Certificate of Insurance: What It Is, How to Get One

A certificate of insurance is a document that summarizes your company’s business insurance coverage. Your potential clients and business partners may ask to see a copy of it to verify that you have insurance.

You’ll need to buy business insurance to get a COI. If you already have coverage, you may be able to access your certificate instantly online or you might have to request a copy from your insurer.

What is a certificate of insurance?

A certificate of insurance is proof of your business insurance coverage. It typically includes a summary of the different types of insurance you have, as well as the terms of your coverage.

Commonly included information includes:

• The business name, address and phone number.

• The business owner’s name.

• The name of your insurance company and contact information.

• Your policy number(s).

• Your policy expiration date.

• The amount your insurance policy will pay for individual claims, as well as the maximum amount you are eligible to claim for the year.

• Names and contact information of any other individuals listed on the policy, such as a business partner or an additional insured.

Why do you need a certificate of insurance?

A COI allows you to quickly show others that your business is insured. For example, a commercial lease application may require you to provide a copy of your COI so the owner can confirm that you have general liability insurance.

Your company can also request COIs from other businesses to ensure that you are working with equally trustworthy partners. If you hire subcontractors, for example, request a copy of their COI. If they don’t have adequate insurance coverage, you and your business could be held liable for their mistakes if anything happens on a project you oversee.

» MORE: Contractor insurance: What construction businesses need and where to get it

How to get a certificate of insurance

Online business insurance companies generally allow you to view a digital version of your COI. You may even be able to share an electronic copy with businesses that ask for it. In other cases, you may have to request a copy of your COI via phone, email or your online account.

Getting a copy of your COI should be free.

If you don’t already have business insurance, you’ll need a policy before you can access a COI. Getting business insurance is relatively straightforward if you know what types of coverage you need. You can easily get several business insurance quotes online, then compare them to find the right coverage at the best price.

How long does it take to get a certificate of insurance?

Getting your COI should take no more than a day. Many insurance companies now let you access yours online right away.

For instance:

• Next policyholders get access to an online certificate of insurance that you can share electronically with others.

• Travelers policyholders can obtain COIs online.

• With Hiscox, you can enter your email address and policy number online and generate a copy of your COI.

• If your policy is with The Hartford, you can request a copy of your COI online and receive it via email, typically within a few hours.

How do you add an additional insured to your certificate of insurance?

When you add a person or company as an additional insured, your policy’s insurance coverage extends to them. It’s common for contractors to add the business that hired them as an additional insured.

For example, say you’re a fitness instructor teaching classes at a local studio. The studio may require you to carry general liability insurance and ask you to add their business as an additional insured. That way, if a client accuses you of hurting them and files a lawsuit, it’ll be your insurance policy that pays for the legal defense — not the studio’s.

Some insurance companies allow you to add additional insureds to your policy, and therefore your COI, online. Others require you to call and talk to a staff member.

How do you see another company’s certificate of insurance?

If you need to see another business owner’s COI, you’ll have to ask them to show you a copy. The business owner or their insurance company can share it with you.

Viewing another company's certificate of insurance lets you make sure their coverage is authentic and up to date. This is especially important when you’re hiring subcontractors, since you could end up being held liable for their work if they’re uninsured.