How do I make sure my builder actually has insurance?

I totally agree it's important to verify this upfront. When we did our kitchen remodel last year, I asked our builder directly for proof of insurance, and he provided a certificate of coverage from his insurer. It listed policy numbers, coverage limits, and expiration dates. You can also call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active - just to be extra safe. It's pretty standard practice, so any reputable builder shouldn't mind you asking at all. Better safe than sorry...

The certificate sounds useful, but does the insurer’s confirmation also cover the specific renovation work and the liability limits you need? A certificate can be outdated or omit exclusions, so I’d ask the insurer to confirm the policy is active and applies to this project, rather than relying on the document alone.

A certificate can confirm coverage today, but what happens if the policy changes halfway through the renovation?

- Could the contract require the builder to notify you before the policy is canceled, materially changed, or allowed to lapse?
- Would it be reasonable to require updated certificates, or direct notice from the insurer, at key stages of the work?
- Should the agreement also state that the builder remains responsible for any uninsured period or excluded work?

I’d want those notification and replacement requirements written into the contract, rather than relying on an informal promise.