What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

by | February 26, 2026

someone holds onto a certificate of insurance. The Bitner Henry logo is in the bottom right.

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a summary document issued by an insurer that serves as formal proof that a specific insurance policy is active. They outline the name of the insurer and insured, essential terms and conditions, policy limits and the duration of the policy.

COIs also contain qualifying language that defines the document as informational. This means that COIs are not contracts or the legal equivalent of actual insurance policies.

What Is On a Certificate of Insurance?

Typically only a few pages long, a standard COI outlines critical data points:

  • Names of the insurer and the insured party.

  • Essential terms, conditions, and policy limits.

  • The duration of the policy coverage.

A COI is an informational document, not a legal contract or a replacement for the actual insurance policy. It summarizes the status of coverage at the time of issuance.

Do You Need a COI When You Hire a Contractor?

Relying on a contractor’s word- or even a long-standing relationship- isn’t a substitute for verification. Coverage can change rapidly, and without a COI, you may unknowingly assume liability for a contractor’s mistakes or accidents.

Benefits of Requiring a COI

Requesting a COI before a contractor begins work on your property or project offers three primary layers of protection:

  1. Risk Mitigation: Prevents your company from absorbing losses if a contractor is underinsured.

  2. Liability Protection: Offers a buffer if a contractor is injured while performing work on your behalf.

  3. Financial Accountability: Ensures your organization can be compensated if contracted work is completed improperly or left unfinished.

What Questions Should You Ask When You Review a COI?

When reviewing a COI, ask the following questions to ensure the document is valid and sufficient:

  • Identity: Does the name on the COI match the name on the legal contract?

  • Validity: Is the form signed by an authorized insurance representative? Are the policy numbers and coverage dates accurate?

  • Limits: Do the insurance types and limits meet or exceed your contract requirements?

  • Reputation: Is the policy issued by a reputable insurance carrier?

  • Provisions: Are there acceptable notice of cancellation provisions and mentions of special requirements?

How Do You Store Your COIs?

Effective risk management requires more than just collecting papers. You should maintain an organized filing system that links contracts, COIs, and additional insured endorsements.

Because managing these moving parts is complex, many businesses partner with an experienced insurance broker to streamline the process. Securing the right policy and maintaining strict COI standards provides all parties with the peace of mind necessary to focus on the work at hand.

Ready to strengthen your risk management strategy? Request a quote today.

Further Reading

Insurance coverage should not be considered bound unless/until written verification is received from an authorized representative of American Church Group or Bitner-Henry Insurance Agency. Email transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses.