Subcontractor Compliance Checklist
What This Means For You
This free tool takes the guesswork out of understanding your subcontractor compliance checklist. Instead of trying to piece together information from multiple sources or waiting for a broker callback, you can get clear numbers in about two minutes.
Enter your information below — no account needed, no email required. The results will give you a solid starting point for making informed decisions about your benefits strategy.
BENEFITRA
Subcontractor
Compliance Checklist
Edition for Roofers
1
Before Hiring a Sub
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Verify business license — Confirm active state/local license for the trade being performed
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Verify workers' comp coverage — Confirm class codes match the work being performed (e.g., roof work = 5551)
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Verify GL coverage — Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
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Verify commercial auto — Required if subcontractors drive their own vehicles to job sites
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Request additional insured endorsement — Your company must be named as additional insured on the sub's GL policy
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Request waiver of subrogation endorsement — Prevents the sub's carrier from coming after you for claims
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Verify carrier AM Best rating — A- (Excellent) or better; do not accept sub-standard carriers
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Call carrier directly to confirm coverage — Never trust the certificate alone. Use the carrier's publicly listed phone number to verify
2
Contract Requirements
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Written subcontractor agreement required — Never rely on a verbal agreement; always get it in writing
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Indemnification clause — Sub holds you harmless for claims arising from their work or negligence
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Insurance requirements clause — Specify exact coverage types and minimum limits in the contract
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Right to suspend work if coverage lapses — Contract must allow you to stop work immediately if coverage expires
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Payment contingent on maintaining coverage — No valid coverage = no payment; put it in writing
Why this matters: If an uninsured or underinsured sub causes a jobsite injury or property damage, YOUR company's policy responds — and your experience mod, premiums, and reputation take the hit. One bad sub can cost you six figures.
3
Ongoing Monitoring
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Calendar renewal dates for every sub — Set reminders for each subcontractor's policy expiration dates
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Request updated COIs 30 days before expiration — Don't wait until the last minute; give subs a 30-day notice
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Suspend site access immediately if coverage lapses — Zero tolerance; no active policy means no jobsite access
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Quarterly audit of all active sub COIs — Review every active subcontractor's certificate at least every 90 days
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Document everything in writing — Keep copies of all COIs, endorsements, contracts, and correspondence on file
Notes
BENEFITRA
Subcontractor
Compliance Checklist
Edition for Roofers
4
Red Flags — Watch Out For These
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Certificate issued by the sub themselves — COIs must come from a licensed agent or directly from the carrier, never from the sub
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Phone number on cert doesn't match carrier's public number — Cross-check the number against the carrier's website or AM Best listing
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Coverage limits seem unusually low for the trade — Roofer subs should carry at minimum $1M/$2M GL; anything less is a warning sign
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Policy effective dates don't cover the project timeline — Confirm coverage spans the full duration of the sub's work on your project
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Sub resists providing certificate or endorsements — If they push back, walk away; legitimate contractors expect this request
Quick Reference — Minimum Requirements
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $1M occ / $2M agg | Must include additional insured + waiver of subrogation |
| Workers' Comp | Statutory Limits | Verify correct class codes for roof work |
| Commercial Auto | $1M CSL | Required if sub drives to job sites |
| Umbrella / Excess | $1M+ recommended | Strongly recommended for high-risk trades like roof work |
Remember: A Certificate of Insurance is just a snapshot — it can be cancelled the next day. Always request endorsements (additional insured + waiver of subrogation) directly from the carrier. Endorsements are part of the actual policy and provide real protection.
COI Tracking Log
| Sub Name | GL Exp. | WC Exp. | Auto Exp. | AI | WOS | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AI = Additional Insured • WOS = Waiver of Subrogation • Mark each with when confirmed
Need help reviewing your subcontractor compliance program?
Contact BENEFITRA for a free risk assessment — benefitra.com
Getting Started — Your Next Steps
- Download or print your results for reference
- Review the numbers with your accountant or financial advisor
- Identify which option aligns best with your budget and employee needs
- Get real quotes to compare against these estimates
- Plan for open enrollment timing if you decide to make a change
Common Questions
Is this subcontractor compliance checklist really free?
Yes, completely free with no strings attached. You do not need to create an account, provide an email address, or speak with anyone. Calculations run in your browser. Benefitra collects information when you submit a form or request a report, and this tool may save what you enter as you work. Analytics cookies are used only with your consent. See our Privacy Policy.
How accurate are these estimates?
The calculations use industry-standard data and published rate tables, so they provide a reliable directional estimate. Your actual costs will depend on your specific situation, location, and the providers you work with. We recommend using these numbers as a starting point for getting real quotes.
What should I do with these results?
Use them as a baseline for informed conversations with brokers, PEOs, or insurance providers. Having these numbers before you talk to a salesperson puts you in a much stronger negotiating position and helps you evaluate whether the proposals you receive are competitive.