Insurance, explained

What a certificate of insurance tells you

A useful document, with important limits.

The quick answer

A certificate of insurance summarizes selected policy information. It is not the policy itself and does not independently change coverage. Contract requirements may need specific endorsements in addition to a certificate.

Bring the actual requirements

Provide the contract’s required limits, additional-insured wording, waiver requests and certificate-holder details.

Check the named insured and dates

Confirm the correct business entity, coverage period and listed policies. A certificate is most useful when its details are accurate.

Ask about endorsements

Additional-insured status or other rights may depend on policy endorsements. A name on a certificate alone does not create those rights.

Allow for carrier processing

Timing depends on the request and carrier. Sending the full requirements early helps avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.