What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?
The one-page proof of coverage that clients, landlords, and venues ask for — and how to get one fast.
A certificate of insurance — almost always shortened to COI — is a single page that proves you actually carry the coverage you say you do. When a venue, client, or landlord says "send me your insurance," this is what they mean.
What a COI actually shows
- Your business name and your insurance carrier
- The types of coverage in force (e.g., general liability)
- The coverage limits (for example, $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate)
- The policy numbers and effective/expiration dates
- Any additional insureds and the certificate holder
It is a summary, not the policy. It does not change your coverage — it reports it.
Why everyone keeps asking for one
A COI lets the other party confirm, in seconds, that if something goes wrong there is real coverage behind you — so the risk doesn't land on them. That's why it's a routine condition before you can rent a space, start a contracted job, or vendor at an event.
How to get a COI fast
- Have a policy in force. You can't certify coverage you don't have, so the first step is binding a policy. Many small-business classes can bind online quickly.
- Request the exact wording the other party requires — including any additional-insured language — so you don't have to reissue it.
- Download or have it emailed. With an active policy, certificates are often available instantly from an online account.
Running a venue or event? There's a faster way.
If you operate a venue and constantly chase certificates from vendors and event hosts, our venue program gives you a branded link to share — the people using your space buy coverage, are automatically issued their certificate of insurance, and your venue is named as an additional insured, with no paperwork on your end. Coverage terms, eligibility, and pricing are determined by the carrier and vary by state.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of insurance?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a standardized one-page document — usually an ACORD form — that summarizes your active insurance: the carrier, policy numbers, coverage types, limits, and effective dates. It is proof you carry coverage; it is not the policy itself.
How do I get a certificate of insurance?
Once you have an active policy, your carrier or agent issues the COI — often instantly through an online portal. If a client or venue needs to be listed as an additional insured, request that wording at the same time so it appears on the certificate.
How fast can I get a COI?
If you already have a policy in force, a COI is frequently available the same day — sometimes within minutes from an online account. If you do not have coverage yet, you generally need to bind a policy first, which can also be quick for many small-business classes.
What is the difference between a COI and being named additional insured?
The COI is the proof document. Being named an additional insured is an actual change to the policy that extends certain protections to another party (like a venue). The certificate then shows that the additional insured has been added.
Need a certificate? Start with a policy.
Get a quote for your business and you'll be able to produce a COI once you're covered.
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