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Insurance Guide

Certificate of Insurance (COI) Guide

Everything small business owners need to know about Certificates of Insurance—what they are, when you need one, and how to get one instantly.

What is a Certificate of Insurance?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document that proves your business has insurance coverage. It summarizes your policy details including:

  • ✓Policy types (general liability, workers comp, etc.)
  • ✓Coverage limits and deductibles
  • ✓Policy effective and expiration dates
  • ✓Insurance carrier name and contact
  • ✓Certificate holder and additional insured parties
  • ✓Description of operations covered

A COI does not modify your policy or extend coverage. It simply serves as proof that coverage exists.

When Do You Need a COI?

Signing a Commercial Lease

Most landlords require proof of general liability and property insurance before signing a lease.

Bidding on Contracts

General contractors and project owners require COIs from subcontractors before work begins.

Client Onboarding

Enterprise clients often require vendors and consultants to provide proof of professional liability coverage.

Obtaining Permits

Many cities and municipalities require proof of insurance for business permits and licenses.

Vendor Agreements

When working at events, trade shows, or on others' property, you'll typically need a COI.

Loan Applications

Lenders may require proof of business insurance, especially for equipment financing or SBA loans.

How to Get a Certificate of Insurance

1

Have an Active Insurance Policy

You need at least one active business insurance policy. Common types include general liability, a Business Owners Policy (BOP), workers compensation, or professional liability.

2

Gather Certificate Holder Details

Collect the full legal name and mailing address of the party requesting the COI. Ask if they need to be listed as an additional insured.

3

Request the COI

Contact your insurance broker or carrier. With Insura, COI requests can be made instantly through your online dashboard—no phone calls needed.

4

Review and Send

Verify all details are correct, then deliver the COI to the requesting party. Most COIs are delivered as a PDF via email.

COI Checklist: What to Verify

When you receive a COI from a vendor or subcontractor, verify these key details:

☐Business name matches the contract exactly
☐Policy dates cover the project duration
☐Coverage limits meet your requirements
☐Your business is listed as additional insured (if required)
☐Policy types match contract requirements
☐Insurance carrier has an A-rating or better
☐Certificate is current (not expired)
☐Description of operations is accurate

Certificate of Insurance FAQ

What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document issued by your insurance company or broker that summarizes your business insurance coverage. It lists policy types, coverage limits, effective dates, and the insurance carrier. COIs are commonly requested by clients, landlords, and vendors as proof that your business carries adequate insurance.
How do I get a Certificate of Insurance?
You can get a COI by contacting your insurance broker or carrier. With Insura, you can request a COI instantly online after purchasing your policy. Most COIs are issued within minutes and can be emailed directly to the requesting party.
How much does a Certificate of Insurance cost?
A Certificate of Insurance itself is free. It is a standard document provided by your insurance company as part of your policy. There is no additional charge for requesting a COI. However, if you need to add someone as an additional insured on your policy, there may be a small endorsement fee.
What is an Additional Insured on a COI?
An additional insured is a person or entity added to your insurance policy who receives certain coverage benefits. This is common when landlords, general contractors, or clients want to be protected under your policy. Adding an additional insured typically requires an endorsement to your policy.
How long is a Certificate of Insurance valid?
A COI is valid for as long as the underlying insurance policy is active. Most business insurance policies are annual, so the COI typically covers a 12-month period. If your policy is renewed, a new COI with updated dates will need to be issued.

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