What does a certificate of liability insurance look like?

You can view and download a standard template using this Sample Certificate of Insurance to see how an industry-standard ACORD 25 form is structured.

Key Sections of a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI)

• Producer: The insurance agent or broker who issues the certificate.
• Insured: The business or individual who purchased the insurance policy.
• Insurers Affording Coverage: Lettered list (Insurer A, B, C) identifying the specific insurance companies backing each policy.
• Coverages: Details policies like Commercial General Liability (CGL), Auto Liability, and Workers' Compensation, including policy numbers, dates, and payout limits (e.g., $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate).
• Description of Operations: Notes specific project names, job numbers, or locations tied to the work.
• Certificate Holder: The third party requesting proof of insurance (such as a client, city, or property manager).

You can find a certificate of liability insurance (COI) by logging into your The Hartford online portal, checking your biBerk customer account, or contacting your insurance provider directly.

How to Get Your Certificate

• Online Dashboard: Most insurers let you log in, view, download, or email your COI for free instantly.
• Call Your Agent: If you cannot access your account online, call your insurance agent or company customer service line to request a copy.
• Check Welcome Packets: Insurers often mail or email the initial certificate automatically when you first buy or renew a policy.

Requirements

• Active Policy: You must already have an active general liability or business insurance policy to generate a valid certificate.
• No Extra Cost: Getting a copy of your standard COI is normally free.

Proof of general liability insurance typically looks like a standard, one-page document called a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or ACORD 25 form.

Key Sections on the Document

A standard liability COI contains clearly labeled boxes and sections showing:

• Producer/Agent Info: The insurance agency or broker that issued the certificate.
• Insured: The legal name, address, and contact details of the business or person holding the policy.
• Insurer (Companies Lettered A–F): The specific insurance companies underwriting each type of coverage.
• Type of Insurance & Policy Numbers: Rows detailing general liability, auto liability, or umbrella policies, along with unique policy identification numbers.
• Effective and Expiration Dates: The exact start and end dates when the coverage is active.
• Policy Limits: Dollar amounts showing the maximum payout per occurrence and the general aggregate limit (e.g., $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate).
• Description of Operations: Specific project names, job numbers, or locations tied to the contract.
• Certificate Holder: The third party (such as a client or landlord) requesting proof of insurance.

(Note: If you are looking for auto liability insurance rather than business liability, proof usually looks like a small, wallet-sized paper or digital insurance card issued by your car insurer.)

A certificate of liability insurance—often called a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or ACORD 25 form—is a one-page document that proves a business has active liability insurance coverage.

Key Details Included

• Named insured: The business or person who bought the policy.
• Insurance company: The name of the insurer providing coverage.
• Types of coverage: General liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, or professional liability.
• Coverage limits: The maximum amount the policy will pay for a claim.
• Effective dates: The start and end dates when the policy is active.

Why You Need One

• Client requirements: Clients often ask for a COI to verify you are insured before you start a project.
• Landlords: Commercial landlords require proof of liability coverage before signing a lease or letting you move in.
• Hiring contractors: Businesses request COIs from subcontractors to ensure they are protected from workplace accidents.

What It Is Not

• Not the policy: A COI is only a summary or snapshot of your policy, not the actual legal insurance contract.
• Not automatic coverage for others: Being listed as a certificate holder does not give a third party rights to your coverage unless they are formally added as an "additional insured" via an endorsement.

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.