Certificate Of Insurance

What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a short document issued by an insurer or insurance broker that shows a policy exists and summarizes its main features. It does not replace the full insurance policy; instead it provides a snapshot: who is insured, what types of coverage are in force (for example, general liability, auto liability, workers’ compensation), the policy’s effective and expiration dates, and the stated limits.

Key terms (defined on first use)
– Insured: the person or business named on the insurance policy as being covered.
– Certificate holder: the person or entity that receives the COI as proof of coverage (often a client or landlord).
– Per occurrence (or per claim): the maximum amount the insurer will pay for a single covered incident.
– Aggregate: the maximum total the insurer will pay during the policy period across all incidents.
– Endorsement: a formal amendment to the insurance policy (for example, naming someone as an “additional insured”).

How COIs are used (high level)
– Clients, landlords, and other parties commonly request a COI before hiring a contractor or allowing work on their premises so they can confirm the contractor carries required insurance.
– A COI helps a hiring party avoid taking on financial responsibility if the contractor causes injury, property damage, or other loss.
– Businesses routinely provide COIs to demonstrate they meet contract insurance requirements.

What a COI typically shows
– Name and address of the insured (policyholder).
– Names of the issuing insurer(s) and contact details for the agent or broker.
– Policy numbers, policy period (effective and expiration dates).
– Types of coverage with limits (e.g., general liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate).
– Whether workers’ compensation applies. (Workers’ comp may not show numerical limits because benefits are governed by statute; employer’s liability limits usually do appear.)
– Name of the certificate holder and any language about notice of cancellation.

Step-by-step: How to validate a COI (checklist)
1. Obtain the COI directly from the insurer or request the insurer send it to you—this reduces the risk of fraud.
2. Confirm the insured name exactly matches the contractor or business you are hiring.
3. Check policy effective and expiration dates to ensure coverage will remain active for the entire scope of work.
4. Verify coverage types required by your contract (e.g., commercial general liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, umbrella).
5. Confirm limit amounts meet your contract’s minimums (compare per occurrence and aggregate limits).
6. Look for endorsements you require (for example, “additional insured” status or waiver of subrogation). If the COI does not show the endorsement, request the actual endorsement form.
7. Note the certificate holder information and the insurer’s cancellation notice language.
8. Contact the insurer or the agent listed on the COI by phone to confirm authenticity if anything looks uncertain.
9. Keep a dated copy of the COI on file—retaining it indefinitely is prudent because issues can appear long after the work is completed.
10. If coverage expires before work ends, require a renewed COI or an endorsement extending coverage before allowing work to continue.

Common situations when a COI is requested
– Hiring independent contractors, construction trades, or third-party service providers.
– Leasing property or entering into vendor agreements.
– When a contract or purchase order specifies insurance requirements.
Even if you have worked with a vendor previously, obtain an updated COI because coverage can change.

How long is a COI valid?
A COI is valid only for the policy period shown on the certificate. If the certificate’s expiration date precedes the end of the work, it does not provide coverage past that date. Always confirm the policy remains current for the full duration of the exposure.

Beware of limitations and fraud
– A COI is a summary, not the policy itself. Important exclusions or required endorsements may not be visible on the certificate.
– Fraudulent COIs exist; when in doubt, verify with the insurer listed on the certificate.
– If you need specific rights (for instance, being named an additional insured), require the insurer to issue the endorsement rather than relying solely on the COI language.

How to obtain a COI (if you are the insured)
– Ask your insurer or broker to prepare and issue the COI to the certificate holder. Provide the exact name and address of the certificate holder and any wording required by the contract.
– If a client needs to receive the COI directly from the insurer, give them the insurer’s or agent’s contact details.

Small worked example
Scenario: You’re hiring a contractor for a three-month renovation (May 15–Aug 15). Your contract requires commercial general liability (CGL) of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, plus workers’ compensation.

COI details shown:
– CGL: $1,000,000 each occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
– Policy period: March 1 – February 28 (next year)
– Workers’ compensation: listed with statutory coverage and employer’s liability $500,000

Validation:
– Name match: OK (insured name matches contractor).
– Dates: Policy covers May 15–Aug 15 because the policy period includes those dates.
– Limits: CGL meets both per occurrence and aggregate requirements.
– Workers’ comp: present and meets statutory requirement; employer’s liability shown.
Conclusion: COI satisfies contract requirements in this example. If the policy instead expired on July 1, you would require a replacement COI showing coverage through at least Aug 15 before work continued.

