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Compare Quotes →What to know first
A certificate of insurance summarizes policy information for clients, landlords, vendors, or general contractors, but it is not the full policy. The right answer depends on your business operations, policy wording, contracts, state requirements, and carrier underwriting.
How to compare options
- Define the risk. Decide whether the issue is third-party injury, employee injury, business property, professional errors, vehicles, or cyber exposure.
- Check contracts. Contracts often specify limits, policy types, certificates, and additional insured wording.
- Read exclusions. A lower premium can be misleading if key exposures are excluded.
- Ask for examples. Have the licensed professional explain how common claims would be handled.
Quote preparation checklist
Bring business name, entity type, address, state, services, revenue, payroll, employee count, vehicles, property values, prior claims, and contract requirements. Keeping this information organized makes quote comparison easier and reduces misunderstandings.
Red flags to review
Watch for exclusions that remove the work you actually perform, deductibles that are hard to afford, policy periods that do not match contract dates, limits below contract requirements, missing additional insured wording, and assumptions about subcontractors, vehicles, or employees. Ask the licensed professional to explain how the policy would respond to realistic claim examples.
How this connects to quotes
A quote should be compared as a package, not just a monthly cost. Review carrier name, coverage form, limits, endorsements, exclusions, deductible, payment plan, cancellation terms, certificate timing, and whether the coverage satisfies the reason you requested it in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of insurance and why do clients ask for one?
A certificate of insurance (COI), usually issued on an ACORD 25 form, is a one-page summary proving you carry specific coverages, limits, and policy dates. Clients, landlords, and contractors use it to verify you meet their contract requirements.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for a client?
Contact your insurance agent or carrier with the certificate holder's name, address, and any specific contract wording (additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary and non-contributory). Most carriers issue COIs within 24 hours, often free.
Does a certificate of insurance actually give the client coverage?
No. A standard COI is informational only and grants no rights to the certificate holder. To extend actual coverage, the underlying policy must be amended with an additional insured endorsement.
What is the difference between additional insured and certificate holder?
A certificate holder simply receives proof of insurance. An additional insured is added to your policy by endorsement and gains actual coverage rights for liability arising from your work, usually for an extra premium.
How long is a certificate of insurance valid?
A COI is valid only for the policy dates listed on it, typically one year. Clients with ongoing contracts usually require an updated certificate at every renewal and within 30 days of any coverage change.
Can I issue my own certificate of insurance?
No. Only the insurance carrier or licensed agent can issue an authorized ACORD certificate. Self-created or altered certificates are considered fraudulent and can void coverage.
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