Need a COI today?
Bind short-term coverage and download a certificate for jobs, leases, or events.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) — Get Proof of Coverage Fast
Need a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for a job, lease, vendor contract, or event? Blake Insurance Group issues COIs quickly and builds quotes that meet your client’s exact requirements—so you can start work without delays. Whether you’re a contractor, consultant, retailer, landlord, or event organizer, our team helps you secure the right policies and endorsements the first time.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance?
A Certificate of Insurance (often on an ACORD form) is a snapshot proving you carry active policies and limits. It lists your policy numbers, effective dates, and limits for coverages such as General Liability, Commercial Auto, Workers’ Compensation, and Umbrella. COIs are informational documents; they do not change the underlying policy. If your contract requires special protection (like Additional Insured status), that must appear as an endorsement on your policy, and the certificate will reference it.
When You’ll Be Asked for a COI
- Job sites & GCs: Prove GL, Auto, Workers’ Comp, and Umbrella before mobilizing.
- Leases & property managers: Landlords typically require GL with Additional Insured status and Waiver of Subrogation.
- Vendor & client contracts: Consultants, IT, healthcare, and trades often need E&O and Cyber proof.
- Events & venues: Short-term GL with venue as Additional Insured; sometimes liquor liability.
- Municipal work & permits: Specific forms, per-project aggregates, and primary/noncontributory wording.
What a COI Includes (At a Glance)
| Section | What You’ll See | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Producer / Agency | Broker name and contact | Who issues updates and handles questions |
| Named Insured | Business legal name + DBA | Must match contracts, EIN, and entity type |
| Insurers & Policy #s | Carrier names and policy identifiers | Verification and authenticity |
| Coverages & Limits | GL, Auto, WC, Umbrella, E&O, Cyber, etc. | Confirm you meet minimum requirements |
| Effective / Expiration | Policy dates for each coverage | Ensures coverage spans your project dates |
| Description / Remarks | Project/site details, endorsement references | Shows contract-specific notes (not a policy change) |
| Certificate Holder | Client, landlord, venue, or GC name/address | Who receives the COI and notices |
A COI confirms coverage; only policy endorsements can add or change coverage.
Common Contract Endorsements (Explain Them Up Front)
| Request | Plain-English Meaning | Typical Policies |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Insured (AI) | Extends some liability coverage to your client/landlord/GC for your work | GL, Auto |
| Primary & Noncontributory (P&NC) | Your policy responds before the other party’s insurance | GL, Auto |
| Waiver of Subrogation | Your insurer agrees not to recover from the other party | GL, WC, Property, Auto (varies) |
| Per-Project / Per-Location Aggregate | Separate aggregate limits per job or site | GL |
| Completed Operations | Extends AI status beyond the job’s completion | GL (construction, installation) |
| Hired/Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) | Liability for vehicles you rent or employees’ vehicles used for work | GL or Auto (depending on carrier) |
Share exact contract wording with us. We’ll align quotes and endorsements so your COI is accepted the first time.
How to Get a COI Today (5 Steps)
- Send the contract or request: We review insurance requirements, deadlines, and endorsement language.
- Confirm or place coverage: If you’re missing a policy (GL, Auto, WC, Umbrella, E&O, Cyber), we quote fast. Need instant short-term coverage? Use Thimble.
- Match endorsements: We add AI, P&NC, Waiver, and other required forms where available and appropriate.
- Issue the COI: We deliver the certificate to you and your client/landlord. If the job renews, we can reissue updated COIs upon request.
- Keep it current: If your scope, location, or vehicles change—or if a policy renews—ask us for an updated COI.
Avoid These COI Mistakes (They Delay Approvals)
- Wrong Named Insured: Use the legal entity on the contract (LLC/Corp) and include DBAs exactly.
- Missing endorsements: A COI note is not coverage; if AI or Waiver is required, it must be endorsed.
- Expired dates: Make sure policy dates cover the entire project/lease term; request a renewal COI if needed.
- Incorrect addresses: Certificate Holder and job site addresses must match the contract.
- Understated limits: If the contract requires higher limits or an umbrella, we’ll quote to bridge the gap.
Related Guides
Certificate of Insurance — FAQs
How fast can I get a COI?
Once the required policies and endorsements are active and we have your contract details, COIs are typically issued quickly. Short-term policies through partners like Thimble can provide instant proof after binding.
Does a COI add coverage to my policy?
No. A certificate confirms coverage. Only policy endorsements add or change coverage such as Additional Insured, Primary & Noncontributory, or Waiver of Subrogation.
Can you send the COI directly to my client or landlord?
Yes. Provide the Certificate Holder’s name and address (and any reference numbers); we’ll deliver it to them and copy you.
My client wants special wording in the Description box. Is that okay?
Sometimes. We’ll review the language and align it with your actual endorsements. The Description field can’t expand coverage beyond your policy.
What if I need higher limits just for one project?
We can quote a commercial umbrella or adjust primary limits to meet the requirement. Tell us the contract minimums and project dates.
Licensed insurance producer (NPR/NPN 16944666). Availability, eligibility, forms, endorsements, and pricing vary by carrier and state. COIs are informational; only policy endorsements can change coverage. Always review your policy declarations and endorsements.
