From flooring installers and painters to plumbers and drywall specialists, specialty trade contractors keep construction projects moving. But each trade comes with its own set of risks — and without proper insurance, those risks fall back on general contractors and project owners. That’s why Certificate of Insurance (COI) compliance is so important for specialty trades.
Why COIs Matter for Specialty Trades
Specialty trades may be narrower in scope, but the risks are just as real:
- Property Damage: A flooring mistake or plumbing leak can cause thousands in repairs.
- Jobsite Accidents: Even smaller trades carry slip, trip, or fall risks.
- Contractual Obligations: Owners and GCs require COIs before work can begin.
- Regulatory Oversight: Insurance coverage is often required to meet local licensing laws.
A COI ensures subcontractors are covered, reducing liability for everyone involved.
Common COI Issues in Specialty Trades
- Incomplete COIs missing required coverage types
- Expired certificates that go unnoticed until a claim arises
- Paper-based tracking systems that slow down verification
- Last-minute delays caused by waiting on subcontractor paperwork
Best Practices for Specialty Trade COI Compliance
- Require COIs at Contract Signing: Don’t wait until crews are already on-site.
- Check Coverage Types Carefully: Liability and workers’ comp should be non-negotiable.
- Track Expirations Automatically: Prevent lapses with 30/15/7-day reminders.
- Centralize Documents: Eliminate file cabinet chaos with digital storage.
- Use Sub-Friendly Uploads: Text and email upload links reduce friction for smaller trades.
How ConCOI Helps Specialty Trades
With ConCOI, specialty contractors and GCs benefit from:
- AI-powered verification of coverage details
- Automated expiration reminders sent directly to subcontractors
- Real-time dashboards showing who is compliant or expiring soon
- Easy, mobile-friendly uploads that make compliance painless
Final Thoughts
Specialty trades may not always carry the same risks as heavy construction, but insurance compliance is just as important. By ensuring every subcontractor provides a valid COI — and tracking them with automation — contractors can avoid liability gaps and project delays. With ConCOI, COI compliance for specialty trades becomes fast, simple, and reliable.
👉 Next Step: Simplify COI Compliance for Specialty Trade Contractors with ConCOI
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