In this guide
If you run a business — especially in the trades — a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is one of the most common pieces of paperwork you’ll deal with. A landlord asks for one. A general contractor asks for one. A vendor asks for one. They’re a quick way to show that you carry insurance, what the limits look like, and who’s on the policy.
Quick takeaway
What a COI is
A COI is typically issued on a standard ACORD form. It lists policy numbers, carriers, effective dates, limits, and any special endorsements or wording requested. It does not change your policy; it documents what’s already in place.
Certificate Holder
The holder is the party that wants proof of coverage. Their legal name and address need to match what the contract requires. A small typo can be enough to send the certificate back.
Additional Insured
This is an endorsement that adds another party to your policy for the work you’re doing for them. It’s common on construction and vendor contracts. Two flavors come up often:
- Ongoing operations — coverage while the work is being performed.
- Completed operations — coverage for claims that arise after the work is done.
Waiver of Subrogation
A waiver of subrogation generally prevents your carrier from pursuing the other party after paying a claim. Many commercial contracts require it on both GL and workers comp.
Primary & Non‑Contributory
This wording says your policy responds first, before the other party’s coverage. Common requirement from general contractors and large clients.
Match the contract
When you may need a certificate
- Starting a new job for a general contractor
- Signing a commercial lease
- Onboarding with a new vendor or client
- Registering as a vendor with a school, municipality, or large company
- Renewing an annual contract that requires updated proof
- Bidding on a project with specific insurance requirements
How to request a certificate from Quick & EZ
The fastest path is our online Certificate Request form. Include the holder name and address exactly as it should appear, the project description, and any required wording (additional insured, waiver, primary & non‑contributory). If you have a copy of the contract’s insurance section, attach or paste it in — we’ll match it to your policy.
Need a certificate now?
Use our Certificate Request form. We’ll match the wording to your policy and reach out if anything needs to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does a certificate change my policy?+
Generally no. A certificate is informational. The underlying policy and endorsements control what coverage actually exists.
Why does the wording matter so much?+
Contracts often require specific endorsements (additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary & non‑contributory). The certificate needs to reflect what the policy actually provides.
How fast can I get a certificate?+
Usually quickly once your policy is in force and we have the exact holder details and contract language.
Can a certificate be issued before my policy starts?+
No. The policy must be bound and in force before a certificate can be issued.
What if the contract requires something my policy doesn’t include?+
Some endorsements can be added by the carrier, subject to underwriting. We’ll let you know what’s available and what isn’t.
Is a certificate a guarantee that a claim will be paid?+
No. Claim outcomes depend on the actual policy, endorsements, facts of the loss, and carrier review.
Next step
Need help choosing the right coverage path?
Quick & EZ Insurance can help you request options for your home, auto, RV, business, or contractor needs — fast and friendly.
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OpenThis article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage options, eligibility, limits, pricing, and availability may vary by carrier, state, underwriting, and policy terms. Submitting a quote request does not bind coverage. Coverage is not effective unless confirmed in writing by the agency or insurance carrier.