Guide
How to read an ACORD 25 certificate of insurance
An ACORD 25 is a one-page summary of a vendor’s insurance. Read it top to bottom: producer and insured, insurers, coverage lines with policy numbers, dates and limits, the description of operations, the certificate holder and cancellation terms. It is informational only and does not amend or extend any policy.
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Click any area of the sample certificate above to see what it means and what to check. The sample is illustrative, not a real policy.
What an ACORD 25 does not prove
- That an endorsement exists. “ADDL INSD” and “SUBR WVD” letters show intent. Request the endorsement page.
- That the policy is still in force. It was accurate on the issue date.
- That you will be told of cancellation. The form says the insurer will endeavor to notify, and the standard wording does not guarantee notice to the holder.
Five-minute review checklist
- Insured name matches your contract.
- Every required line of coverage is present.
- Policy dates cover the work period.
- Limits meet your minimums.
- Holder and project description are correct.
Not legal or insurance advice. Confirm anything contract-specific with your broker or attorney.
What is an ACORD 25?
An ACORD 25 is the standard certificate of liability insurance. ACORD is the industry group that makes the form, and 25 is the form number. It lists a business’s general liability, auto, umbrella or excess, and workers’ comp policies with policy numbers, limits and dates. It is a summary, so it does not prove the policy is active today. See how to verify it.
A quick walkthrough for contractors
| Section | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Producer | The agent. Their phone number is who you call to confirm |
| Insured | Must match the sub’s exact company name on your contract |
| Insurers A to F | The insurance companies behind each policy |
| Coverages | Policy type, number, start and end dates, and limits |
| Description of operations | Shows endorsements like additional insured or waiver. Check it names you and the project |
| Certificate holder | That is you. Check the name and address |
| Cancellation | Standard wording only. It usually does not promise you will be told |
Red flags
- Dates that start the day before the job.
- The insured name is slightly different from the sub’s contract name.
- No agent phone number.
- Description box says nothing about you or the project.
- A policy that ends in a few days.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ACORD 25?
It is the standard certificate of liability insurance form published by ACORD, the insurance industry standards body, used to summarize a policyholder’s coverage.
Does an ACORD 25 prove additional insured status?
No. It indicates the endorsement may exist, but only the endorsement itself grants the status.
Who issues the certificate?
The insured’s insurance agent or broker issues it, usually on request.
What is an ACORD 25 certificate of liability insurance?
It is the standard one-page form that summarizes a business’s liability and workers’ comp policies. Contractors collect it from subs before work starts.
Where do I find the policy end date on an ACORD 25?
In the coverage section, next to each policy. Each policy has its own start and end date.
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