Certificate of Insurance: Providing Proof and Peace of Mind

To put it simply, a certificate of insurance is a document that serves as proof of insurance coverage. Various business contracts, such as leases or work agreements, often require it to ensure that all parties involved are protected.. While it doesn’t guarantee the validity or extent of your insurance, it provides crucial information about your policy to interested parties.

So, how can you obtain a certificate of liability insurance when it’s requested?

Fortunately, the process is typically straightforward. Begin by reaching out to your insurance agent or carrier. They are well-versed in providing certificates of insurance and will guide you through the necessary steps. If you’re unsure about your insurance carrier, you can check your policy documents, invoices, or even past certificates of insurance to find the information you need.

At Insure Your Company, we’ve streamlined the certificate of insurance request process for our clients. We’ve established a dedicated email address and a convenient certificate portal. Making it quick and easy to request and receive certificates of insurance. We understand that time is of the essence, and we strive to deliver efficiency and peace of mind to our valued customers.

What can a Certificate of Insurance do?

A certificate of insurance or COI is your key to doing business. This piece of paper gives you the power to win contracts, complete transactions and get paid.

By definition, a certificate of insurance verifies the existence of an insurance policy and summarizes the key aspects and conditions of the policy. That is the book definition in the industry but doesn’t really convey all that your certificate of insurance can do.

Like the definition states, it verifies the insurance your company has in place. The COI lists important information about your business, the insurance carriers and the coverages it represents. Like your auto ID card, it represents the active policies you have purchased and that currently protect your business. The type of information you will find on your certificate of insurance can consist of your business name and address or the policyholder information. It will have the contact info, name and NAIC number of the insurance carriers you purchased the insurance from. It will state the effective period, coverage type and limits of insurance that cover your business.

This is incredibly important for any company trying to do business. Certificates are usually requested by opposite parties in an agreement, contract, or transaction. This confirms to them or fulfills a contract requirement to make sure that your business has the proper insurance in place. An employer, vendor or contractor may require specific types of insurance to work for them. Your COI will show them what your current coverage portfolio consists of.

The main thing your certificate of insurance is going to do for you is get you paid. You can’t receive your compensation or even start a project without sending your COI to the party requesting it. Having your certificate available at a moment’s notice can mean the difference to win a job or losing one, getting paid or not. If you are in an industry that requires you to bid on available work then you are familiar with the certificate of insurance and how important it is to obtaining work.

Your certificate of insurance is sometimes the only document you have pertaining to your insurance details and coverages. Use your certificate to get info on your policy quickly. It tells you the insurance carrier of the policy in case you need to look them up and contact them. The COI provides a summary of your insurance policies and what they cover. This gives you one convenient place to see your insurance policy information when you need it.

The certificate of insurance is a convent, powerful and depending on your broker very easy to obtain. Though it provides the policy information it does not confirm that the information on the certificate is correct or active. So if you are on the receiving end of a contract requiring insurance coverage you may still need to contact the insurance carrier to provide proof that a business has insurance.

What is an Additional Insured?

The insurance policy adds a party, typically through endorsement, to extend coverage beyond the original policyholder, which is known as an additional insured. When the insurance policy names an entity or individual as an additional insured, they receive protection for specified liabilities or claims that arise from the actions or operations of the policyholder.

The additional insured status is often requested in various contractual relationships to provide an extra layer of protection for the party requiring it. Common examples include landlords, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and other entities. These parties may have a financial or legal interest in the activities of the policyholder. By being added as an additional insured, they can potentially access insurance coverage if they are held liable for damages or claims resulting from the actions of the policyholder.

What is a certificate holder?

When you receive a certificate of liability insurance, you’ll notice that it includes a certificate holder or additional insured. The certificate holder is the person or business that holds the certificate and serves as a means of tracking and accountability. While a certificate holder receives a certificate of insurance, it is important to note that being a certificate holder does not grant them any rights or coverage under the insurance policy itself. The issuer does not consider the certificate holder as an insured party and does not provide the same level of protection as an additional insured..

If you receive a certificate of liability insurance from a third party you’ve hired, you become the certificate holder. It’s essential for tracking purposes and clarifying responsibilities in the event of a claim. The certificate holder may be an entity with a business relationship to the policyholder or may have a vested interest in ensuring the policyholder has adequate coverage.

Service costs associated with COIs

It’s important to note that not all insurance policies are created equal. Some policies may require an additional premium when adding an additional insured to the certificate. This means there may be associated costs if someone requests to be named as an additional insured or certificate holder on your policy. To navigate these complexities, it’s crucial to consult with your insurance agent, who can provide you with the necessary guidance.

Are certificates of liability insurance important?

In summary, a certificate of insurance is a vital document that acts as proof of insurance coverage. It ensures that you meet the insurance requirements specified in your contracts. By promptly providing a certificate of insurance when requested, you demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations and building trust with your business partners.

The next time you’re asked for a certificate of liability insurance, don’t fret! Reach out to your insurance agent or carrier, and they’ll guide you through the process. Remember, having a certificate of insurance not only satisfies contractual requirements but also provides you with peace of mind, knowing that you have the necessary coverage in place. Stay insured, stay protected, and enjoy the benefits of a certificate of insurance!

InsureYourCompany provides comprehensive Technology Business Insurance solutions to protect your company from potential risks and liabilities. Our policies are tailored to meet the unique needs of your technology-based business. Request a free quote today and ensure the future success of your company.