What Is a Contractor Insurance Certificate and When Do You Need One?
A contractor certificate of insurance (COI) summarizes the policies, dates, and limits listed when it was issued. A Greenville general contractor or project owner may ask for one before work starts. The certificate reports coverage; the policies and endorsements decide what is covered.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
- What it is: A summary of listed policies, usually on an ACORD 25 form.
- Who issues it: Your agent or insurer uses the policy records.
- When you may need it: When a job contract, property owner, landlord, or bid asks for proof of insurance.
- What it shows: The coverage the issuer reported when the certificate was issued. Check the policy for current terms.
Already insured with The Morgano Agency? Use our COI request form and attach the contract’s insurance clause. Need to arrange or review coverage for a new job? Start with our contractor insurance page.
Before requesting a COI, compare the clause’s policy types, limits, and special wording with your current policy summary, if available. Your agent can review the full clause against the policies.
When Contractors Usually Need a COI
- Before a general contractor lets you on site: A general contractor may ask a subcontractor for a current certificate before work begins.
- Before a commercial contract is signed: The owner or manager may ask for proof of specific policies and limits.
- When a landlord asks for proof of coverage: A shop, office, or warehouse lease may request it.
- When a contract calls for additional insured wording: Send the exact request to your agent for review.
What a Contractor Insurance Certificate Usually Shows
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Named insured | Names the business listed on the policy. |
| Coverage types | Lists policies such as general liability, commercial auto, or workers’ compensation when applicable. |
| Policy dates | Lists the effective and expiration dates reported when the certificate was issued. |
| Limits | Lists policy limits to compare with the contract. The certificate does not change them. |
| Certificate holder | Names the party receiving the certificate. |
Certificate Holder vs. Additional Insured
The certificate holder receives the document. Additional insured status depends on the policy terms or an endorsement. The ACORD 25 form says a certificate does not change the policies it lists.
If a contract asks for both, send the exact wording to your agent. Listing a name as certificate holder does not grant additional insured status.
What to Send Before You Request a COI
Send the full insurance clause, any sample certificate, the certificate holder’s exact name and address, the job name or address, and the deadline. Include a current policy summary, often called a declarations page, if you have one. Ask your agent to compare the request with your policies.
If the contract asks for a policy, limit, or endorsement you do not have, your agent may need insurer approval or a coverage change before issuing the requested proof. Timing depends on the request and the carrier.
If a project asks for wording you do not recognize, call The Morgano Agency at 864-609-5285 before you promise the certificate will meet it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A COI summarizes listed policies as of its issue date. The policies and endorsements control coverage.
Sometimes quickly, but turnaround depends on the carrier, the wording requested, and whether endorsements have to be added before the certificate is released.
A general contractor, owner, or manager may ask to see the contractor’s reported insurance before work begins. The certificate shows policy information as of its issue date.
The Morgano Agency Inc
206B Pine Knoll Dr, Greenville, SC 29609
Phone: (864) 609-5285 | Fax: (864) 609-5689
Email: vic@morganoagency.com
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
