COI RequIREMENT'S For Painters In nyc.

Need painters in a NYC high-rise, condo or an apartment with a door-man? Your painters will be required to have an HIC license, proof of insurance (COI), and workers comp

If you live in a NYC co-op or condo, management will almost always ask your painters for a COI before they can set foot in the building. This is how your building protects you from liability if the painters damage the unit. Cheap, unlicensed painters often can't provide a real COI (or the right endorsements), and that's where owners get burned.

Here is a sample of what Painters Certificate insurance should look like: COI Sample

Below is the NYC-specific playbook: what a COI is, what your building will request, and how to complete it in one email.

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What Is A COI, Actually?

A COI is a one‑page ACORD 25 snapshot your painter’s insurance broker sends to your building. It shows active policies (general liability, workers’ comp, etc.) and the certificate holder (your building/manager).

 Important:

 a COI isn’t the policy and doesn’t create coverage by itself; the policy must include endorsements that extend protection to your building and you. (You’ll often see this printed right on the form.)

You can find a sample of a example COI listed on; NYC.gov

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What Your Painters Will Need To Produce a COI IN NY.

Painters in NYC will need the following to meet the insurance requirements of your apartment, condo, or coop:

• Building name, address, unit# and job dates.

• Name of certificate holder (building name or managing agent).

• Additional insured: Condo/Co-op legal name], [Managing Agent legal name], and [Unit Owner/Shareholder Name]

• Proof of workers compensation.

• Description of operation ie; interior painting, brief scope of job.

  
  

  Pro Tip:

  Ask building management for a voided sample COI sent to them from a previous painting company and send it to your painters to make the process easier.

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NYC Rules That Matter For Painters.

• License: There is no license required to become a painter in New York, but if their job costs more than $200, they must hold a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license.

• Permits: Painting doesn't require a DOB permit—it's "cosmetic/ordinary repair"—but your contractor still needs the right license and insurance.

• Lead‑safe: For pre‑1978 apartments, disturbing old paint can trigger EPA RRP rules. Many buildings want proof that your painter/firm is Lead‑Safe Certified.

• Insurance Requirements: High-end buildings, Co-ops, and condos in New York require painters to have a certificate of insurance and workers' comp. If the painting contractor you're considering does not have insurance and workers' compensation, they will not be allowed in the building.

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Conclusion: Reputable Painting Companies Are Licensed and Insured.

In NYC, the difference between a smooth, approved job and a stressful one usually comes down to paperwork and professionalism. Reputable painters carry the right license and insurance—and they can prove it with a building‑compliant COI sent directly by their broker.

Quick checklist before you book:

• HIC license # (required in NYC for home‑improvement work over $200)

• Insurance that meets your building’s standards: General Liability (often $1M/$2M), Workers’ Comp, and NY Disability

• COI with endorsements your building expects: Additional Insured, Primary & Non‑Contributory, and Waiver of Subrogation

• COI sent by the broker (not the contractor) to management, with the unit #, dates, and scope

• Lead‑safe (EPA RRP) practices if your home is pre‑1978

Cut‑rate contractors who can’t provide these put the risk on you, and many buildings will refuse them entry.

My NYC Painters is HIC‑licensed and fully insured. We issue same-day COIs with the exact wording your board requires and back them up with a binding, flat-rate quote. Call or text to get your COI and estimate in one step.