Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about TradeOwed, the free trial, certificates of insurance and how your documents are protected.
Getting started
Do I need a credit card for the free trial?
No. Start with your work email and company name. The trial lasts 14 days and includes every feature. Each email address can start one free trial.
How long does setup take?
A few minutes. A short welcome guide walks you through your company details, your first certificate and your first GC or sub. Every step can be skipped and finished later.
Is TradeOwed for subs or for general contractors?
Both. Subcontractors use it to keep their own certificates current with every GC. General contractors, and subs who hire subs, use it to collect and track certificates from the companies working for them. One account can do both.
Certificates and GCs
What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?
A one- or two-page summary of your insurance policies, usually issued by your insurance agent on an ACORD 25 form. It lists your carriers, policy numbers, dates and limits, and names the company it was issued to as the certificate holder. Read the full guide.
Do the GCs I send to need an account?
No. Each GC gets a secure link by email that opens your current documents for 30 days. You can see when they opened it.
Can TradeOwed issue certificates or add additional insureds?
No. Certificates and endorsements come from your insurance agent or carrier. TradeOwed stores them, reads their dates, reminds you before they expire and gets them to the right GCs.
Can my subs upload without an account?
Yes. You send each sub an upload link that works for 14 days. They upload from a phone or computer; you review and approve.
Security and billing
Who can see my documents?
Only people on your team and the GCs you choose to send to. Files are kept in private storage and open only through links that expire within minutes. How we protect your documents.
Does TradeOwed store my tax ID?
No. Your W-9 is kept as a file only. TradeOwed never reads the numbers on it, never saves them in a database, and never sends W-9s to the AI.
How much does it cost?
$29 a month or $290 a year, with every feature included. See pricing.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes, from Settings → Billing. You can export every document and record whenever you like, including after you cancel.