Also known as: Cert of Insurance · Insurance Certificate · Acord 25 · Certificate of Liability Insurance
A document that summarizes active coverage and limits. It does not change policy terms.
A COI is a one-page summary issued by your broker that shows a third party (vendor, landlord, client) that you carry insurance. It lists your coverages, limits, and policy dates—but it doesn't modify your policy or grant coverage to the certificate holder.
"Vendor shall provide a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the required coverages and limits prior to commencing work."
No. A COI is a summary document that proves you have insurance—it lists your coverages, limits, and dates. But it does not modify your policy or grant coverage to anyone. The actual policy (and its endorsements) is the binding legal document.
COI turnaround times vary by broker and carrier. Some brokers can issue COIs within hours; others may take several business days. Delays in COI issuance are one of the most common reasons enterprise deals stall.
A standard COI (Acord 25 form) includes: your company name, policy numbers, coverage types (GL, E&O, Cyber, etc.), policy limits, effective and expiration dates, the certificate holder name and address, and any special endorsements like additional insured or waiver of subrogation.
COIs are issued by your insurance broker or carrier—not by you. Because the certificate attests to active coverage on file with the insurer, it must come from an authorized party. If you create your own, it has no standing and vendors will reject it. Request COIs from your broker, who can usually turn them around the same day.
A COI itself is free—brokers issue certificates at no charge as part of servicing your policy. You only pay for the underlying insurance coverage the certificate documents. If a vendor requires added endorsements (like additional insured or waiver of subrogation), those may carry a small premium, but the certificate document is not billed separately.
Usually yes. Each client or vendor typically wants a COI naming them specifically as the certificate holder, and often as an additional insured. The underlying policy is the same—only the certificate holder details change—so your broker can generate a client-specific COI quickly for each contract that requires one.
Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.
Last updated: July 2026.