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What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)? Small Business Guide

Picture of Neal Fusco Neal Fusco : Updated on July 6, 2026

Business Insurance small business insurance Certificate of Insurance

What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)? Small Business Guide

Quick Answer: A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document, usually on a standard ACORD form, that proves a business carries insurance. It lists the policy types, coverage limits, effective dates, and insurer, and names a certificate holder, the party who asked for proof. It is not the policy itself, it is evidence of coverage. You get one from your insurance agent, almost always free and usually within a day.

If a client, landlord, or general contractor has ever asked you for "proof of insurance," they want a certificate of insurance. Here is exactly what a COI is, what every field on it means, how to get one, and how to read it so you never lose a job over paperwork.

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What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?

A certificate of insurance is a standardized summary of your business insurance, almost always issued on an ACORD form (the industry-standard template). It proves to a third party, such as a client, landlord, or general contractor, that you carry active coverage with specific limits. The certificate is issued by your agent or insurer and references your actual policies, but it does not change or replace them.

What is on a certificate of insurance?

Every COI shows the same core fields. Here is what each one means:

Field	What it means
Named insured	The business that owns the policies (you)
Insurer(s)	The carriers providing each coverage
Coverage types and limits	Each policy (general liability, commercial auto, umbrella, workers comp) and its dollar limits
Effective and expiration dates	The active policy period; an expired COI is worthless
Certificate holder	The party requesting proof (client, landlord, GC)
Additional insured	Whether the holder is added as an insured on your policy (a stronger protection than holder alone)
Description of operations	Notes, project details, or special language the contract requires

Certificate holder vs. additional insured

This is the distinction that trips up most business owners. A certificate holder simply receives proof that your insurance exists. An additional insured is actually added to your policy and can be defended and paid under it if they are sued over your work. Contracts often require additional insured status, not just a certificate, so read the request carefully; the wrong one can breach your contract.

How to get a certificate of insurance

You do not create a COI yourself, your agent or insurer issues it:

Ask your agent and provide the certificate holder’s exact name and address
Send any special language the contract requires (additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary and non-contributory)
Most agents issue a COI the same or next business day, at no cost

How to read a certificate of insurance

Check the dates first; coverage must be active for your work period
Confirm the limits meet the contract minimums (often $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate)
Verify additional insured language is present if the contract requires it
Match the named insured to the actual business doing the work

When you need a certificate of insurance

You will typically be asked for a COI before you can: start work for a commercial client, sign a commercial lease, work on a job site as a subcontractor, vend at an event, or get paid. Keeping a current COI ready, with the right business insurance behind it, removes a common reason jobs stall.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?

A one-page document, usually on an ACORD form, that proves a business carries insurance. It lists the policy types, limits, dates, insurer, and certificate holder. It is evidence of coverage, not the policy itself.

How do I get a certificate of insurance?

Ask your insurance agent and give them the certificate holder's name and address plus any required language. Most agents issue a COI the same or next business day at no cost.

What is an ACORD certificate of insurance?

ACORD is the standard industry form used for nearly all certificates of insurance. An ACORD certificate is simply a COI on that standardized template, so any party can read it the same way.

What is the difference between a certificate holder and an additional insured?

A certificate holder only receives proof that your insurance exists. An additional insured is actually added to your policy and can be covered under it. Contracts often require additional insured status, not just a certificate.

How much does a certificate of insurance cost?

For a business that already has coverage, a COI is almost always free. Your agent issues it as a service; you are paying for the underlying insurance, not the certificate.

Reviewed by Neal Fusco, VP, Commercial Lines

Neal leads commercial lines at Pro Insurance Group and issues certificates of insurance with the exact language client contracts require.

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