A document issued by an insurance company that summarizes the coverage held by a business — commonly required by clients and landlords.
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document your insurance company provides that summarizes your business insurance coverage: which policies you hold, coverage limits, effective dates, and the insurer's name. Clients, landlords, venues, and vendors frequently require a COI before letting you start work or enter their property.
The COI doesn't provide coverage itself — it's just proof that coverage exists. If a client requires you to have $2 million in general liability coverage before starting work, they'll ask for a COI showing that policy. You obtain the COI from your insurance broker or directly from your insurer; it typically takes minutes to generate.
Common situations that require a COI: entering into a commercial lease (landlords want to see it), starting a construction job (general contractors require subcontractors to provide COIs), catering or event services, healthcare and childcare facilities, and government contracts. If you'll regularly be doing work on client premises, expect to need a COI and make sure your coverage limits meet standard client requirements before starting a project.