Short answer: a certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page summary, usually an ACORD 25 form, that proves you have coverage. It doesn’t add coverage by itself. If a contract asks to be an “additional insured,” your policy needs an endorsement too, not just a certificate.
Request a certificate or call 888-391-5981.
What a COI shows
- Your insurance carriers and policy numbers
- Policy dates
- Limits for general liability, auto, umbrella and workers comp
- The certificate holder (who the certificate is for)
- A description box for job details, additional insureds and waivers
Certificate holder vs. additional insured
| Certificate holder | Additional insured | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | They get proof you’re insured | Your policy also protects them for claims from your work |
| Needs a policy change? | No | Yes, an endorsement |
| Who usually asks | Customers, landlords, cities | General contractors, property managers, school districts |
Waiver of subrogation
A waiver of subrogation stops your insurer from suing the other party to recover a claim it paid. It’s common on workers comp and general liability for construction jobs. Like additional insured status, it needs an endorsement, and some carriers charge for it.
How to get your COI fast
- Send us the exact name and address of the certificate holder.
- Send the insurance section of the contract, so we can confirm the limits and endorsements it requires.
- Tell us the job address or project name if it needs to appear.
When your policy already includes what the contract needs, we can usually send the certificate the same business day.
Related: Request a certificate · Client case studies · All articles
Frequently asked questions
Is a certificate of insurance the same as coverage?
No. It only shows the coverage you already have. Changes like additional insured status must be made to the policy itself.
Does it cost anything to get a COI?
We don’t charge for certificates. Some endorsements a contract requires can add premium, and we’ll tell you before making them.
How long does it take?
Usually the same business day when the policy already meets the contract’s requirements.