What is proof of insurance called?

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Proof of insurance is most commonly called a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for businesses, or simply an insurance card or proof of insurance card for personal auto coverage.

Common Names by Type

  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): A one-page summary document used in business, contracting, leasing, and vendor agreements to prove active coverage, policy limits, and effective dates.
  • Insurance Identification Card: The small card issued by auto insurers that drivers keep in their vehicles to prove legal car insurance to law enforcement or the DMV.
  • Binder or Temporary Binder: A temporary document issued by an agent or insurer proving that coverage is active before the official policy document or card is printed.
  • Declarations Page (Dec Page): The front page of an insurance policy that lists specific coverage details, limits, and deductibles, often used as formal proof of homeowners or renters insurance.

What is a proof of insurance document called?

A proof of insurance document is most commonly called an insurance ID card for personal vehicles, a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for businesses, or a declarations page for home and property coverage.

Common Names by Insurance Type

  • Insurance ID Card: The small paper or digital card issued for personal auto insurance. It shows your policy number, vehicle details, and active dates.
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): A single-page summary document used in business, contracting, or renting. It proves to a third party that active liability or property coverage is in place.
  • Declarations Page (Dec Page): A summary page at the beginning of a home or auto policy. It outlines your specific coverage limits, deductibles, and effective dates.
  • Binder Letter: A temporary document given by an insurer to prove active coverage before your official policy paperwork arrives.

Is a certificate of insurance proof of insurance?

Yes, COI stands for Certificate of Insurance.

A COI is an official, one-page document issued by an insurance company or broker that summarizes the key details of an active insurance policy. Think of it as an insurance ID card for a business. It provides quick proof that coverage is in place without requiring anyone to read a full policy.

What a COI Includes

  • Policyholder details: Name and business address of the insured party.
  • Insurance provider: Name and contact information of the company supplying the coverage.
  • Types of coverage: Specific policies like general liability, commercial auto, or workers' compensation.
  • Policy limits: The maximum amount the insurer will pay for claims.
  • Effective dates: When the policy starts and expires.

Why You Need a COI

  • Signing contracts: Clients, general contractors, and vendors often ask for a COI before letting you start a job to ensure you carry adequate liability protection.
  • Renting property: Landlords frequently request a COI to confirm a commercial tenant has liability coverage.
  • Securing permits: Cities and municipalities may demand a COI before issuing certain business or event permits.

You can easily request a COI from your insurance provider or agent, and many digital insurers let you download one instantly through your online account. You can learn more about how these documents work through The Hartford or GEICO.

What do you call an insurance document?

An insurance document that provides a quick summary of active coverage is called a Certificate of Insurance (COI).

Common Types of Insurance Documents

  • Policy Document: The full, legal contract detailing all rules, coverages, and conditions.
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): A short summary showing policy limits, type of coverage, and active dates for third parties. You can learn more about how these function through The Hartford.
  • Insurance Card: A small, simplified card used as proof of auto insurance.
  • Declarations Page (Dec Page): A single-page front sheet that lists specific facts like your name, address, premium cost, and chosen coverage limits.

How do I ask for a certificate of insurance?

You can request a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your The Hartford Online Portal or by contacting your insurance agent or provider directly.

A COI is a single-page document that proves you have active business insurance. If you need to request one for your own business or ask a vendor for one, here are the steps for both situations.

If You Are Requesting a COI for Your Own Business

  • Check your online account: Log into your insurer’s digital portal or app. Many providers let you view, download, or email a digital COI instantly.
  • Call your agent or broker: If your provider does not have an instant online tool, call your insurance agent.
  • Provide the required details: Tell your insurer the exact name and address of the person or company requesting the document (the "certificate holder"). Mention if they need to be listed as an "additional insured".
  • Confirm delivery: Ask your provider to send the COI directly to the third party to ensure authenticity and save time.

