If you’re a contractor working in New York, whether in NYC, Long Island, or upstate, understanding Certificate of Insurance (COI) requirements is not just important—it’s essential to keeping your projects moving and your liability in check. Whether you’re working with a general contractor, a private client, or a municipality, failing to provide a compliant COI can delay your start, cancel your contract, or expose you to significant risk.
This guide breaks down exactly what New York contractors need to know about COI compliance, how to make sure your certificates match contract language, and how to avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your business.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A Certificate of Insurance is a standardized document (usually the ACORD 25 form) that provides proof of your business insurance policies—such as general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and umbrella/excess coverage. While it’s not a legal contract, it summarizes the essential details of your insurance coverage and proves that you’re properly insured for the job.
Why Are COIs So Important in New York?
New York’s construction laws are some of the most stringent in the country. Between Labor Law 240/241 (the Scaffold Law) and municipal insurance requirements, COIs are heavily scrutinized by:
- Clients (property owners)
- General contractors
- Municipalities (DOB, DOT, etc.)
- Lenders and financial institutions
Many contractors google phrases like “How to get a compliant COI in New York?” or “What is required on a certificate of insurance for contractors?”—because mistakes can lead to rejected COIs and halted jobs.
What Clients and GCs Look for in a COI
1. Named Insured
Your business name must exactly match what’s on the contract. No nicknames, abbreviations, or DBAs that aren’t registered.
2. Coverage Types and Policy Limits
Standard requirements typically include:
- General Liability: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
- Workers’ Compensation: Statutory limits (with NYS Workers’ Comp Board approval)
- Commercial Auto: $1M combined single limit
- Umbrella/Excess Liability: $1M–$5M depending on project scope
Some contracts even specify project-specific aggregate limits.
3. Additional Insured Endorsements
Most clients and GCs will require that they be named as Additional Insureds on a primary and non-contributory basis. This MUST be supported by actual policy endorsements, not just listed on the COI.
4. Waiver of Subrogation
Many municipalities and GCs require a waiver of subrogation for workers’ comp and general liability. Be sure your carrier includes these endorsements if required.
5. Certificate Holder
The certificate holder section should list the correct entity—often the property owner or managing GC—and their exact legal address.
COIs for New York Municipalities
When working on public projects or pulling permits in NYC, you’ll encounter strict municipal COI requirements:
- NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
- Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
Each of these has its own set of insurance limits and COI submission protocols. For example, the NYC DOB may require:
- Higher general liability limits
- Specific additional insured wording
- Endorsement forms (CG 20 10 11 85 or equivalent)
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to search “NYC DOB COI requirements for contractors” and consult an experienced insurance broker familiar with local regulations.
How to Ensure Your COI Meets Contract Terms
Many contractors run into problems because they don’t double-check their contract’s insurance requirements before submitting their COI. Here’s how to avoid that:
✅ Step 1: Request Full Insurance Requirements Early
Before signing a subcontract or agreement, request all insurance specifications—preferably in writing.
✅ Step 2: Review with Your Broker
Your broker should be experienced in construction insurance and understand the nuance of New York contractual language. They can help customize your policy to meet demands.
✅ Step 3: Provide Actual Endorsements When Needed
Listing someone as “additional insured” on the COI is not enough—you must include actual endorsement forms (e.g., CG 20 10, CG 20 37).
✅ Step 4: Keep Your COIs Updated
Many jobs require COI resubmission annually or even monthly. Set reminders so you’re not scrambling.
Contractors often look for info like “How to fix a rejected certificate of insurance in NYC?” or “Common mistakes on COIs for contractors.” Avoid these issues by partnering with a broker who knows the terrain.
Why BGES Group Is the Right Partner for Contractors in 2025
When it comes to construction insurance in New York, BGES Group is one of the most experienced and respected names in the business. With decades of experience serving contractors throughout NYC, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, they know exactly what clients, GCs, and municipalities are looking for on your COIs.
How BGES Group Can Help You:
- Review your contracts and advise on required COI language
- Customize your policies to avoid COI rejections
- Quickly issue accurate COIs and endorsements
- Find cost-effective coverage that meets NY’s unique legal risks
- Save you time, money, and frustration in 2025
If you’ve ever typed “contractor insurance broker near me” or “get help with COI in New York,” the team at BGES Group is who you want on your side.
Contact BGES Group Today
Don’t let a COI hold up your project or cost you a contract. Partner with experts who can ensure your insurance coverage and documentation are rock solid.
BGES Group
📍 Contact: Gary Wallach
📞 Phone: (914) 806-5853
📧 Email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.bgesgroup.com
By understanding how to provide a compliant Certificate of Insurance for NY construction projects, and by partnering with a specialist like BGES Group, you’ll protect your business, gain credibility, and stay ready to build in 2025 and beyond.