What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)? Complete Guide 2025

A certificate of insurance provides evidence that a business or individual has active insurance coverage. You may request and receive this document from an insurance provider to verify that specific policies exist and remain current. COIs protect companies from liability risk exposure when working with contractors, vendors, and service providers who could cause property damage or injuries during business operations. Construction had the most fatalities of any industry in 2023, with 1,075 of them according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showing why being properly insured is so important.

CertFocus by Vertikal RMS transforms traditional COI management with Hawk-I artificial intelligence technology that processes certificates within minutes rather than days. Unlike manual tracking systems that rely on spreadsheets and email follow-ups, automated COI platforms prevent coverage gaps and maintain continuous compliance across all vendor relationships. Our clients have gone from compliance in the low 40s to over 90% compliance after signing up for CertFocus by Vertikal RMS.

This guide covers everything from basic COI terminology to advanced digital management strategies that leading companies use in 2025.

What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

A certificate of insurance is a document showing evidence that a business or individual has active insurance coverage. You get this document from an insurance carrier, agent, or broker to verify that specific insurance policies exist and remain current. COIs are extremely important business documents that protect companies from liability risks when working with contractors, vendors and suppliers.

COIs are critical when you hire outside contractors for construction projects or engage vendors for professional and non-professional services. The certificate shows coverage types, policy limits, effective dates, and identifies who receives protection under the policy. Project managers use COIs to verify that subcontractors carry adequate insurance before allowing work to begin, which reduces the financial exposure for the hiring company.

CertFocus by Vertikal RMS transforms COI management through AI-powered automation, eliminating manual tracking tasks that consume hours of administrative time. Unlike traditional spreadsheet systems, CertFocus by Vertikal RMS processes certificates instantly using Hawk-I technology, alerting you before coverage expires and maintaining continuous compliance across all vendor relationships.

What Does COI Stand For in Business?

COI stands for “Certificate of Insurance” in business terminology. This acronym is universally recognized across all industries as proof that a company or individual maintains active insurance coverage, though you’ll also run into variations like “cert of insurance” or simply “insurance certificate”. These documents contain specific information fields including policyholder details, coverage types, policy numbers, and effective dates.

Business professionals use COIs as risk management tools rather than actual insurance contracts. The certificate holder gains assurance that the named insured carries appropriate coverage for specific activities or locations. COI requests usually specify minimum coverage amounts, required endorsements, and naming requirements that vendors must meet before contract approval.

Certificates of insurance document existing coverage but don’t create new insurance protection. The actual insurance policy contains complete terms, conditions, exclusions, and coverage details that govern how all claims are handled. COIs only provide insurance information to show that coverage exists without revealing policy specifics or limitations.

This distinction creates significant business implications when companies incorrectly assume that having a COI means they have complete protection. For example, a construction company hiring a roofing contractor might receive a COI showing general liability coverage but remain unaware that the policy excludes work above three stories.

The certificate appears valid, while actual coverage gaps expose the hiring company to severe risks. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS addresses this challenge by automatically verifying coverage adequacy against requirements contained in underlying agreements.

Understanding COI Acronyms and Terms

Certificate of insurance documentation uses specific terminology that affects compliance and risk management decisions. Without understanding these acronyms, you’ll have a hard time understanding what certificates mean and communicating requirements clearly with vendors. These are the top COI terms and acronyms you need to be familiar with:

• Certificate of Insurance (COI): The standard document that provides evidence that active insurance coverage exists for a specific business or individual.
• Additional Insured (AI): Coverage extension that protects named parties under someone else’s insurance policy.
• Waiver of Subrogation (WOS): Legal provision that prevents insurance companies from pursuing recovery against named parties after paying a claim.
• Primary and Non-Contributory (P&NC): Insurance language that makes the policy pay claims first without seeking contribution from other coverage sources.
• Commercial General Liability (CGL): Standard business liability coverage that protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims.
• Workers’ Compensation (WC): Mandatory coverage in most states that provides benefits for employee injuries that happen during work activities.
• Auto Liability (AL): Coverage for vehicle-related incidents that happen during business operations. 
• Umbrella Coverage (UMB): Additional liability protection that extends beyond underlying policy limits. 

Do I Need a Certificate of Insurance?

