What are certificates of insurance?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document issued by an insurance company or broker that proves a business or individual has active insurance coverage.

What a COI Includes

A COI provides a quick snapshot of an insurance policy without requiring anyone to read a full multi-page contract. It typically lists:

• Named insured: The business or person who bought the policy.
• Types of coverage: Policies held, such as general liability, commercial auto, professional liability, or workers' compensation.
• Coverage limits: The maximum amount the insurer will pay for a claim.
• Effective and expiration dates: The active time frame during which the policy is valid.
• Certificate holder: The third party (like a client, vendor, or landlord) requesting proof of the insurance.

Common Use Cases

• Hiring contractors: Clients ask contractors for a COI to ensure they are protected if an accident or property damage happens on the job.
• Commercial leases: Landlords require business tenants to show a COI with general liability coverage before handing over keys to a building or retail space.
• Vendor agreements: Event organizers or companies hiring third-party vendors request a COI to confirm risk protection.

If you already have a commercial policy, you can usually download a free COI instantly through your provider's online portal (such as The Hartford) or by calling your insurance agent.

You need a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to prove to a third party—such as a client, landlord, or vendor—that you have active insurance coverage without sharing your entire policy document.

A COI is a single-page summary issued by your insurance agent or carrier that outlines key information like your policy limits, effective dates, and types of coverage.

Common Reasons You Need a COI

• Winning business bids and contracts: Prospective clients or general contractors often require a COI before letting you start work, ensuring they won't be held financially liable for accidents or property damage.
• Signing commercial leases: Landlords routinely ask tenants for a COI to confirm active liability or property coverage before handing over keys to an office, retail space, or venue.
• Hiring or working as a subcontractor: Businesses request COIs from third-party vendors to verify they carry adequate protection, such as general liability or workers' compensation.
• Hosting or participating in events: Event organizers frequently demand proof of insurance to cover potential public liability or mishaps on-site.

You can get a certificate of insurance (COI) for free by logging into your The Hartford Online Portal or your specific provider's client dashboard to download the document instantly.

📋 Steps to Get a COI

• Have an active policy: You must hold active business insurance before generating a COI.
• Log in online: Access your insurer's digital customer portal or dashboard.
• Navigate to certificates: Select the option to add or create a new certificate.
• Enter holder details: Input the requesting party's name and address.
• Add additional insured: Include extra endorsements if your client or landlord requires it.
• Download or share: Save the PDF or email it directly from the platform.

💡 Alternative Request Methods

• Call your agent: Contact your insurance broker or agent directly by phone.
• Email your provider: Send your policy number and the certificate holder details to customer support.
• Processing time: Digital portals provide instant access; agent requests usually take up to 24 hours.

An insurance provider, agent, or broker fills out and issues a Certificate of Insurance (COI).

Who Creates the COI

• Insurance Agent or Broker: Often called the "producer," the licensed agent or broker inputs your active policy details into a standard form (such as an ACORD form).
• Insurance Company: The actual insurer can also generate and provide the document directly through their online portal or customer service.

What the Policyholder Does

• Requests the Document: As the insured business owner or contractor, you do not fill out the legal or coverage parts yourself.
• Provides Details: You only supply the specific name and address of the third party requesting proof of coverage—known as the certificate holder—to your agent or insurer so they can include it on the form.

Getting a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is very easy and usually free if you already have an active business insurance policy.

How to Get a COI

• Online Portals: Many insurers let you log into your account, download, or email a digital COI in minutes.
• Insurance Agent: You can call or email your insurance agent or broker, and they will usually issue and send the document the same day.
• Third-Party Platforms: If you use a digital provider like NerdWallet Business Insurance, you can often generate real-time proofs instantly.

What You Need First

• An Active Policy: You cannot get a COI unless you already carry business insurance, such as general liability. If you do not have insurance, you must buy a policy first.
• Requester Details: Have the exact name and address of the person or business requesting the COI (the "certificate holder").
• Additional Insured Info: If the client or landlord needs to be listed as an "additional insured," ask your provider to add that specific endorsement.