Can you provide an example of a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

You can review an official Sample Certificate of Insurance PDF provided by the New York Office of General Services.

🗒 What a COI Includes

A standard Certificate of Insurance (usually an ACORD 25 form) summarizes active coverage:

• Producer: The insurance agency or broker issuing the certificate.
• Insured: The business or contractor holding the policy.
• Insurers A–F: The specific insurance companies underwriting each policy type.
• Types of Insurance: General liability, auto liability, workers' compensation, or excess/umbrella liability.
• Policy Numbers & Dates: Unique identification numbers alongside effective and expiration dates.
• Coverage Limits: Maximum payout amounts for occurrences and aggregates (e.g., $1,000,000 per occurrence).
• Certificate Holder: The entity requesting proof of insurance (such as a client or landlord).

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) form—most commonly the standard ACORD 25 form—looks like a single-page, densely formatted grid filled with boxed sections, checkboxes, and tables.

Key Sections on the Form

• Top Header: Lists the form title ("Certificate of Liability Insurance") along with the date the certificate was issued.
• Producer Box (Top Left): Shows the name, address, and contact details of the insurance agent or broker who created the document.
• Insured Box (Middle Left): Displays the legal name and address of the business or contractor who purchased the insurance policy.
• Insurers Afforded Letter (Middle Right): A small lettered table (Letters A through F) matching each insurance company underwriting the specific policies.
• Coverage Grid (Center): A large table with rows for General Liability, Automobile Liability, Excess/Umbrella Liability, and Workers' Compensation. It lists policy numbers, effective and expiration dates, and specific dollar limits (such as per-occurrence and aggregate limits).
• Description of Operations (Lower Middle): A text box used to note specific job locations, project identifiers, or details regarding additional insured status.
• Certificate Holder (Bottom Left): The name and address of the third party requesting proof of insurance (such as a property manager or client).
• Authorized Signature (Bottom Right): Contains the signature of the authorized insurance producer or representative.

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official, one-page document issued by an insurance company or broker that provides proof of active insurance coverage.

Instead of sharing an entire multi-page insurance policy, a COI acts as a condensed summary showing that a business or individual has protection in place.

Key Information Found in a COI

• Named Insured: The individual or business that owns the policy.
• Types of Coverage: The specific lines of insurance carried, such as general liability, workers' compensation, or commercial auto.
• Policy Limits: The maximum amount the insurer will pay for a covered claim.
• Effective and Expiration Dates: The active timeframe during which the policy is valid.
• Certificate Holder: The third party (such as a client or landlord) requesting proof of the insurance.

Common Use Cases

• Hiring Contractors: Clients or general contractors request a COI to ensure a hired worker is insured against workplace accidents or property damage.
• Commercial Leases: Landlords require tenants to provide a COI before handing over keys to an office or retail space.
• Vendor Agreements: Businesses ask suppliers and vendors for a COI to manage third-party risk before starting projects.

You can usually request a COI for free directly from your insurance provider or online client portal. Resources like The Hartford or Progressive Commercial provide digital access to these documents for active policyholders.

No, you cannot fill out or issue your own Certificate of Insurance (COI).

A COI must be generated and signed by your licensed insurance agent, broker, or insurance carrier. Because a COI is official legal proof that your business carries active insurance coverage, a self-issued document has no legal standing and creating one yourself is considered insurance fraud.

How to Get Your COI

• Contact your insurer: Call your insurance agent or broker, or log into your provider's online customer portal.
• Provide recipient details: Give your insurer the exact name, address, and specific requirements of the certificate holder (the person or business asking for proof of insurance).
• Request endorsements: Ask your provider to add special clauses if needed, such as making your client an "additional insured".
• Speed: Most digital insurance dashboards let you download a valid COI instantly, while agents can typically email one the same day.

You can get a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your provider's online portal, such as The Hartford or Liberty Mutual, or by asking your insurance agent or broker directly.

You cannot legally create or fill out your own certificate of insurance. A valid COI must come directly from your insurance company or licensed agent to accurately verify your active policies.

Steps to Get a Certificate of Insurance

• Log into your account: Go to your insurer's online dashboard. Select the option to add or create a new certificate.
• Provide policy details: Choose the active insurance policy you need to verify.
• Add the certificate holder: Enter the name, address, and contact details of the third party requesting proof of coverage (such as a client, landlord, or vendor).
• Include special requests: Request specific endorsements, such as listing the third party as an "additional insured," if your contract requires it.
• Download and send: Generate, save, or print the document. Most digital portals issue the document instantly at no extra cost.