What Is Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page summary proving you have active coverage: the policy types, limits, and dates. Clients, landlords, and general contractors commonly require one before you start work or sign a lease.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of insurance used for?
A certificate of insurance proves that a business has active coverage, listing the insurer, policy types, limits, and policy dates. Clients, landlords, and general contractors ask for one before work starts or a lease is signed.
Does a certificate of insurance add coverage?
No. A certificate of insurance only summarizes the coverage in force and does not change the policy. If a contract requires someone to be an additional insured, the policy itself must be endorsed, and the certificate then confirms it.
How do I get a certificate of insurance in Ontario?
Ask your broker and send the certificate holder's legal name and address, plus any contract requirements such as additional insured status or specific limits. Roughley issues certificates for its commercial clients and flags anything that needs insurer approval.
Questions about Certificate of Insurance?
Our Ontario brokers can explain how it applies to your policy.
Talk to a Roughley broker