Practical tips
– Require COIs before work starts and specify who must be named as an additional insured (if needed).
– Put insurance requirements in the written contract and reference the COI as verification.
– Store COIs with the related contract and photos or project documentation.
– For

For larger or higher‑risk projects, require added documentation and specific endorsements to reduce gaps in protection. Below are practical endorsements, a verification checklist, step‑by‑step procedures, worked numeric examples, and sample wording you can use when requesting COIs or endorsements.

Key endorsements and what they do
– Additional Insured (AI): names your firm (or owner/GC) as insured on the contractor’s liability policy for claims arising from the contractor’s work. Useful for direct defense coverage; must be shown as an endorsement, not just a line on the COI.
– Waiver of Subrogation: prevents the insurer from pursuing your client/owner to recover claim costs after paying a loss; often required between contracting parties.
– Primary and Noncontributory: makes the contractor’s policy primary (pays first) and prevents the contractor’s insurer from demanding contribution from the client’s policy.
– 30‑day Cancellation/Notice of Cancellation: obligates the insurer to notify the certificate holder if the policy is canceled or materially changed (verify whether it’s 10, 30, or 45 days).
– Completed Operations Coverage: covers claims arising after work is finished; important for latent defect or bodily injury/property damage discovered post‑completion.
– Umbrella/Excess Follow‑Form: confirms umbrella/excess coverage attaches over the named underlying policies and follows their terms; check any self‑insured retention/deductible language.
– Professional/Errors & Omissions and Pollution Liability: required for design work, environmental exposures, or where professional advice is given.

Verification checklist (what to confirm on each COI)
– Named Insured: matches the contractor/subcontractor legal entity on the contract.
– Certificate Holder: your company correctly listed as certificate holder and/or additional insured (as required).
– Policy Types: Commercial General Liability (CGL), Workers’ Compensation, Employer’s Liability, Auto Liability, Umbrella/Excess, Professional Liability (as applicable).
– Policy Numbers and Carrier: list policy numbers and insurer name; check insurer is authorized in your state and financially rated.
– Policy Period: effective and expiration dates cover the entire project schedule (including warranty period if required).
– Limits: per occurrence and aggregate limits meet or exceed contract minimums.
– Endorsements: AI, Primary & Noncontributory, Waiver of Subrogation, Completed Operations, etc., specifically referenced or attach a copy of the endorsement.
– Cancellation/Notice: includes required notice period to the certificate holder.
– Signature/Issuer: issued by an authorized producer or agent; verify contact information.
– Copies/Policy: if contract requires, obtain a copy of the actual endorsement(s) or declarations page.

Step‑by‑step COI verification process
1. Require COI before work starts. Include the requirement and specific endorsements in the contract.
2. When you receive the COI, run it through the checklist above.
3. If any item is missing or insufficient, return a written request to the contractor listing exact deficiencies and the required remedy (endorsement, higher limits, new insurer, etc.).
4. Verify the carrier: check AM Best or the state Department of Insurance (DOI) for licensing and financial strength.
5. If endorsements are critical (AI, waiver, primary/noncontributory), request a copy of the actual endorsement or a binder from the carrier; do not rely solely on COI language.
6. If policy will expire during the project, require renewal COI(s) or a continuous coverage requirement in the contract. Obtain updated COIs before work continues.
7. Keep COIs and endorsements stored with the contract, project photos, and inspection reports. Track renewal dates.

Worked numeric examples
Example 1 — Limits math
– Contract requirement: $1,000,000 per occurrence CGL; $2,000,000 aggregate.
– COI shows: CGL $1,000,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate.
Conclusion: Fails the aggregate requirement. You must obtain a COI or endorsement showing at least $2,000,000 aggregate.

Example 2 — Expiration timing (builds on your earlier example)
– Project dates: June 1–Sept 30.
– COI shows policy period May 1–July 1.
Action: Before continuing after July 1, obtain replacement COI covering at least through Sept 30, or require a policy endorsement extending coverage through project completion.

Example 3 — Umbrella/excess interaction
– Contract requires $2,000,000 per occurrence total coverage.
– Contractor has $1,000,000 CGL and $2,000,000 umbrella. If the umbrella “follows form” over the CGL, total available per occurrence = $3,000,000. Confirm underlying policy limits meet the umbrella’s

required underlying limits and are listed on the umbrella’s schedule; otherwise the umbrella may not “drop down” to cover a loss. Also confirm whether the umbrella is written to “follow form” (i.e., it provides excess coverage in the same terms as the underlying policy) or whether it has different exclusions or conditions that could create gaps.

