Insurance & Bond Requirements
A plain-language guide for vendors
When working with Delaware County, some projects require vendors to carry insurance or provide a bond. These requirements help protect both the County and you and ensure work can be completed as planned.
Not every project has the same requirements. This guide explains what these documents are, when they’re typically required, and how to avoid common delays.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A COI is a document from your insurance provider that shows:
- What type of insurance you carry
- Your coverage limits
- That your policy is current
For County projects, the COI usually needs to list Delaware County as a certificate holder, allowing the County to verify that the required insurance coverage is in place. This does not change who is insured; it simply provides proof of coverage for the project.
When Is Insurance Required?
Insurance requirements vary by project type and size. In general:
- Smaller projects or quotes may have minimal insurance requirements
- Formal bids or larger projects often require specific types and coverage amounts
The exact requirements are always outlined in the quote request or bid documents. You should review these early to avoid last-minute issues.
What Are Bonds (and When Do They Apply)?
A bond is a financial guarantee that a project will be completed according to the contract. Bonds are typically obtained through a surety company. A surety company is a financial institution that guarantees the vendor’s performance on a project.
Bonds are used to:
- Protect the County in case a project is not finished or contractual obligations are not met
- Reduce financial risk on larger or more complex projects
Common types include:
- Bid bonds, which confirm a vendor is serious about their bid
- Performance bonds, which help ensure the work will be completed according to the contract
Not all projects require bonds. When they are required, the bid documents will clearly explain:
- What type of bond is needed
- When it must be submitted
- The required amount
If a project does not mention bonds, you do not need to provide one.
Best Practices
To avoid delays or incomplete submissions:
- Review insurance and bond requirements as soon as you see them
- Confirm that your COI lists Delaware County exactly as requested
- Make sure coverage amounts match what’s specified
- Allow time to request updates from your insurance provider if needed
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about insurance or bond requirements for a specific project, help is available.
- Delaware County Central Purchasing
https://www.delcopa.gov/purchasing or 610-891-4425 - PennBid Support
(for projects advertised through PennBid)
https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com/portal/support or 610-693-4769