What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document issued by an insurance agent or broker that summarizes the policies a business carries. It lists the insurer, policy numbers, coverage types, limits, and effective dates.

It is not the policy itself. It is evidence that a policy existed on the day the certificate was issued — which is why the date on the certificate matters as much as the coverage listed on it.

Churches, dioceses, synagogues, mosques, and other faith communities host a constant stream of outside parties: caterers for events, bus companies for trips, contractors for renovations, cleaners, musicians, and more. If one of them causes injury or damage and is uninsured, the claim often lands on the organization.

Collecting a COI before work starts is the standard way to transfer that risk back to the party best positioned to control it.

A certificate is a snapshot. It does not guarantee the policy is still in force today, that premiums are paid, or that the endorsements your contract requires were actually added to the policy. The certificate itself usually says so in fine print: it is issued as a matter of information only.

That is why a human review matters. Someone has to check the coverage types, limits, dates, and endorsements against what your contract actually requires — and re-check when the certificate expires.

Coverage types and limits: general liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, umbrella, and any specialty coverage your contract calls for.

Effective and expiration dates: an expired certificate is no evidence at all.

Certificate holder and endorsements: your organization named correctly, and endorsements such as additional insured noted where required.