Sooner or later, a client, landlord or general contractor will ask for a certificate of insurance, often with a deadline attached. Here's what a COI is, what it isn't, and how to make the request go smoothly.
What a certificate of insurance is
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page summary of your coverage. It typically lists your insurance companies, policy numbers, policy periods and limits for coverages such as general liability, auto, workers' compensation and umbrella. The most common format is the ACORD 25.
What a COI doesn't do
A certificate is informational. On its own, it doesn't change your policy or give the certificate holder any rights. If a contract requires the holder to be an additional insured, or requires a waiver of subrogation, your policy needs an endorsement that actually provides it. The certificate simply shows that it's there.
That's why we check the contract before issuing a certificate. If an endorsement is missing, we'll tell you right away and work with the carrier to add it.
What to send when you request a certificate
- The certificate holder's full legal name and address
- The contract or the insurance requirements section, if there is one
- Any wording the holder asked for, such as additional insured, primary and non-contributory, or waiver of subrogation
- The project name or location, if it's for a specific job
- When you need it
Clients can send all of this through our certificate request form.
Common requirements, in plain English
Additional insured
Extends your liability coverage to the other party for claims arising from your work. It's the most common contract requirement.
Primary and non-contributory
Means your policy pays first, without asking the other party's insurance to share the loss.
Waiver of subrogation
Means your insurer gives up its right to recover a claim payment from the other party. It's common in construction and leases.
How fast can you get one?
When coverage is already in place and the requirements match your policy, certificates can usually be issued quickly. Requests that need a new endorsement take longer, because the carrier has to approve it. The earlier you send the contract, the less likely a certificate is to hold up a job.
Frequently asked questions
Is a certificate of insurance proof of coverage?
It's evidence of coverage at the time it's issued, but it doesn't change the policy. Additional insured status and waivers must be provided by endorsements on the policy itself.
Who can be a certificate holder?
Anyone who needs proof of your coverage, such as a client, landlord, lender or general contractor. Being listed as a certificate holder doesn't, by itself, give them coverage under your policy.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage depends on the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued, and availability varies by state and carrier.