How to Read a Certificate of Insurance (ACORD 25) Like an Auditor
6 min read · Updated June 20, 2026
A subcontractor hands you a certificate of insurance and it looks like a wall of boxes. Auditors read it in about thirty seconds because they know which lines matter. Here’s how to read an ACORD 25 the same way.
What an ACORD 25 is
The ACORD 25 is the standard certificate-of-insurance form. It summarizes a policy’s coverages, limits, and dates as proof of insurance. Important: it’s a snapshot issued on a date — it doesn’t guarantee the policy is still active later.
The lines that matter (in order)
- The workers’ comp section. For your audit, this is the one that counts. Is there an active WC policy listed — not just general liability? If the WC line is blank, treat the sub as uninsured. Why GL doesn’t count →
- Effective and expiration dates. Do they cover the entire period the sub worked for you? A certificate from March doesn’t prove January coverage.
- Limits. Adequate for your state and contract.
- The named insured. Does it actually match the sub you’re paying?
- Holder, additional insured, and waiver notes. Holder vs. additional insured → · waiver of subrogation →
The snapshot problem
Because the certificate reflects one moment, a policy can be cancelled or lapse after it’s issued. That’s why you re-collect on expiration and verify dates against when the sub actually worked. How to collect and track COIs →
Read it before you pay, not at audit
Thirty seconds reading the WC line and the dates up front saves a five-figure surprise later. Run a sub’s certificate through the free checker →
General information for contractors, not insurance advice. Confirm coverage directly with the issuing agent when in doubt.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read a certificate of insurance?
Check the coverage types listed (especially the workers’ comp line), the policy effective and expiration dates, the limits, the named insured, and any holder, additional-insured, or waiver notes.
What part of a COI matters for a workers’ comp audit?
The workers’ comp line must be present — not just general liability — with dates that cover the entire period the sub worked for you. No WC line or a date gap means the sub can be charged to you.
What is an ACORD 25 form?
It’s the standard certificate-of-insurance form summarizing a policy’s coverages, limits, and dates. It’s a snapshot, so verify the dates and that the policy is still active.
See your own exposure — free
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Related guides
Does a Certificate of Insurance Actually Protect You at Your Workers’ Comp Audit?
A certificate of insurance on file doesn’t automatically exclude a subcontractor. Here are the three conditions that decide it.
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