Businesses need certificates of insurance to protect themselves from financial liability when working with external parties. Without proper COI verification, companies expose themselves to potential lawsuits, property damage claims, and regulatory violations that can cost millions of dollars. Construction injuries cost $11.5 billion annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Risk management professionals use COI as the first line of defense against contractor-related incidents.

Legal experts strongly advocate for COI verification as an essential risk management practice. Research from the American Bar Association emphasizes that proper certificate documentation is extremely important for assigning liability and verifying coverage, which protects businesses from unexpected exposure when working with contractors.

CertFocus by Vertikal RMS automates COI collection and verification, cutting administrative work in assuring that critical coverage requirements are met. The system tracks expiration dates automatically and sends renewal reminders, stopping coverage gaps that create liability exposure. These are some of the reasons why businesses need COIs:

• Liability transfer: COIs shift financial responsibility from your company to the vendor or contractor’s insurance carrier. For example, when a subcontractor causes property damage or injures someone on your project, their insurance handles the claim instead of your company bearing the cost.
• Contractual compliance: Most business contracts require specific insurance coverage before work begins. COIs provide documented proof that contractors meet these requirements, protecting you from breach of contract claims while maintaining project continuity. 
• Regulatory compliance: Many industries mandate COIs for compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements. Construction projects, healthcare facilities, and government contracts typically require verified insurance documentation before approving vendor relationships.
• Financial protection: COIs help prevent expensive project delays and legal disputes by confirming that a specific vendor has appropriate coverage before any problems arise. This proactive approach saves companies from pricey litigation and potential bankruptcy when major incidents happen.

What Information Is Included on a COI Form?

Certificate of insurance forms follow standardized formats that present coverage information in consistent locations. The ACORD 25 certificate serves as the industry standard, containing specific fields that insurance professionals and risk managers rely on to verify coverage. Learning about each section of the ACORD 25 form will help you spot potential gaps and confirm coverage meeting minimum requirements.

Policyholder and Certificate Holder Details

The policyholder section shows you who actually owns the insurance policies on the certificate. You’ll see their complete business name, address, and contact information there. Most COI forms put this information in the upper left corner and label it “Insured” or “Policyholder.”

You’ll find certificate holder details in the lower left section. This is you — the person or company receiving the certificate as proof of coverage. You don’t own the insurance, but you get peace of mind knowing the other party has active coverage. If you’re hiring a contractor, leasing property, or requiring insurance from a vendor or supplier, you become the certificate holder as indicated by the certificate holder section of the certificate form.

Getting these details right matters more than most people realize. Wrong names or addresses can kill your protection when you need it most. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS checks policyholder and certificate holder information against your requirements automatically, catching mistakes before they turn into coverage nightmares.

Insurance Coverage Types and Limits

This section shows you the meat of what you’re looking for: what types of insurance the contractor has and how much coverage they carry. You can see policy limits, deductible amounts, and whether the insured has enough protection to handle claims resulting from bodily injury and/or property damage resulting from their work.

• General liability coverage: Covers third-party injuries and property damage. Typically, commercial general liability policies (CGL) will provide limits between $1 million and $2 million per occurrence.
• Workers’ compensation: Pays for employee injuries as your state requires. Premiums are determined based on payroll and the risk associated with the underlying business activity.
• Commercial auto liability: Protects against vehicle accidents during business operations, usually requiring at least $1 million for contractor vehicles.
• Professional liability: Covers errors or omissions of professional service providers, with limit requirements varying depending on the industry and exposure level.
• Umbrella insurance: Adds extra liability protection above other policies, often $5 million to $25 million or more, depending on the size of the project and underlying level of risk.

Policy Dates and Certificate Expiration

Policy dates tell you exactly when coverage starts and stops for each type of insurance. You need to pay attention to these dates because they determine whether you have protection during the timeframe of the underlying agreement. Most certificates show you both when the policy starts and when it expires.

Critical Endorsements and Additional Insured Status

Endorsements change standard insurance policies to give you the specific protections your contract requires. It is important to verify that the supplier’s policy has been endorsed to establish insured status for your organization, which extends the contractor’s liability coverage to protect you against third-party claims, including the cost of defending against lawsuits resulting from the supplier’s underlying work.

Primary and non-contributory endorsements make the contractor’s insurance pay first without trying to seek coverage from your policy. Waiver of subrogation endorsements stop insurance companies from seeking compensation from you or your policy after they pay claims. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS automatically checks for these endorsements on every certificate that comes in when such endorsements are required. Without them, you might think you have protection, but find out during a claim that you’re on your own.

