New York Contractor Insurance Requirements
New York contractor insurance review often requires documents beyond the familiar ACORD 25. For government permits, licenses and contracts, the state’s approved workers’ compensation proof process matters as much as the policy dates.
The New York Workers’ Compensation Board guidance under WCL 57 expressly says ACORD forms are not acceptable proof for that purpose. A normal liability COI therefore should not be the only document requested from a contractor applying for the affected government approval.
Request the right state coverage evidence
WCB identifies carrier-issued documentation such as C-105.2 and the State Insurance Fund’s U-26.3, with separate documentation for approved self-insurance or an eligible exemption. Ask the carrier or agent for the appropriate form rather than recreating one internally.
An exemption attestation is not a substitute for coverage when coverage is required. Check the eligibility instructions carefully, including the state’s restrictions concerning out-of-state businesses and where the work is performed.
Keep disability and local requirements visible
The NYC Department of Buildings contractor permit guidance describes local liability, workers’ compensation and disability requirements for its process. Label those as New York City requirements; do not publish a city insurance limit as a statewide general-contractor minimum.
A New York project file may therefore contain a liability certificate, state-approved employee coverage proof, disability-related evidence, local permit records and contract endorsements. Give each document a clear purpose and status.
A hypothetical permit delay
A contractor submits an ACORD 25 showing current workers’ compensation. The project team marks insurance complete, but the government permit reviewer requests the applicable WCB-approved proof. The policy may be current while the administrative evidence is insufficient. Requesting the correct form from the issuer fixes a different problem from increasing a policy limit.
Do not edit an ACORD form to resemble the state proof document. Obtain the proper record through the authorized process and match the entity to the permit applicant.
Review the project’s additional terms
The contract can also require additional insured coverage, completed operations, auto or umbrella protection. Compare those requirements with the issued documents independently of state form compliance. WCB’s coverage guidance also explains why construction worker classification deserves a separate review.
Use the New York state guide, the insurance broker document checklist and the COI review checklist to request each record by name.
Sources checked November 3, 2026. Verify state forms, local permit requirements and contract terms for the project.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ACORD 25 satisfy New York government workers’ comp proof requirements?
New York WCB says ACORD forms are not acceptable proof under WCL 57 for the relevant government permits, licenses and contracts. Use the applicable approved state documentation.
Do New York City contractor insurance limits apply statewide?
No. NYC DOB requirements are local. Review the work location, permit type, state coverage requirements and project contract separately.