claim because of your work, your policy can respond for them too, within the terms of the endorsement.
Most GCs ask to be named additional insured, not just certificate holder. Many property owners and management companies ask for the same. Read your subcontract or job contract to see exactly who must be added and how.
The wording GCs ask for
Subcontracts often require more than a plain certificate. Here is what the common terms mean, in general:
- Primary and non-contributory. Your policy pays first for claims from your work, and the GC's own insurance is not asked to share the cost.
- Waiver of subrogation. After your insurer pays a claim, it gives up the right to go after the GC to recover that money.
- Completed operations. Many GCs want additional insured status to continue after your work is finished, because many claims show up later.
- Per-project (scheduled) additional insured. The GC or owner is named on an endorsement for a specific job or party. A new GC can mean a new endorsement.
- Blanket additional insured. The endorsement covers anyone you are required to add by a written contract. If you work for many GCs, this is often easier. Not every policy includes it, so check before you sign a contract that requires it.
When you compare quotes, look at what is included and excluded. If your GCs require these terms, make sure the policy you choose can provide them.
What California GCs typically require
Requirements vary by contract, but these show up again and again:
| Item | What GCs usually ask for |
|---|---|
| General liability limits | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate |
| Additional insured | GC, and often the owner, named by endorsement |
| Primary and non-contributory | Often required |
| Waiver of subrogation | Often required |
| Workers' comp | Proof of coverage, or an exemption if you have no employees and your class allows it |
The $1M / $2M limits are what we quote online. If you hold an LLC license, CSLB has its own liability minimum. See the CSLB LLC insurance requirement. Workers' comp is separate from general liability. See the California contractor workers' comp guide.
How to get your certificate through Aster
You cannot get a certificate until a policy is in force. Here is how it works with Aster:
- Enter your CSLB license number and answer about a minute of questions.
- Compare quotes from multiple A-rated programs side by side, with limits, deductible and what is included and excluded.
- Tap "Submit for approval." A licensed agent handles it and emails you the final quote to sign. Nothing is bound until you sign.
- Once you are covered, our agents send the certificate to your GC.
Need a certificate for another GC or owner later? Call or text a licensed agent at (877) 940-4313 with the holder's name, address and any wording from the contract.
Homeowner contracts need a CGL notice
Certificates are mostly for GCs and commercial owners. Homeowners are covered by a separate rule. Under B&P Code §7159 and §7159.10, home improvement and service-and-repair contracts must include a "Commercial General Liability Insurance" notice. It states your insurance company and its phone number, or that you do not carry commercial general liability insurance.
Single-family home builders must also tell the buyer in writing whether they carry commercial general liability insurance (B&P §7164). Having a current policy makes that notice simple to fill out.
Each trade gets asked for different things. See general contractor insurance, roofing, or the cost guide: what drives your price.
Common questions
What is a certificate of insurance for a contractor?
It is a one-page summary, usually the ACORD 25 form, that shows your policies, dates and limits. It proves coverage exists but does not change the policy.
What is the difference between a certificate holder and an additional insured?
A certificate holder only receives proof of your insurance. An additional insured is added to your policy by endorsement and can get coverage for claims arising from your work.
What does primary and non-contributory mean?
It means your policy pays first for claims from your work, and the GC's insurance is not asked to share the cost.
What insurance limits do general contractors ask subcontractors for?
Most ask for $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate in general liability, often with additional insured, primary and non-contributory and waiver of subrogation wording. Always check your contract.
How do I get a certificate of insurance sent to my GC?
First you need an active policy. With Aster, once you are covered, our agents send the certificate to your GC. For more certificates later, call or text (877) 940-4313.
Do I need a certificate of insurance for homeowner jobs?
Homeowners may ask for one, but California home improvement contracts must include a commercial general liability insurance notice under B&P §7159. That notice states your insurer and phone number, or that you have none.
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 2026-10-09.