COIs, AIs & Waivers—How They Actually Work
Mr. Hoots explains COIs, Additional Insureds, Waiver of Subrogation, and Primary & Non-Contributory. What GCs want and how to send a compliant COI fast.
Hoo’s there? Mr. Hoots. If a GC, landlord, or city is asking for a COI, you’re in the right nest. Let’s translate the paperwork into job-site English so you can start the job today.
What’s a COI?
A Certificate of Insurance proves you have active coverage (usually General Liability). It shows your business name, policy number, effective dates, limits (e.g., $1M/$2M), and any special endorsements the contract requires. Think of it as your hall pass to the job site.
You’ll be asked for a COI when:
- A GC hires you as a sub
- A landlord gives you access or a lease
- A city issues permits
“Add me as Additional Insured”
This means your GC/client/landlord wants to be protected by your GL policy for liability arising out of your work for them.
- Blanket AI: Usually covers “any person/organization you’re required by written contract to add.” Great for fast COIs.
- Scheduled AI: Names a specific party. Slower, but sometimes required.
- Ongoing vs. Completed Ops: Some jobs want protection during the work and after you’re done (callbacks). Ask for both if the contract says so.
Waiver of Subrogation (Waiver of Sub)
Prevents your insurer from going after the GC/owner to recover money after a claim. Common on commercial jobs and leases. Usually added via endorsement.
Primary & Non-Contributory (PNC)
Says your policy responds first for that Additional Insured, without asking theirs to pitch in. If the contract lists PNC, we’ll add the matching endorsement.
What your GC actually wants to see
- Your business name matches the contract
- Effective dates cover the whole job
- Limits meet or beat the requirement (often $1M/$2M GL)
- Endorsements: AI, PNC, Waiver of Sub (as requested)
- Job info: location, project/PO, and who to list
Mr. Hoots’ Bottom Line
Bring me the contract language, and I’ll hoot back a compliant COI, often the same day. Less paperwork, more paid work.