Parties Identified
Clearly list the insured employer legal name, doing-business-as names if applicable, and the requestor or contracting party so responsibility and reliance are unambiguous.
A complete declaration reduces disputes, speeds contractor onboarding, and documents insurance obligations for audits and claims. It helps verify financial responsibility, prevents gaps in coverage, and supports compliance with state workers' compensation reporting and procurement rules.
Employers, general contractors, brokers, and third-party administrators commonly prepare or request the declaration before contract execution or worker onboarding.
Agencies, licensing authorities, and owners also request declarations to confirm coverage for permits, bonds, or regulated work.
An authorized HR, operations, or risk staff member who certifies policy details, provides company legal name and FEIN, and confirms coverage dates and limits. They ensure accuracy, coordinate with the insurer, and sign or approve the declaration for contractual use.
A licensed broker or carrier representative who supplies the declarations page, endorsements, and policy number. The agent confirms coverage scope, alerts employers to renewals or cancellations, and can provide certified copies for the declaration package.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Type | Electronic signature with audit trail |
| Authentication | Email link plus optional SMS code |
| Conditional Fields | Show policy details when 'Insured' selected |
| Bulk Send | Enable for multiple recipients |
Declarations can be delivered by email, secure portal, or API integration; choose a method matching your security and audit needs.
Provide the completed declaration prior to the worker's first day on site.
Include the declaration when the contract is signed to satisfy procurement terms.
Update declaration within 30 days of policy renewal or carrier change.
Inform affected parties immediately when the carrier issues cancellation notice.
Keep signed declarations for the applicable retention period.
Clearly list the insured employer legal name, doing-business-as names if applicable, and the requestor or contracting party so responsibility and reliance are unambiguous.
Include the insurer's legal name, complete policy number, policy type, and any policy endorsements that affect coverage scope or exclusions relevant to the work.
State monetary limits and per-occurrence and aggregate values, including employer's liability amounts and any specified deductible or retention applicable to the policy.
Provide the exact policy effective and expiration dates in MM/DD/YYYY format so reviewers can confirm coverage during the contract period and for claim timing.
Note applicable endorsements, waivers, or additional insured language that change who is protected under the policy and under what circumstances.
Include an authorized signature block with signer name and title, date, and a statement attesting to the accuracy of the information and who may be contacted to verify it.
Attach the insurer's declarations page showing policy number, effective dates, named insured, and coverage limits. This is the primary verification document used by contracting parties and auditors.
Include any endorsements or additional insured certificates that alter or expand coverage, such as additional-insured endorsements or waiver of subrogation documents relevant to the contract.
Provide the COI if available; note that a COI is a summary and may require the full policy or endorsement to verify specific contractual protections.
List the issuing agent or carrier contact information so the contracting party can directly validate coverage and obtain certified copies where necessary.
| Criteria | Declaration | Certificate of Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | evidence of coverage | summary proof |
| Issued by | employer or agent | insurer or agent |
| Requires signature | often not required | |
| Notarization typical | sometimes | rarely |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial, no credit card required | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
A general contractor requires a declaration before site access to confirm subcontractor coverage
A public agency requests declarations for procurement bids to meet bonding rules