When must a Gold Star franchisee furnish certificates of insurance to the company?

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must furnish certificates of insurance to the company at two specific times. These certificates serve as proof that the franchisee is complying with the insurance requirements outlined in Section 18 of the franchise agreement.

Specifically, the franchisee must provide these certificates of insurance before construction commences on the Retail Location. This ensures that adequate coverage is in place to protect against potential liabilities during the building phase. The franchisee must also furnish the certificates before the Retail Location opens for business, guaranteeing continuous coverage once operations begin and customers are present.

The certificates must confirm compliance with Section 18's insurance requirements and state that the insurance policies cannot be canceled or altered without at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Gold Star. This advance notice provision allows Gold Star to ensure continuous coverage and address any potential gaps in insurance.

It's important to note that maintaining the required insurance and fulfilling all obligations under Section 18 does not relieve the franchisee of liability or limit their liability under the indemnity provisions of the Franchise Agreement. This means that even with proper insurance, the franchisee remains responsible for their actions and potential liabilities related to the operation of the Gold Star franchise.