HVAC Contractor Insurance Requirements
Before approving a hvac contractor, review their Certificate of Insurance for active policies, required limits, correct Certificate Holder wording, and any Additional Insured or Waiver of Subrogation requirements.
Why HVAC Contractor COIs matter
HVAC contractors may work with electrical systems, refrigerants, mechanical equipment, roofs, tenant spaces, and occupied buildings.
A COI review helps your team catch missing or expired insurance documents before the vendor starts work.
Common insurance requirements
| Coverage | Why it matters | What to check on the COI |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial General Liability | Helps address third-party bodily injury and property damage risk | Per occurrence limit, aggregate limit, policy dates |
| Workers’ Compensation | Important when vendor employees perform work on site | Coverage row, policy dates, state requirements |
| Employers Liability | Often paired with Workers’ Compensation | Each accident, disease policy limit, disease each employee |
| Commercial Auto | Relevant if vendor vehicles are used for the job | Any auto, owned, hired, or non-owned auto indicators |
| Umbrella / Excess Liability | Adds limits above underlying policies | Limit, policy dates, follows-form language if available |
| Additional Insured | May be required by contract | ADDL INSD indicators and Description of Operations wording |
| Waiver of Subrogation | May be required by contract | SUBR WVD indicators and endorsement references |
COI checklist
Check whether the certificate shows:
- Correct vendor legal name
- Current policy dates
- Required coverage types
- Required limits
- Certificate Holder name
- Additional Insured indicators
- Waiver of Subrogation indicators
- Authorized representative signature
Common deficiencies
Common problems on hvac contractor COIs include:
- Expired policy dates
- General Liability limit below requirement
- Workers’ Compensation missing
- Commercial Auto missing when vehicles are used
- Wrong Certificate Holder
- Additional Insured wording missing or unclear
- Waiver of Subrogation not indicated
Sample COI request email
Subject: Certificate of Insurance Required Before Work Begins
Hi [Vendor Name],
Please send a current Certificate of Insurance for your hvac contractor work. The COI should show active General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto if vehicles will be used, and any required Additional Insured or Waiver of Subrogation wording.
Please list [Company Name] as Certificate Holder.
Thank you.
Check this COI automatically
Have the vendor’s COI already?
Upload it and check whether it matches your hvac contractor requirements.
Disclaimer
This page provides a practical document-review checklist. It does not provide legal advice or insurance advice. Requirements vary by contract, location, vendor scope, and risk level.