Collect subcontractor COIs and secure additional-insured status

Steps

1. Require each subcontractor to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) before work begins, understanding that a COI is only a snapshot showing coverage was in force when issued — it is not a policy and not a guarantee of ongoing coverage.
2. Require additional insured status through an actual policy endorsement, not just COI language, since many carriers will not extend additional insured status unless it's specifically required in the underlying written contract.
3. Put additional-insured and indemnification requirements directly into the written subcontractor agreement, since a COI without contractual backing may not create enforceable additional-insured status.
4. Confirm whether the additional insured endorsement is primary and non-contributory, and note the specific endorsement form/edition used, since different editions vary in scope.
5. Track COI expiration dates on a renewal calendar and re-verify current status before each season, not just at initial onboarding.