Free checklist · Printable PDF
Contractor Certificate of Insurance (COI) Checklist
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a snapshot of someone’s coverage. Contractors need to provide them, and homeowners, landlords, and general contractors should check them before work starts. This checklist covers both sides.
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Quick takeaway
- A COI shows coverage on the day it’s issued. It doesn’t change the policy by itself.
- If a contract requires you to be an additional insured, the policy usually needs an endorsement, not just a line on the certificate.
- Tennessee contractors on many jobs of $25,000 or more need a state license, and the Board requires general liability and workers’ comp unless exempt.
If you’re hiring a contractor
- Ask for a COI sent directly from the contractor’s agent.
- Check that the business name on the COI matches the contract.
- Check policy dates and make sure coverage runs through the job.
- Check general liability per-occurrence and aggregate limits against your contract.
- Look for workers’ compensation or proof of a valid exemption.
- Look for commercial auto if they bring vehicles on site.
- Confirm required endorsements, like additional insured or waiver of subrogation.
- Look up the contractor’s license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors when the job requires one.
If you’re the contractor
- Read the insurance section of every contract before you sign.
- Send the exact requirements (limits, endorsements, wording) to your agent.
- Allow time for endorsements, which may need carrier approval.
- Keep a list of certificate holders so renewals go out on time.
- Collect COIs from your own subcontractors and keep them on file.
Tennessee license and insurance notes
- Contractor license: generally required to bid or contract on projects of $25,000 or more, and the Board requires general liability and workers’ comp unless exempt (TN Board for Licensing Contractors).
- Home improvement license: required for residential remodeling of $3,000 to $24,999 in adopting counties, including Davidson and Rutherford, with general liability and workers’ comp required (Home Improvement license).
- Construction workers’ comp: required for employers with one or more employees (TN Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development).
Download, print, and share
Download the free Contractor Certificate of Insurance (COI) Checklist (PDF). It’s a direct download, with no form to fill out. Print it, check things off, and bring it to your next coverage review.
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Frequently asked questions
Does being listed as certificate holder make me an additional insured?
No. A certificate holder just receives the COI. Additional insured status usually requires an endorsement on the policy.
How do I verify a COI is real?
Ask for it to come directly from the contractor’s agent, and call that agency to confirm the policy is active if you have doubts.
Do Tennessee contractors need a license?
For many projects of $25,000 or more, yes, through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Some counties also require a home improvement license for residential remodeling from $3,000 to $24,999.
Want a second set of eyes?
Bring this checklist to a free coverage review. Eric can walk through it with you, explain what you have, and help you shop options from more than one carrier. Call or text 615-808-1105.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
Eric Henry, licensed insurance producer, NPN 3953606 · Affiliated with Hutsenpiller Insurance. Coverage subject to policy terms and carrier approval.