When Should You Request a Certificate of Insurance?

You should request a COI whenever you’re working with contractors, vendors, or service providers who could create a liability risk for your business. This includes construction work, property services, repair and maintenance activities, and other business activities performed under your agreements. Because this is such an important risk mitigation procedure, smart companies using best practices collect COIs as a standard part of their vendor onboarding process rather than waiting until problems happen.

Here are some situations when you’ll need to request a certificate of insurance:

• When hiring contractors: You should collect COIs before any contractor sets foot on your property or starts work. This protects you from liability if they cause resulting from injuries or property damage during the project.
• When working with vendors and suppliers: Request certificates when working with suppliers who deliver goods to your location or provide services on your premises. Their insurance should cover accidents that happen when they’re working at your facility.
• When signing property lease agreements: Landlords usually require tenant COIs to protect against liability claims. Tenants should also request certificates from service providers working in leased spaces. 
• When planning events: Event organizers need COIs from caterers, entertainers, and equipment rental companies before events begin. Venue owners require certificates from event planners to protect against incidents during gatherings.
• When bidding on government contracts: Federal, state, and local government contracts almost always mandate specific insurance coverage with certificates as proof. You can’t bid on or execute these contracts if you cannot provide documentation showing your insurance coverages meet the minimum requirements for the government contract.

How Do I Get a Certificate of Insurance?

If you need to provide a certificate of insurance as proof of coverage to begin working on a project, then the first thing you need to do is contact your insurance provider and request it. The process usually takes a few minutes to complete once you know what information to provide. Most insurance companies have automated options for requesting and receiving certificates, making it convenient for busy business owners.

Obtaining a COI From Your Insurance Provider

Your insurance agent or broker can generate certificates immediately through their internal computer systems. You’ll need to provide the certificate holder’s name and address exactly as it appears in your contract requirements. Many agents keep commonly requested certificate holder information on file to speed up future requests.

Getting a Certificate of Insurance Online

Most businesses simply generate a certificate of insurance online through their insurer’s portal. All it takes is logging into your account, selecting the policies you need, and downloading the certificates instantly. You can easily generate multiple certificates with different holders without having to call your agent or wait for them to do it for you.

Third-party platforms also offer COI generation services, though you’ll want to verify that these certificates meet your requirements. Some platforms connect directly with insurance companies to pull current policy information, while others require manual data entry that could cause mistakes.

COI Request Process for Businesses

When you need certificates from vendors or contractors, follow this systematic approach to get the documentation you need without delay:

1. Define your insurance requirements clearly: Specify coverage types, minimum limits, and required endorsements in your contracts before requesting certificates.
2. Send a formal COI request with detailed specifications: Include your complete company name, address, and any special certificate holder language your contracts may require.
3. Set clear deadlines for certificate delivery: Give contractors reasonable timeframes, but make certificate submission a requirement before work authorization.
4. Review certificates immediately upon receipt: Check that coverage types, limits, dates, and endorsements match your requirements exactly. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS automates this entire review process by verifying compliance and catching missing endorsements that manual reviews often miss.
5. Follow up on deficient or missing certificates: Contact contractors right away when certificates don’t meet specifications or fail to arrive by deadlines.
6. Track expiration dates and request renewals: Keep an eye on certificate expiration dates. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS automates this tracking, sending renewal requests to ensure that there are no coverage gaps.

How To Request a COI From Vendors and Contractors

When you need certificates of insurance from vendors and contractors, you have to be specific about what you want. Don’t just make a general request — tell them exactly what coverage types, limits, and endorsements your contract requires. Setting clear expectations upfront prevents delays down the road and saves you from the endless back-and-forth communications that slow down your projects.

Here’s how to request certificates of insurance from your vendors and contractors:

1. Include COI requirements in your initial contract or agreement: Specify the exact coverage types, minimum limits, and required endorsements that must be provided as evidence of coverage before work begins.
2. Send written COI requests immediately after signing the contract: Don’t wait until the last minute to request certificates, as getting proper coverage to meet contract requirements can take some time.
3. Provide your complete certificate holder information: Include your exact company name, address, and any special language required by your insurance or legal team. 
4. Set firm deadlines for certificate submission: Give contractors reasonable time but make certificate delivery a requirement before work authorization or payment.
5. Specify acceptable delivery methods: Tell contractors the methods they may use to supply their COI, such as email or by online portal submission.
6. Follow up on missing or incorrect certificates: Contact contractors immediately when certificates don’t arrive by deadlines or fail to meet your minimum requirements.

