Certificate of Insurance (COI)

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a concise document that proves a policy is active and lists essentials like coverage type, limits, dates, and the insured party.

Clients, landlords, and vendors often request it—most commonly for general liability insurance—before work begins. It summarizes coverage but doesn’t replace the policy itself.

What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

A certificate of insurance is a short, standardized document that proves an individual or business has active insurance coverage.

It’s usually one page and lists the types of coverage, policy limits, and key dates. Think of it as a quick snapshot you can show to others.

Importantly, this is not the full insurance policy and it doesn’t change any terms. It simply summarizes what’s already on file with the insurance company.

Third parties – like clients, landlords, or procurement teams – often ask to see it before work begins. In COI language, that requester is called the certificate holder.

How Certificates of Insurance (COI) Work

Normally, you (or your insurance agent) request the COI from your insurer or broker. They pull the details from your active policies and issue insurance certificates tailored to the situation – sometimes adding required wording such as Additional Insured or Waiver of Subrogation.

The certificate of insurance is then sent to the certificate holder, usually by email or via a portal. Dates, limits, and insured names must match the contract.

If coverage renews or changes, a fresh COI may be needed to keep records current.

Details of a Certificate of Insurance

In practice, a COI is the quick way for you and your business partners to confirm that required insurance coverage is in place for a project.

It bridges contract language with what’s active at the insurer.

For example, it highlights liability insurance coverage, limits, and dates tied to your insurance policy. The format is standardized, and insurance typically shows a concise summary – just enough to prove appropriate insurance coverage without exposing the full document.

Who Needs a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

Organizations that hire contractors, vendors, or freelancers often ask for one.

Landlords, event venues, and clients want proof of liability insurance before work starts or space is used. Procurement and compliance teams also request COIs to keep risk and paperwork under control.

How to Get a Certificate of Insurance?

Ask your broker or insurance company.

Share the certificate holder name, address, and any contract wording or limits required. They’ll pull the details from your insurance policy and issue the COI—usually by email or via a portal.

When Should You Get a Certificate of Insurance?

Before you sign or start work. Also at renewal time, when coverage changes, or whenever new business partners join a project. Don’t leave it to the last minute; some venues and clients will block access until a current COI is on file.

What Does a Certificate of Insurance Typically Include?

A certificate of insurance is a compact snapshot of who is insured, what insurance company stands behind the policy, which coverages apply, and for how long. On a standard COI, you’ll see clear identifiers plus the dates and limits a reviewer needs to approve work—without exposing the full policy.

• Insured details: Business name, legal name, and mailing address of the policyholder.
• Insurer details: Name of the insurance company issuing the coverage.
• Policy identifiers: The policy number for each listed coverage.
• Dates: Coverage effective and expiration dates, including the specific policy expiration date.
• Coverage lines: What’s covered—most commonly general liability—plus any other active lines shown on the form.
• Limits: Per-occurrence and aggregate limits (and other relevant sublimits when applicable).
• Certificate holder block: The requester’s name and address, so the document is tied to the right party.
• Description/notes: Space where required wording or project details may appear (e.g., endorsements).
• Authorized signature & issue date: Confirmation that the standard COI was issued by an authorized representative.

Bottom Line

For a business owner, a certificate of insurance is the fastest way to prove you have the right insurance coverage for a job or contract.

It distills your business insurance coverage – especially core liability coverage – into a simple snapshot others can trust. Keep it current, double-check names, limits, and dates, and share it with partners before work begins.

When in doubt, ask your broker to issue or refresh the COI so your documentation matches your insurance policy obligations.