Free checklist
Vendor COI audit checklist
Use this checklist before vendors start work and during annual compliance reviews. Print this page or start tracking vendors automatically with CertGuard.
Certificate basics
- COI dated within the last 30 days
- Policy effective dates cover the full contract period
- Named insured matches the vendor on your contract
- Expiration tracked with 30 / 15 / 7-day reminders
General liability
- Each occurrence meets your minimum (typically $1M)
- General aggregate limit is sufficient
- Products/completed operations included for construction trades
- Certificate holder listed correctly
- Additional insured endorsement when required
Workers compensation
- Workers comp listed if vendor has employees
- Valid exemption on file if sole proprietor (where allowed)
- Limits meet statutory requirements
Auto & umbrella (when applicable)
- Commercial auto for vendors driving to site
- Umbrella/excess for high-risk trades (roofing, structural)
Red flags — do not allow on site
- Expired policy or stale COI
- GL limits below your minimum
- Missing workers comp for crews
- Additional insured required but not evidenced
Automate this checklist
CertGuard reads COI PDFs, applies your compliance rules, and flags expired or under-insured vendors — so you spend minutes on audits, not hours in email.
Tip: use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep an offline copy of this checklist.
Want the deep dive? COI tracking software guide · How to read ACORD 25