Header bg
  • section background

    Insurance 101: What Is a Certificate of Insurance?

    Hero bg 2
    what is a certificate of insurance

    Having a certificate of insurance readily available or on display can show prospective clients that you’re running a trustworthy business.

    Most businesses are more comfortable working with contractors and third-party members if they can prove that they’re insured. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean having to carry around your whole policy to show potential clients that you have sufficient, up-to-date insurance.

    Instead, businesses can request a certificate of insurance (COI) from their brokerage or insurance company. This small, handy piece of paper contains all the pertinent information at a quick glance.In this article, we’ll be looking at some common questions about these important proof-of-insurance forms, such as:

    • What is a certificate of insurance?

    • Who needs a certificate of insurance?

    • What should I do if a client requests a COI?

    • How long is a certificate of insurance good for?

    Let’s get started!

    Need Insurance for Your Small Business?

    APOLLO and Gallagher have partnered to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get a free quote online in under five minutes and receive your policy instantly.

    Get a Free Online Quote

    4.7 rating

    Google Logo

    What is a certificate of insurance?

    A certificate of insurance is a document used to show prospective clients that you have a licensed insurance policy, providing them with peace of mind in the event of something going wrong during your working relationship.

    A good COI will contain information such as:

    • Brokerage details: The contact information, name, and address of the brokerage that issued the certificate.

    • Insured business: The name of the insured company.

    • Insurance company: The name of the insurance company providing coverage.

    • Policy information: The details of your insurance policy, such as the policy number, the starting and expiration date of the policy, and the limit of liability.

    One important thing to note is that a certificate of insurance is not the policy itself — it just provides proof of insurance and is used for information purposes only.

    Who needs a certificate of insurance?

    Just as nearly every profession requires an insurance policy, anyone with coverage should have a certificate on hand.

    Whether it’s teaching an outdoor yoga class, building a website, or starting a plumbing business, it’s a good idea for any large or small business owner to be able to show their insurance status, proving that they have the coverage to handle a claim.

    Related read: Why Yoga Instructors Need Insurance

    Pro tip:

    In many cases, offering up your certificate of insurance when bidding for a job or submitting proposals can be a great way to make your business stand out above the competition. It also means your prospective clients won’t have to request a certificate from you later on.

    What should I do if a client requests a COI?

    If you’re asked for proof of insurance, all you have to do is reach out to your insurance broker and ask them to provide you with the document, so you can share it with your client.

    If your client prefers, they can also reach out directly to your insurance provider to request your COI.

    How long is a certificate of insurance good for?

    A certificate of insurance generally lasts for around five years, although it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider so you know just how long yours will last. Some policies will also be designed to cover a much shorter period — for example, if you’re insuring a space for a one-time fitness class.

    No matter the length of time your certificate of liability insurance covers, it’s a good idea for certificate holders to keep and file documents like these in case complications arise in the future.

    We offer personal and business policies, so you can run your company with peace of mind. Use our free online application to start this simple process and get insured in just five minutes.

    Need Insurance for Your Small Business?

    APOLLO and Gallagher have partnered to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get a free quote online in under five minutes and receive your policy instantly.

    Originally published October 10, 2022, updated October 29, 2024

    Back to APOLLO Magazine
    Share this article

    Looking for tenant insurance?

    Get no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase policies from your computer or phone, receive your documents instantly, and save when you buy online.

    Looking for tenant insurance?

    Get no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase policies from your computer or phone, receive your documents instantly, and save when you buy online.

    Relevant articles

    complete index blogs apollo canada

    A Complete Index of APOLLO’s Insurance Blogs

    the-creative-exchange-7aKbIqfIEMw-unsplash

    Here’s how you can take more effective breaks

    office-insurance

    Why office insurance is important for your business

    maliha-mannan-8gn_WhKv8Ns-unsplash

    The benefits of procrastination

    section background
    section background

    Getting insured is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3

    Tell us (very little) about yourself
    1

    Tell us (very little) about yourself

    Just tell us your address, your name, email and phone number. And that's it. We'll give you a price in less than a minute.

    Pay online easily and securely
    2

    Pay online easily and securely

    You can choose to pay monthly or save money by paying for the entire year in one easy payment.

    Get your documents in your inbox - instantly
    3

    Get your documents in your inbox - instantly

    As soon as you complete your purchase, you'll find your proof of insurance and policy documents waiting for you in your inbox.

    Get covered today - it couldn’t be easier

    We’ve provided more than 1,000,000 quotes to Canadians just like you. Give it a try!

    Google Logo

    Reviews

    4.7 rating

    2,235 reviews

    view all

    Across Canada

    Contact Us
    Apollo logo

    © 2024 APOLLO Insurance Solutions Ltd.

    111 Water Street, Unit 210, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1A7

    APOLLO Insurance Agency Ltd. (o/a APOLLO Brokerage in the province of Ontario only) is a licensed retail brokerage, offering our clients with a comprehensive set of insurance solutions to meet their individual needs. APOLLO Insurance Agency Ltd. maintains necessary corporate licensing in provinces across Canada. Availability of products and service depends on licensing and product availability. The information that appears on this page is provided for information purposes only. Advertised products and prices are not guaranteed and vary based on insurance provider and/or insurance company's discretion and product availability.

    Transparency and Disclosure: APOLLO Insurance Agency's role is to provide you with exceptional service and the best insurance products that suit your needs. As a licensed retail brokerage, our compensation is based on a commission basis already built into your insurance premium and varies based on the product purchased through our platform. For a description of how APOLLO Insurance Agency is compensated and how this is calculated, please refer to our Compensation Disclosure document. For consumers in Ontario, please review the RIBO Conduct Fact Sheet and the RIBO Conduct Guidance document.