Please fill out the Certificate of Insurance request below and we will get the certificate out to you if the policy is inforce and active.
What is a Certificate of Insurance?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document issued by an insurance company or broker verifying the existence of an insurance policy and summarizing key aspects and conditions of the policy. A standard certificate of insurance lists the policyholder’s name, policy effective date, the type of coverage, policy limits as well as other important details of the policy. It is often considered “Proof of Insurance”.
Why is this information important?
A Certificate of Insurance confirms that your subcontractor has coverage. Because many companies and individuals hire contractors, the client needs to know that a business owner or contractor has insurance and that they may not be held liable for damages, injuries or substandard work.
What to look for on a standard certificate of insurance?
Requesting the certificate but not knowing how to read it will do you no good. The same is true if you pass it off to someone who is not familiar with insurance or this type of document. General components of a standard certificate of insurance are:
General liability
Automotive liability
Umbrella
Workers’ Compensation coverage
Additional insured status — let’s say you’re working with a subcontractor; if this is present it means they are taking on full responsibility for their work
Name of Insurance company
Policy date
Limits
Validating a Certificate of Insurance
Is the name of the insured an exact match for the company or contractor?
Is the coverage amount enough to cover the entire job?
Is the original an official document from the insurance company?
Does the policy period cover the dates needed for the job? (Note: you many need to make sure you secure a new certificate if the policy is set to expire before the contracted work is completed)
Is the certificate of insurance valid? (please see the list of state websites to valid proof of coverage)
If you answer NO to any of the above – coverage is not in place or correct for the job.
PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of a Certificate of Insurance is to provide some proof of insurance. But the recipients of such certificates cannot rely upon them to prove or establish coverage. You must follow through if there is any question as to the scope or applicability of coverage of the policy itself.