How To Write a COI Request Letter

When you write a COI request letter, you need to communicate your insurance requirements clearly so contractors understand exactly what documents you need. Your letter should include specific coverage details, deadlines, and consequences for non-compliance to prevent misunderstandings.

Follow these guidelines when writing a COI request letter:

1. Start with a clear subject line: Use “Certificate of Insurance Request” or similar language to get immediate attention.
2. State your relationship and project details: Explain why you need the certificate and reference the specific contract or work agreement.
3. List exact coverage requirements: Specify minimum limits, coverage types, and required endorsements rather than using general language.
4. Include your certificate holder information exactly: Provide your complete legal business name and address as they should appear on the certificate.
5. Set a specific deadline for submission: Give a firm date for certificate delivery and explain the consequences for late submission, like halting or delaying work.
6. Provide contact information for questions: Include phone numbers, email addresses, and a live chat option where contractors can reach you for clarification.

How To Read and Verify a Certificate of Insurance

To read a COI, first check that the certificate holder section contains your exact company name, verify coverage dates overlap your project timeline, confirm required endorsements appear in the description section, and validate coverage limits meet contract requirements. We covered the basic sections earlier like policyholder details and policy dates, but now you need to know how to spot problems and verify the COIs you have collected are giving you the protection you need.

Here’s what to check for when reviewing a certificate of insurance:

• Check the certificate holder section first: Triple-check that your company name and address appear exactly as you specified in your contract requirements. Small spelling errors or abbreviations can kill your protection during claims. 
• Verify coverage effective dates overlap your project timeline: Policies should start before your work begins and extend past project completion. Watch for gaps between policy renewal periods that could leave you unprotected.
• Confirm required endorsements appear in the description section: Additional insured status, primary and non-contributory language, and waiver of subrogation should be clearly stated, not just implied.
• Review coverage limits against your contract requirements: For each required coverage type, limits should meet or exceed your minimum requirements, including aggregate limits that apply to total claims during the policy period.
• Look for exclusions or limitations in the description section: Some certificates include language that limits coverage for specific activities or locations relevant to your project.
• Validate the certificate’s authenticity: Contact the insurance company directly if you have doubts about certificate validity, especially for high-risk projects or unfamiliar contractors. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS automatically flags suspicious documents to assist in identifying fraudulently issued COIs.

Common COI Problems To Look Out For

Even when contractors submit certificates on time, you might still face coverage problems that put your business at risk. These issues usually go unnoticed until claims happen, which would leave you exposed to liability you thought was covered. Catching these problems early saves you from expensive surprises down the road.

Here are the most common COI mistakes you need to watch for:

• Expired or outdated certificates: Contractors sometimes submit old certificates with expired coverage dates, hoping they won’t notice. Always check effective dates against your project timeline and current date.
• Insufficient coverage limits: Many certificates show coverage amounts below your contract requirements, leaving gaps in protection. Verify that each coverage type meets or exceeds your minimum limits before starting to work.
• Missing required endorsements: Certificates often lack additional insured status, primary and non-contributory language, or waiver of subrogation endorsements that your contracts require. These missing endorsements can eliminate your expected protection during claims.

Industries That Require COI Documentation

Certificate of insurance requirements span across numerous industries where businesses face liability risks from third-party services. Construction, property management, manufacturing, retail and transportation are some of the most common industries that need COI documentation, but many others also mandate insurance verification for vendor relationships.

Construction and General Contracting

Construction projects can create massive liability risks that make COIs extremely important for every contractor and subcontractor relationship. Research shows that three-quarters of construction projects experience delays, with inadequate documentation being a contributing factor. General contractors face potential claims for property damage, worker injuries, and third-party accidents that can cost millions of dollars, which is why construction contracts require specific coverage amounts and waiver of subrogation provisions before work begins.

STO Building Group, one of the largest general contractors in the United States, relies on CertFocus by Vertikal RMS to manage COI compliance across thousands of subcontractor relationships. The construction industry’s complex web of contractor relationships makes manual COI tracking nearly impossible, which is why automated systems have become standard practice for major construction companies. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS contains all components necessary to accurately track subcontractor insurance coverage and can be integrated with any construction management system.

