Explainer
What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance, or COI, is a one-page summary that shows what insurance a business has, with which company, for which dates, and for how much. The insurance agent issues it, usually on request. It’s proof the policy existed on the day it was printed. It isn’t the policy, and it doesn’t change the policy.
Not sure where your own subs stand? Paste your list and get a free gap report in two minutes.
Free COI auditWhat’s on it
- Who’s insured and who issued the certificate (the agent).
- Which insurance companies are behind each policy.
- Each policy type: general liability, auto, umbrella, workers’ comp.
- Policy numbers, start and end dates.
- The dollar limits.
- The certificate holder, the person it was sent to.
Walk through a sample in our ACORD 25 explorer.
Who asks for one, and why
General contractors ask subs. Owners ask GCs. Landlords and associations ask vendors. Everyone wants the same thing: proof that if something goes wrong, someone with insurance will be on the hook, and it won’t be them.
What it isn’t
- Not the policy. The policy has the rules and the exclusions.
- Not a guarantee. It can’t change what the policy covers.
- Not live. If the policy is canceled tomorrow, the certificate still says what it said.
That’s why tracking matters. See how to track COIs.
The most common form
For liability insurance in construction, the form you’ll see most is the ACORD 25. ACORD is the industry group that makes the standard forms. Property insurance uses different ACORD forms.
Not legal or insurance advice. This is general information. Your contract, your state and your policy decide what applies to you. Ask your broker or attorney.
What does COI mean?
COI stands for certificate of insurance. In construction, people say “send me your COI” or “we need a COI before you start.” It is the one-page form an insurance agent issues to show that a business has coverage. The most common form is the ACORD 25.
If you see COI written as “c.o.i.” or “c o i,” it is the same thing.
Who gives it and who asks for it
The insurance agent or company issues the certificate, usually in minutes, at the policyholder’s request. People ask for one when someone else’s insurance protects them: a general contractor hiring a sub, a landlord with a tenant, an owner with a contractor, a venue with a vendor.
What it does not do
- It does not add you to the policy.
- It does not change the policy.
- It does not promise the policy will stay active.
- It does not show exclusions.
It is a snapshot from the day it was printed. That is why you verify it and track the end dates.
Frequently asked questions
What does COI stand for?
Certificate of insurance. In construction people also say “cert” or “certificate of liability insurance.”
Who issues a certificate of insurance?
The insurance agent or broker for the business, usually on the business’s request.
Does a COI mean I’m covered?
No. It shows the policy exists. You’re covered only if the policy and its endorsements say you are.
What does COI stand for in construction?
COI stands for certificate of insurance. Contractors ask subcontractors for one before work starts, to show they carry general liability, workers’ comp and other required coverage.
How long does it take to get a certificate of insurance?
Often minutes to a day, because the insurance agent issues it. Requests for special wording or endorsements can take longer.
Keep reading
See your certificate gaps in two minutes
Paste your subcontractor list and get an instant report, or leave your email and phone and we will review it for you.