Certificate of Insurance Guide
Understand the document a client or landlord is asking for, and gather the details needed to request it.
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What a certificate tells the recipient
A certificate of insurance, often called a COI, summarizes insurance information such as the insured business, insurer, coverage types, policy dates and limits. A client or landlord may ask for one as evidence of insurance.
The certificate is not the policy and does not itself create or expand coverage. Read the policy and applicable endorsements for the actual protection.
Certificate holder and additional insured
The certificate holder receives evidence of insurance. Being listed as the holder does not by itself make that party an additional insured. Additional insured status depends on the policy wording and any applicable endorsement.
Before you request a certificate
- Get the recipient’s exact legal name and address, plus the job or premises address.
- Keep the written insurance requirements, requested wording and any sample certificate together.
- Note the deadline and whether the recipient also requests copies of endorsements.
- Contact the agent or insurer handling the policy. Ask them to check the request against the coverage before the certificate is issued.
Check the document before sharing it
Check business names, dates, job details and recipient information. If something differs from the contract request, ask the issuer to resolve it. Do not edit a certificate yourself or assume its issue means every contract condition is satisfied.
Keep exploring
Bring your questions to Mithril1. Coverage depends on the policy, its terms and the circumstances of a loss.
Further reading: NEXT Insurance certificate guide.
Reference: California Insurance Code section 384.