A Certificate of Insurance (COI) serves as a crucial document, affirming the existence of insurance coverage at a specific moment in time. Typically issued by an insurance agent or broker on behalf of a policyholder, its primary function is to furnish tangible evidence of insurance protection for individuals, organizations, or assets. COIs are commonly sought or contractually required by a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, business partners, landlords, vendors, and government agencies.
Within a Certificate of Insurance, you'll find a comprehensive set of essential details, including:
Policyholder's Information
This section provides comprehensive data about the individual or entity holding the insurance policy, encompassing their name and contact particulars.
Insurance Company Details
The COI will specify the insurance company(s) providing the insurance.
Insurance Policy Information
The COI will outline the elements of the insurance coverage, such as the coverage type, policy number, and effective dates, are clearly delineated.
Insurance Limits
This segment specifies the coverage limits, defining the maximum amount available for covered claims, which may encompass liability limits and property coverage limits.
Additional Insured
When contractual obligations necessitate other parties to be covered by the liability policy, like clients or landlords, they are explicitly identified as additional insured parties within the COI.
Description of Operations
The COI will specify the insurance company(s) providing the insurance.
Description of Operations
This serves to furnish specific details regarding the project, location, or additional information regarding policy terms, including those pertaining to primary and non-contributory clauses or waivers of subrogation.
Special Provisions
If applicable, this part may contain specific endorsements, terms, or conditions that are pertinent to the policy.
Notice of Cancellation
The COI may also include information regarding the procedure or notifications required for the cancellation of the policy
It's important to note that a Certificate of Insurance is not the actual insurance policy, nor does it change the terms of an insurance policy. Instead, it is a summary document designed to provide proof of insurance coverage and outline key policy details. Businesses and individuals often use COIs to demonstrate that they have the necessary insurance coverage to meet the requirements of a contract, lease, or legal obligation. COIs are frequently requested in commercial and business transactions to ensure that all parties are adequately protected.
