Business insurance guide

What Is a Liability Certificate of Insurance?

A liability certificate of insurance is a short proof-of-insurance document. Greenville clients, landlords, general contractors, and project owners often ask for it before work starts.

Last updated: April 28, 2026

What a liability certificate usually shows

A certificate of liability insurance is most often tied to general liability. Depending on the contract, it may also show commercial auto, umbrella, workers compensation, or professional liability coverage.

• Your legal business name and mailing address
• The insurance agency or producer that issued the certificate
• The insurance company and policy number
• Coverage dates and expiration date
• Liability limits shown on the certificate
• The certificate holder, meaning the person or business asking for proof
• Additional insured or waiver wording, but only when the policy or endorsement supports it

What a COI does not do

This is the part worth slowing down for. A certificate is evidence of coverage at a point in time. It is not the insurance policy. It does not rewrite the policy, add coverage, or make someone an additional insured unless the policy or endorsement gives them that status.

The public ACORD certificate sample hosted by Wisconsin DWD includes the standard warning that the certificate is for information only and does not amend, extend, or alter coverage. That is why contract wording and endorsement wording matter.

When Greenville businesses get asked for one

You may be asked for a liability certificate when you sign a commercial lease, bid a job, work as a subcontractor, provide services at an event venue, or send employees to a client site. Around Greenville and the Upstate, this comes up often for contractors, cleaning companies, consultants, vendors, repair businesses, and small shops.

If the request came from a contract, send the exact wording to your agent. Do not guess at additional insured wording, waiver language, or cancellation notice language. Some requests need carrier review or a separate endorsement before the certificate can show them.

What to send your agent

Send the certificate holder’s legal name, address, email, job or lease details, and any insurance wording from the contract. If the request mentions additional insured, primary and noncontributory, waiver of subrogation, or notice of cancellation, include that language exactly as written.

The Morgano Agency can help Greenville-area businesses review the request, compare it with the policy, and issue the certificate when the policy supports it. For contractor coverage, start with our contractor insurance page. If you already need a certificate, use the COI request form.

FAQ

Is a certificate holder the same as an additional insured?

No. A certificate holder receives proof of coverage. An additional insured may have certain rights under the policy, but only when the policy or endorsement grants that status.

Who issues a liability certificate?

Your insurance carrier, agent, or broker issues it. The details should match the actual policy.

Can I change the wording myself?

No. Do not edit a COI yourself. Send the request to your agent so the certificate matches the policy and carrier rules.

Does South Carolina require every business to have a COI?

No, not as a blanket rule. A COI is usually requested by a contract, landlord, client, or project owner. Some regulated situations may require proof of specific coverage, so verify licensing or complaint questions with the South Carolina Department of Insurance or the agency that regulates your work.

Neighborhoods & cities we serve

Greenville | Greer | Simpsonville | Mauldin | Taylors | Travelers Rest

The Morgano Agency Inc

206B Pine Knoll Dr, Greenville, SC 29609
Phone: (864) 609-5285 | Fax: (864) 609-5689