Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

What is a COI?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document issued by an insurance company or broker that verifies an insurance policy is active and summarizes its primary terms. A typical COI lists the insured’s name and address, policy effective and expiration dates, types of coverage (for example: general liability, commercial auto, umbrella, workers’ compensation), and policy limits.

Why it matters

Clients and hiring parties often require a COI to confirm they will not assume financial responsibility for injuries, property damage, or other losses caused by a contractor or vendor. Without a valid COI, businesses and contractors may lose contracts or be unable to work on certain jobs.

What a COI usually shows

• Named insured (exact legal name of the policyholder)
• Policy number and insurer contact information
• Coverage types (general liability, auto, umbrella, workers’ compensation, etc.)
• Policy limits and whether limits apply per occurrence or aggregate
• Policy effective and expiration dates
• Certificate holder information (the party requesting proof) and any language about notification of policy cancellation

Note: Workers’ compensation benefits are governed by state law and may not show monetary limits on the COI, while employer’s liability limits typically will be listed.

How to obtain and verify a COI

• Request the COI from the contractor or ask for the insurer’s contact so the certificate can be sent directly to you.
• Prefer direct verification: ask the insurer or broker to provide the certificate to the certificate holder to reduce the risk of fraud.
• Verify key details:
• Exact match of the insured’s legal name to the entity you’re hiring
• Current policy effective and expiration dates (ensure coverage spans the work period)
• Coverage types and sufficient limits for the job or contract requirements
• Certificate holder is listed and any required additional insured endorsements are present
• Insurer and agent contact information to confirm authenticity
• If the policy will expire before work is completed, obtain an updated COI.

Be aware that fraudulent COIs exist; direct confirmation from the insurer is the most reliable protection.

Who needs a COI?

• Hiring parties should require a COI when engaging independent contractors, vendors, or businesses to perform work on their property or under contract.
• Contractors and small businesses should maintain and provide COIs to demonstrate they carry required insurance and to win or keep contracts.

How long to keep a COI

Keep COIs indefinitely or at least until any potential claims related to the work are resolved. Retaining COIs can be important if disputes or claims arise later.

When to request a COI

Request and receive the COI before any work begins. Include insurance requirements (coverage types and minimum limits) in written contracts and verify compliance with a COI.

Bottom line

A COI is a concise, official summary that confirms an active insurance policy and outlines coverage details. Request COIs from vendors and contractors before work begins, verify their authenticity and adequacy—preferably by obtaining the certificate directly from the insurer—and keep records in case future claims arise.