How to Read a Certificate of Insurance Before You Start a Job
A certificate of insurance is only useful if you actually read it — here is what to check line by line before anyone starts work.
A COI is a summary, not a guarantee
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page snapshot of someone’s coverage at a moment in time. Whether you are a contractor handing yours to a client or a business collecting one from a subcontractor, it pays to verify the details rather than assume the form is correct.
Note that a COI summarizes coverage; it does not by itself change or guarantee the underlying policy. Use the checklist below to verify the basics, and confirm anything unusual with a licensed insurance professional before work begins.
The COI verification checklist
- Confirm the named insured. The business named on the certificate should match the company you are actually hiring or working for. A mismatched or unfamiliar name is a common red flag.
- Check the policy effective and expiration dates. The coverage period should cover the full span of the job, including any setup and teardown. A certificate that expires mid-project is a common problem.
- Read the coverage limits. Compare the limits shown against what your contract requires. A certificate listing lower limits than required is generally a reason to pause and ask questions.
- Verify the additional insured status. If your contract requires you (or your client) to be named as an additional insured, confirm the certificate reflects it. The box being checked on the form is not always the same as the endorsement being in place — ask for the endorsement if it matters.
- Identify the coverage types listed. Confirm the certificate actually shows the coverages your contract calls for, such as general liability or workers’ compensation, rather than unrelated lines.
- Look at who issued it. A legitimate certificate is generally issued by a licensed insurance professional or insurer, with their contact details shown. Treat a certificate with no issuer information cautiously.
- Keep a dated copy on file. Save the certificate with the date you received it. If something is questioned later, having the version you relied on is generally helpful.
Frequently asked questions
Does a certificate of insurance guarantee I am covered?
No. A certificate of insurance summarizes coverage at a point in time and does not by itself change or guarantee the underlying policy. If additional insured status or specific terms matter, ask for the supporting endorsement and confirm details with a licensed insurance professional.
What is the most common thing people miss on a COI?
Two things come up often: policy dates that do not span the full job, and limits that fall short of what the contract requires. Checking both before work begins is generally worthwhile.
The additional insured box is checked — is that enough?
Not always. A checked box on a certificate is not the same as the additional insured endorsement actually being part of the policy. If that status is important to your contract, it is generally reasonable to request the endorsement itself.
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