What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document issued by your carrier that summarizes your active coverage. Landlords, clients, and event venues ask for one before they'll work with you. Here's exactly what a COI shows, what it doesn't prove, how to get one, and why an endorsement is often what clients actually want.
What a certificate of insurance shows
A standard COI (usually the ACORD 25 form, used across the industry) shows:
- Named insured — your legal business name
- Policy types — general liability, property, auto, workers' comp, umbrella, etc.
- Policy numbers — for each policy listed
- Effective dates — when each policy starts and ends
- Coverage limits — per occurrence and aggregate (e.g., $1M/$2M)
- Certificate holder — the party who requested the COI
- Insurer information — carrier name and contact
- Authorized signature — usually from your broker
Everything on the COI comes directly from your policy. It's a snapshot, not a change to your coverage.
Who requires a COI
Most business-to-business relationships require a COI before they'll proceed:
- Commercial landlords — before signing a lease
- General contractors — before allowing subcontractors on site
- Corporate clients — before signing a service agreement
- Event venues — before letting you host or attend an event
- Lenders and franchisors — as part of loan or franchise agreements
- State licensing boards — for some regulated industries
If someone asks for your COI, it's a sign you're in a legitimate business relationship — not a red flag.
COI vs. endorsement — the critical difference
This is the most common point of confusion. A COI is a summary document. An endorsement is an amendment to your actual policy.
| Document | What it does |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Insurance (COI) | Summarizes existing coverage. Does not give the certificate holder any rights under your policy. |
| Additional Insured endorsement | Makes the certificate holder a party to your policy for specific claims. Gives them direct rights. |
| Waiver of Subrogation endorsement | Prevents your carrier from suing the certificate holder after paying a claim. |
| Primary and Non-Contributory endorsement | Makes your policy the first to pay, before any of the certificate holder's own coverage. |
When a client asks for a COI, they may actually need an endorsement. Read the request carefully. If they say "additional insured," you need an endorsement — not just a COI. That endorsement is often free, but it must be added to your policy.
How to get a COI
- Contact your broker or carrier. Send them the certificate holder's full legal name, address, and email.
- Confirm the required limits. If the client requires $2M/$4M and you have $1M/$2M, you either need to increase limits (extra premium) or negotiate with the client.
- Request additional insured status if needed. Say the words "additional insured" explicitly. This is an endorsement, and there may be a fee (usually $0–$100).
- Get the COI in 24 hours. Standard COIs are issued same-day or next-day. If you need it urgently, call your broker — most can email within the hour.
If you buy insurance direct from Hiscox, Next Insurance, or Thimble, you can usually download a COI from your online account in 2 minutes.
Not insured yet? Calculate your GL cost →Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of insurance?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document issued by your insurance carrier that summarizes your active policies — coverage type, limits, effective dates, and named insured. It is not a contract and does not change your policy.
Who needs a certificate of insurance?
Most commercial landlords, general contractors, corporate clients, and event venues require a COI before they will sign a lease or work with you.
How do I get a certificate of insurance?
Contact your insurance broker or carrier and request a COI. Most carriers issue them within 24 hours. If you buy insurance direct, you can usually download one from your online account. There is no fee for a standard COI.
What is the difference between a COI and an endorsement?
A COI is a summary document that lists your existing coverage. An endorsement is an actual amendment to your policy that changes the coverage. A COI alone does not give the certificate holder any rights under your policy; only an endorsement does.
What does a certificate of insurance NOT prove?
A COI does not prove that your premium has been paid, that your policy is still active, that you actually have the coverage you claim, or that the certificate holder has any rights under the policy.