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Certificate of insurance for small business
A certificate of insurance (COI) form provides proof of liability insurance coverage for your small business. To acquire a COI, you must first buy a business insurance policy. After the policy has been issued, most certificates of insurance are available online.
How to get a certificate of insurance
View video transcript.
Hey there! Yeah, up here in the corner. Good news: You've purchased your policy to protect your business! But that's only the beginning...
A licensed expert will email you a Certificate of Insurance the day you buy a policy. I'd do it, but, you know, I'm an animated talking head.
The certificate means peace of mind. And you can access it on the Insureon online customer portal where you can review policy info and all of your insurance documentation.
Need additional assistance? Or want to make changes? Yeah, no problem! Call toll free, or reach out to a dedicated account manager with questions about billing and claims.
We're with you now, and as you grow. Behind the scenes, but there when you need us. Insureon. Protection is peace of mind.
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How to buy coverage and get a certificate of insurance (COI) for your business with Insureon
Complete a free online application
Insureon is the number one online marketplace for small business insurance. Complete Insureon’s free online application, which asks for details about your business. It takes only a few minutes to complete. You’ll receive quotes from top-rated U.S. insurance companies when you finish the process.
Compare quotes from top companies and choose a policy
Compare your quotes and choose a policy that provides sufficient protection and fulfills any requirements outlined by a commercial lease or client contract.
Small business owners can choose from many different types of business insurance to protect against different risks. For example, general liability insurance provides financial protection against accidents involving customers, while professional liability insurance pays for legal defense costs if a client sues over professional negligence or a mistake.
At this point, you can chat with a licensed Insureon agent to make sure you have the right coverage for your small business.
Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Pay for your policy or sign up for a payment plan. After the policy is issued, you can download a certificate of insurance. View a sample certificate [PDF].
Certificate of liability insurance proves that the certificate holder is insured and includes important details about your policy:
- Insurance provider
- Type of coverage
- Policy number
- Policy limits
- Any additional insureds (a client or partner may request this)
- The policy’s expiration date and effective date
Need a certificate of insurance for your business?
How much does a certificate of insurance cost?
A certificate of insurance is free. Much like a receipt, the document is proof that the policyholder paid for the policy and has insurance.
The cost of the policy depends on the type of insurance, your policy limits, and business factors, such as revenue and number of employees. The first policy that most small business owners need is general liability insurance, which costs on average $42 per month for Insureon customers.
Read our small business insurance cost analysis for details about insurance costs.
When do you need a certificate of insurance?
You may need a certificate of liability insurance when you are looking to:
Sign a client contract
A client may request a certificate of insurance in the terms of a contract. It shows clients you have an effective risk management plan in the event of a lawsuit, which may give them financial protection against losses and damages.
Example: A computer repair business has a long-term contract with a local company. If a technician accidentally drops a client’s laptop during a repair, the computer repair company’s general liability policy covers the cost of replacing the broken laptop.
Work as a contractor
Businesses that hire contractors and subcontractors often want reassurance they will not be held responsible if someone working for them make a mistake. If the contractor has liability insurance, financial losses or damages that occur as a result of the contractor’s work are typically covered – without involving the business that hired the contractor.
Example: A construction company hires a contractor to install windows in an office. The completed windows don’t match the specifications outlined in the contract, resulting in thousands of dollars of overages. If the construction company required the contractor to obtain liability coverage, the cost of replacing the windows would be covered.
Sign a commercial lease
You may need a certificate of liability insurance to sign a lease for a new office, storefront, or other commercial space.
Example: Your accounting firm recently purchased commercial general liability insurance to fulfill the terms of its new commercial lease. A client trips on your new office’s front steps and sues to recoup medical bills from their bodily injury. This type of insurance policy protects you and your landlord from the costs of the lawsuit.
Attract new clients
Establishing a good business reputation is hard work, especially when you’re just starting out. Liability insurance shows potential clients that your business can withstand common accidents and lawsuits, which increases your dependability.
Example: An accountant who is new to the industry offers tax preparation services to a potential client. Because the accountant has professional liability insurance, the client knows that losses will be paid for up to the coverage limits if a mistake is made. The accountant gets the contract, even though his reputation is not established.
Find business insurance requirements in your state
Select your state to learn about insurance requirements for your small business.
How long does it take to get a COI?
Some companies take weeks to mail a certificate of insurance. That’s a big problem for a small business or a contractor who needs immediate proof of insurance coverage to sign a contract.
With Insureon, a leading online business insurance agency, most businesses receive an ACORD certificate of insurance within a couple of hours of starting a quote. Businesses in higher risk industries that are more difficult to insure can usually get their certificate within 48 hours.
Need a certificate of insurance for your business?
Business liability insurance does not cover:
Property damage
A liability insurance policy won’t pay to repair or replace your business property. Commercial property insurance can cover the cost of business property that’s lost, stolen, or damaged. Small business owners can often combine this coverage with general liability insurance in a business owner's policy (BOP) for a discount.
Example: A frozen pipe bursts at a real estate agent’s office. Several computers are destroyed, and water damage has ruined the floor. Commercial property insurance helps cover the cost of replacing the destroyed computers and installing a new floor.
Forced closure
Liability insurance doesn’t cover losses if your business must temporarily close due to events like storms or fires. For that, you’ll need business interruption insurance, which can pay for day-to-day operating expenses, lost revenue, and other costs. It’s often included in commercial property insurance.
Example: A fire destroys the kitchen at your restaurant. Business interruption insurance pays your employees’ wages, rent on the building, and your lost income until you are able to reopen.
Common questions about certificates of liability insurance
How do I read a certificate of insurance?
Most insurance companies use a standard form for certificates of insurance. That means once you can read one form, you should be able to read them all.
Check out our guide on how to read a certificate of insurance form for help on understanding each section of the form. We also have a glossary of terms used in business insurance, which may help you understand your certificate.
If you still need help, feel free to ask an Insureon agent.
Do I need more than one certificate of insurance?
Each certificate of insurance covers only one type of business insurance. That means you may need several certificates of insurance to fulfill requirements for different types of coverage, such as:
- General liability insurance
- Errors and omissions (E&O) / professional liability insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance
For example, a general contractor might need both general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance in order to sign a contract. The contractor would need to present the client with two certificates of insurance, one for each policy, to secure the job.
When does a certificate of insurance need to be updated?
A certificate of insurance outlines important details about your insurance coverage. When those details change, such as limits or endorsements, you may need an updated certificate. That's especially true if you need to present a COI to a client or landlord to prove you have sufficient coverage.
What do I do if a certificate of insurance fails to fulfill contract requirements?
If you don't have sufficient coverage for a contract or lease, you'll need to go back to your insurer and increase your policy limits. Once you have increased the limits to meet the requirements, ask your insurance company to reissue the certificate so you can prove you have adequate coverage.
Is it possible to get digital proof of insurance?
Yes. Insureon offers digital certificates through the online Customer Portal, in My Profile. A digital certificate offers the same proof of insurance as a physical copy of the certificate.
If you have any problems downloading a certificate, contact us to receive it via email.
Updated: November 14, 2024
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