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Proof of coverage
The one-page document landlords, contractors, and clients ask for before you sign, start, or set up. Here's what it is, why they're asking, and how to get yours — same-day for our clients.
What it is
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a standardized summary of your business insurance, issued by your broker: who's insured, which coverages are in force, at what limits, and for what term. It lets you prove coverage in one page — without handing over your full policy.
It's become the working currency of commercial contracts. Before a landlord releases keys, a GC opens the site gate, a municipality grants a permit, or a client countersigns an MSA, someone asks for “a COI” — and the deal waits until it arrives.
The important nuance: a certificate describes coverage; it doesn't create it. If a contract requires something your policy doesn't include — a higher limit, an additional insured — the policy has to change first. That's broker work, and it's exactly what we do quickly.
Why you need one
A COI request is risk transfer in action: the requester wants proof your insurance will respond before your work can create a claim on theirs.
Before your crew sets foot on site — usually $2–5M CGL with the GC named as additional insured.
Written into the lease: liability limits, damage-to-premises coverage, and the landlord as additional insured before you get keys.
For vending licences, field and facility permits, road occupancy, and event approvals.
Procurement and MSAs demand certificates — often CGL plus E&O — before a contract or SOW is countersigned.
Before vendors, performers, caterers, or exhibitors are allowed in, with the venue named on the certificate.
Franchise agreements and platforms like Amazon audit certificates against their required schedule.
How to get one
Forward the contract's insurance clause or the requester's wording — limits, additional insured, cancellation notice. Exact wording up front is what makes it fast.
If your coverage already fits, we issue immediately. If the contract needs more — a higher limit, an endorsement — we adjust the policy first so the certificate is true.
You and the requester receive the COI, typically the same business day. Renewals and repeat requests are handled on request, at no charge.
Good to know
Deadline attached?
Existing clients: send the wording and we'll issue it — usually same-day, always free. New to Insurabiz? We compare 17 insurers, bind your coverage, and issue the certificate your contract is waiting on.