Glossary

What is Certificate of Insurance?

A document issued by an insurer or broker that summarizes the key terms of an insurance policy, used to verify coverage for third parties.

Full Definition

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a standardized document (ACORD form) that summarizes the essential terms of an insurance policy — carrier name, policy number, effective dates, coverage types, limits, and named/additional insureds. COIs are requested by landlords, clients, lenders, and contracting parties to verify that insurance is in place. Important: a COI is informational only and does not amend the policy or grant any rights to the certificate holder. Additional insured status, waiver of subrogation, and notice of cancellation provisions must be added to the actual policy by endorsement — they cannot be conferred by the certificate alone.

Related Terms

Binder

Endorsement

Additional Insured

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Related Coverage & Services

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal/advertising injury claims.

Binder

A temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until the formal policy is issued.

Endorsement

A written amendment to an insurance policy that adds, deletes, or modifies coverage terms, conditions, or limits.

Additional Insured

A party added to an insurance policy by endorsement that receives liability coverage under the named insured's policy.

Business Insurance

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