Property Management and Real Estate

Property managers and real estate companies require COIs from maintenance contractors, cleaning services, landscaping companies, and tenant improvement contractors working in their buildings. These certificates protect property owners from liability claims arising from contractor activities on their premises. Lease agreements normally specify insurance requirements for both tenants and service providers.

Commercial real estate transactions include multiple parties that require insurance verification, like property managers, leasing agents, construction contractors, and facility service providers. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS tracks all these relationships automatically, sending renewal reminders before coverage expires and monitoring continuous compliance across property portfolios.

Delivery and Transportation Services

Companies using delivery and transportation services need COIs to protect against vehicle accidents and liability claims during transit. E-commerce businesses, retailers, and manufacturers usually require commercial auto liability coverage and general liability protection from their logistics and transportation partners. These requirements are especially important for high-value shipments or hazardous materials transport.

According to data from the Department of Transportation, the average cost of a truck accident is almost $150,000 in 2025 dollars, which could easily derail any project’s budget if not properly insured. Plus, delivery services operating on client premises face additional liability risks that require comprehensive coverage verification. Many companies now require real-time COI tracking for delivery partners to maintain continuous protection as coverage renews throughout the year. In support of this objective, CertFocus by Vertikal RMS is capable of reviewing COIs and updating COI compliance status immediately after receipt, utilizing its proprietary Hawk-I COI data extraction and review technology.

COI Forms and Documentation Requirements

Certificate of insurance documentation follows standardized formats that insurance companies and risk managers recognize across industries. The ACORD organization creates these standardized forms to maintain consistency in how coverage information is presented.

Here are the most common COI forms and documentation requirements:

• ACORD 25 Certificate of Liability Insurance: The standard form for general liability, auto liability, umbrella, and workers’ compensation coverage that most businesses require from contractors. 
• ACORD 28 Evidence of Commercial Property Insurance: This is a specific form of property insurance coverage that lenders, landlords, and contract parties often require for real estate transactions.
• Additional insured endorsements: Separate documents that modify insurance policies to extend coverage to parties designated as additional insureds, often required alongside COI forms for comprehensive protection.
• Waiver of subrogation endorsements: Prevents insurance companies from pursuing recovery against certificate holders after paying claims.
• Primary and non-contributory endorsements: Documentation proving the contractor’s insurance pays first without seeking contribution from other coverage sources.

Certificates of insurance and evidence of property insurance serve different purposes and cover distinct types of risks. COIs typically document liability coverage like general liability, workers’ compensation, and auto insurance that protects against third-party claims. Evidence of property insurance shows coverage for physical property damage, theft, and business interruption losses.

Evidence of Commercial Property Insurance is especially important for real estate transactions and financing, as lenders or landlords require proof that physical assets are protected. This documentation shows coverage for buildings, equipment, inventory, and business personal property. COIs focus on liability protection that defends against lawsuits and third-party claims rather than property damage coverage.

The key difference lies in what gets protected, as COIs cover liability risks while Evidence of Commercial Property Insurance covers physical asset protection. Many contracts require both types of documents to address all potential risk exposures. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS tracks both the Certificate of Liability Insurance and the Evidence of Commercial Liability Insurance form types, preventing confusion between liability and property damage requirements.

COI Management Challenges in 2025

Certificate of insurance management faces new challenges as business relationships become more complex and regulatory requirements continue evolving. Remote work arrangements and cyber liability concerns create additional compliance burdens for risk managers. Traditional manual tracking methods can’t keep pace with these expanding requirements, and with the average cost of noncompliance reaching almost $15 million, it’s important to find a solution.

These are some of the biggest COI management challenges companies face in 2025:

• Increased cyber liability requirements: More contracts now require cyber liability coverage as data breaches become more common, but many contractors lack adequate protection or understanding of these requirements.
• Remote contractor verification: Work-from-home arrangements make it harder to verify that contractors maintain proper coverage when working from multiple locations outside traditional office settings.
• Rising insurance costs forcing coverage gaps: Economic pressures push some contractors to reduce coverage limits or cancel policies, creating hidden liability risks that traditional tracking methods miss.
• Multi-state compliance complexity: Companies expanding across state lines face varying insurance requirements and regulations that manual systems struggle to track accurately.
• Real-time verification demand: Clients increasingly expect instant confirmation of coverage status rather than waiting for manual review processes that can take days to complete. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS addresses this challenge through Hawk-I technology that processes and verifies certificates within seconds rather than hours or days.

