How to confirm a subcontractor's workers’ compensation coverage
You hired a subcontractor, and they provided proof of their workers' compensation coverage. How can you be sure the policy is in effect? This is a critical question, because an inactive policy can leave you liable for both the subcontractor's claims and for their lack of insurance.
Avoiding proof of insurance issues
Manually verifying a subcontractor's coverage regularly can be time-consuming. The NCCI coverage verification tool provides an automated way to stay on top of your subcontractor's insurance status.
Here's how to use NCCI's verification tool:
- Visit the Workers' Compensation Verification Coverage website.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions.
- Search for the subcontractor using their name, state, or federal tax identification number (FEIN).
- Select the company you want to monitor and click "Track Policy."
- Enter your email address and confirm.
- You'll receive notifications of any coverage changes.
NCCI's tool can help reduce your business's risk
The NCCI verification tool is a valuable resource, but you’ll need to have the exact name of the subcontractor. Also, note that it may take up to two weeks to receive notification of coverage cancellation, so calling the insurance carrier on the certificate is the most sure-fire way to confirm coverage.