If You Are Asking a Vendor or Contractor for a COI

  • Make a formal request: Send an email, letter, or message to the vendor or contractor asking for their COI before they begin work.
  • Specify your requirements: Clearly state the types of insurance you need (such as general liability or workers' compensation) and your minimum coverage limits.
  • Name yourself as holder: Ask them to list your business name and address as the certificate holder on the document.
  • Verify the document: Check the dates, coverage limits, and policy status to ensure the policy is active and matches the vendor's name before letting them start the job.

How to Get Proof of Insurance (How to Show It)

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What is an example of proof of insurance?

An example of proof of insurance is an auto insurance ID card, which lists your policy number, vehicle details, and active dates.

Types of Proof of Insurance

Depending on what you need to insure, acceptable proof comes in a few standard formats:

  • Auto Insurance Card: A physical or digital card showing your insurer's name, policy number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and coverage dates.
  • Declarations Page (Dec Page): A one-page summary used for home or renters insurance that outlines your coverage limits, deductibles, and effective dates.
  • Certificate of Insurance: A document often requested in business or property leasing to verify specific active liability coverages.
  • Official Letter or Form: A signed verification letter or state-specific form provided directly by your insurance company.

What is an evidence of insurance form?

An evidence of insurance form is a document issued by an insurance agent or broker that officially summarizes active property insurance coverage for a third party, such as a mortgage lender or landlord.

Purpose and Function

  • Proof of Coverage: It proves that a specific property (like a home, building, or rented space) is insured under an active policy.
  • Not a Contract: The form is for informational purposes only. It does not create an insurance contract or alter the terms of the actual policy.
  • Common Types: The most widely used standard versions are the ACORD 27 Evidence of Property Insurance for personal or small commercial properties, and the ACORD 28 Evidence of Commercial Property Insurance for larger commercial assets.

Key Information Included

  • Names of the insurance agency, company, and insured
  • Policy numbers and loan identification numbers
  • Effective and expiration dates of the coverage
  • Property location and detailed description
  • Coverage amounts, deductibles, and perils insured (such as basic, broad, or special risks)
  • Information regarding additional interests, such as a mortgagee or loss payee

What is another name for a certificate of insurance?

A certificate of insurance is most commonly referred to as a COI or proof of insurance.

Common Alternative Names

  • COI: The standard abbreviation used in business.
  • Proof of insurance: A general term showing that an active policy exists.
  • Certificate of liability insurance: A frequent title when the document focuses heavily on liability coverage.
  • ACORD form or ACORD 25: Named after the ACORD organization that creates the standard industry template used by most brokers.

How do you get proof of insurance?

You can get proof of insurance by logging into your insurance provider's online portal or mobile app to download, save, or print an insurance ID card.

Ways to Get Proof of Insurance

  • Online Account: Log into your insurer's website, go to the documents or ID cards section, and print or save a PDF copy.
  • Mobile App: Download your insurance company's app, log in, and view your digital ID card or save it for offline use.
  • Declarations Page: Access a summary of your policy (dec page) from your online portal, which works as proof of coverage.
  • Customer Support: Call your insurance agent or customer service and ask them to email, fax, or mail a physical copy of your card.

What does proof of insurance mean?

Proof of insurance is an official physical or digital document that shows you have an active insurance policy meeting your state's minimum legal requirements.

What It Includes

A standard proof of insurance card or document contains:

  • Your name and address (the policyholder)
  • The insurance company's name and contact details
  • Your policy number
  • Vehicle details like the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • The effective and expiration dates of the coverage

When You Need It

You must show proof of insurance in several common situations:

  • During a police traffic stop
  • After a car accident when exchanging information with other drivers
  • When registering or renewing your vehicle at the DMV
  • When buying, leasing, or renting a car

As there is a consensus among users on Reddit, standard payment receipts or simple policy numbers are not enough; you need the actual insurance card, digital app, or policy statement to prove active coverage. You can learn more about managing these documents through guides like Progressive.