How Automated COI Tracking Software Works

Automated COI tracking software relieves you of the tedious manual process of collecting, reviewing, and monitoring certificates with an automated system that saves time and reduces mistakes. These platforms connect directly with contractors and insurance providers to streamline certificate collection while maintaining continuous compliance management. That’s why these savings help justify the COI tracking software costs with a massively favorable ROI.

Automated Certificate Collection and Verification

Automated COI collection eliminates the back-and-forth emails and phone calls that traditionally slow down certificate gathering. Digital platforms send automated requests to contractors with specific requirements, deadlines, and submission instructions. Contractors can upload certificates directly through secure portals or email systems that automatically route documents for processing.

Verification happens instantly as the software extracts key information from uploaded certificates and compares it against your requirements. The system flags missing endorsements, insufficient coverage limits, or expired dates before certificates reach your desk. This automation reduces certificate processing times from days to seconds while catching errors that manual reviews can miss. A survey from Elastic found that 54% of office workers spend more time looking for documents than responding to emails, which becomes a thing of the past with automatic COI verification.

Automated follow-up sequences keep projects moving by sending reminder notices to contractors who haven’t submitted certificates by specified deadlines. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS handles these communications automatically, escalating reminders until certificates arrive or alternative actions become necessary.

AI-Powered Document Processing With Vertikal RMS

Half of all insurance companies have successfully cut costs thanks to AI software, according to a KPMG survey, showing how impactful new technology can be. CertFocus by Vertikal RMS integrates Hawk-I with artificial intelligence technology to process certificates of insurance with accuracy levels that exceed what a human can manually review. Hawk-I reads COIs, interprets complex endorsement language, and identifies coverage gaps that human reviewers commonly miss. This AI-powered approach processes certificates within seconds rather than the hours or days required for manual review.

The Hawk-I system learns from every certificate it processes, continuously improving its ability to identify problems and verify compliance. Unlike simple optical character recognition software, Hawk-I understands insurance terminology and can interpret variations in language that mean the same thing. This intelligence helps catch subtle issues like insufficient additional insured coverage or missing waiver of subrogation endorsements. Hawk-I is also capable of reading and validating free-form language added to the “Description of Operations” section of the COI.

Vertikal RMS clients see dramatic improvements in processing speed and accuracy compared to traditional methods. The system can handle peak volumes during busy renewal periods without requiring additional staff or creating processing delays.

Integration capabilities allow Hawk-I to work seamlessly with its customer’s internal project management systems, using APIs to update compliance status automatically as certificates get processed. This real-time integration keeps project teams informed about contractor compliance without requiring separate logins or manual status checks.

Real-Time Compliance Monitoring

Real-time compliance monitoring tracks certificate expiration dates and coverage changes throughout project lifecycles. The system sends alerts before certificates expire, giving you time to request renewals without creating coverage gaps. This proactive approach prevents the common problem of discovering expired coverage after incidents happen.

CertFocus by Vertikal RMS monitors compliance status continuously, not just when certificates get submitted initially. The platform tracks policy renewal dates and requests updated documentation automatically. You receive instant notifications when coverage lapses or changes that affect your protection levels.

Advanced monitoring includes quarterly verifications with insurance agents confirming that coverage remains active and in force throughout policy periods. This extra verification step catches cancellations that may occur during the policy period, providing an extra layer of protection for your business.

Cost of Getting a COI

Most insurance companies provide certificates of insurance at no charge to their policyholders as part of standard customer service. You can generally request certificates through your agent, broker, or directly from the insurance company’s website without paying fees. Some insurance providers charge a small administrative fee of $10 to $25 per certificate for issuing certificates of insurance. These costs are minimal when considering the overall cost of obtaining insurance coverage.

CertFocus by Vertikal RMS: Proven COI Management Results

COI collection is a cost-effective risk management strategy for any business working with outside contractors or vendors. With over two decades of market experience, CertFocus by Vertikal RMS has established itself as the industry leader in automated COI management. The platform serves 180+ customers with a 99% retention rate, demonstrating consistent value across organizations. Learn more about CertFocus by Vertikal RMS and see why it’s considered one of the best COI tracking software and service solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Certificates of Insurance