Ace Hardware COI Requirements 2026
What Ace Hardware Requires on Your COI
Three things must be exact: the certificate holder, the limits, and the additional insured language. Miss any one and the COI gets rejected.
Certificate Holder
2915 Jorie Blvd.
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Minimum Limits
| Coverage Line | Required Minimum |
|---|---|
| CGL — Each Occurrence | $1,000,000 |
| CGL — Aggregate | $2,000,000 |
| Products / Completed Operations | $1,000,000 |
| Personal & Advertising Injury | $1,000,000 |
| Automobile Liability (Combined Single Limit) | $1,000,000 |
| Workers Comp / Employers Liability | Statutory + $500,000 |
| Umbrella (Follow Form) | $2,000,000 |
Required Additional Insured Language
Sample COI for Ace Hardware
How Much Does Ace Hardware-Compliant Insurance Cost?
Ace-compliant policies typically run $200 to $700 per month for typical hardware/tool vendors carrying GL + Auto + WC + $2M Umbrella. Higher-risk categories (chemicals, lawn and garden products, building materials) run $500 to $1,800+ per month. Auto and Workers Comp can add $100 to $400 per month depending on team size.
Why Ace Hardware Rejects COIs
Ace Hardware COI FAQ
What are Ace Hardware's minimum insurance requirements?
$1,000,000 each occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate of CGL. Auto Liability $1M Combined Single Limit if applicable. Workers Comp at statutory limits plus $500,000 Employers Liability. $2,000,000 Umbrella following form. Ace Hardware Corporation, its Retail Dealers, and all subsidiaries must be named as additional insureds.
Why does Ace require an A VIII carrier rating?
Ace Hardware requires carriers with an A.M. Best rating of A VIII or higher (higher than the A- VII most retailers require). The "A VIII" rating means A or A+ financial strength rating with a Class VIII or higher financial size category, indicating substantial reserves to pay claims.
What does AI extending to Retail Dealers mean?
Ace operates through a network of independent Retail Dealers (the local Ace Hardware stores). Your AI endorsement must extend to BOTH Ace Hardware Corporation and its Retail Dealers. This is broader than standard vendor endorsements and may require specifically negotiated endorsement language.
Does Ace Hardware require Workers Compensation?
Workers Compensation is required if your team is ever on Ace premises — including Retail Dealer store locations. Statutory limits apply, with a minimum $500,000 Employers Liability.
Does Ace Hardware require Auto Liability?
Auto Liability ($1M Combined Single Limit, including Hired & Non-Owned) is required if your employees or agents drive on or make deliveries to Ace premises. Generic personal auto policies don't satisfy this.
What is the 30-day cancellation notice requirement?
Ace requires 30 days prior written notice of cancellation be specifically endorsed onto your policy. Standard ACORD 25 cancellation language is generally insufficient — explicit endorsement language is required, and your broker must add it before COI submission.
Does my Ace policy need to be primary?
Yes. Coverage must be primary and non-contributory to any insurance carried by Ace Hardware Corporation or its Retail Dealers. Your policy pays first, before any Ace-side coverage applies.
How much does Ace Hardware-compliant insurance cost?
Standard hardware/tool vendors: $200-$700/month for GL + Auto + WC + $2M Umbrella. Higher-risk categories (chemicals, garden products, building materials): $500-$1,800+/month. Auto and Workers Comp can add $100-$400/month depending on team size.
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