Common endorsement and certificate pitfalls (practical checklist)
– Named insured mismatch: Certificate names the contractor but the contract requires the subcontractor. Action: Obtain COI showing the contract party as the named insured or require a separate COI from the subcontractor.
– Additional Insured (AI) missing or limited: COI cannot reliably prove AI status because it’s only a summary. Action: Obtain the actual AI endorsement (example ISO forms: CG 20 10, CG 20 37, CG 20 26); check whether coverage includes ongoing operations and completed operations as required.
– Primary and noncontributory absent: If the contract requires insurer to pay first and not seek contribution from the owner’s insurer, you need the primary & noncontributory endorsement—don’t accept a COI statement alone.
– Waiver of subrogation absent: If the contract requires waiver of subrogation, get the endorsement or endorsement number on the COI and confirm any exceptions.
– Aggregate vs. per occurrence limits: Compare contract language (aggregate, per-project aggregate, per occurrence). If the policy shows a general aggregate that doesn’t apply to the project, obtain a project-specific aggregate endorsement.
– Cancellation notice inadequate: Standard COIs often say “endeavor to notify” which isn’t binding. Require an endorsement that specifies the cancellation notice period and that the insurer will notify the certificate holder (for example, 30 days for non‑payment, 10 days for non‑payment is common but may vary).
– Policy period mismatch: Verify policy effective/expiration dates cover entire project plus any required completed operations period. If the policy lapses during the project, obtain a renewal COI or an extended reporting/endorsement as needed.

Worked examples — how to verify numerically
1) Umbrella follow-form check (builds on your earlier example)
– Contract requires $2,000,000 per occurrence.
– Underlying CGL: $1,000,000 per occurrence.
– Umbrella/excess: $2,000,000.
Step A: Does the umbrella “follow form”? If yes, total available per occurrence = $1,000,000 (underlying) + $2,000,000 (umbrella) = $3,000,000 → exceeds $2,000,000 requirement.
Step B: Does the umbrella list the underlying CGL on its schedule and show no attachment condition that reduces availability? If not, treat the umbrella as unavailable until insurer confirms.
Step C: Confirm any “self‑insured retention” (SIR) or deductible on the umbrella; an SIR of $250,000 increases the effective dollar amount the insured must pay before umbrella applies and could make the combination non‑compliant.

2) Aggregate limit and project-specific aggregate example
– Contract: $2,000,000 project-specific aggregate for bodily injury/property damage.
– Policy: Commercial General Liability with $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 general aggregate (but general aggregate applies per policy, not per project).
Action: Ask the insurer for a “project-specific aggregate endorsement” or an endorsement that extends

the general aggregate to apply on a per‑project basis (called a “project‑specific aggregate endorsement” or “per project aggregate endorsement”). If the insurer will not endorse the policy, the policy’s $2,000,000 general aggregate does not guarantee $2,000,000 of coverage limited to this single contract; other claims on the same policy can exhaust that aggregate and leave the project underinsured.

Concrete steps to resolve aggregate mismatch
1) Ask the insured to request a project‑specific aggregate endorsement from the CGL insurer. Provide the insurer with:
– Contract name and location.
– Contractually required aggregate dollar amount.
– Contract effective and completion dates.
– Named additional insureds and certificate holders.
2) If the insurer refuses, require either:
– A standalone project policy with the required project aggregate; or
– An excess/umbrella policy that explicitly lists a project‑specific aggregate and shows no attachment conditions or SIRs that undermine coverage.
3) Get the actual endorsement language in writing and attach it to your risk file and the certificate of insurance (COI).

Worked numeric example — aggregate exposure
– Contract requires: $2,000,000 project‑specific aggregate for BI/PD.
– Insured’s CGL shows: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 general aggregate (no project endorsement).
Risk: If three unrelated claims of $750,000 each occur on separate jobs covered by the same policy year, the $2,000,000 general aggregate could be exhausted by other projects, leaving less (or nothing) for our contract. A project‑specific aggregate endorsement converts the $2,000,000 into an aggregate that applies only to the named project, insulating it from other claims.

Certificates of Insurance (COI): what a reviewer must verify
Checklist — minimum items to confirm on a COI or accompanying endorsements:
– Named insured exactly matches the contracting entity on the contract.
– Certificate holder (your organization or owner/GC) matches contract.
– Policy type(s) present: CGL, auto liability, workers’ compensation, umbrella/excess, professional liability if required.
– Limits match contract minimums for each coverage line (per occurrence, aggregate, per person, etc.).
– Effective and expiration dates cover the contract period; look for retroactive date on claims‑made professional policies.
– Additional Insured (AI) endorsement attached and contains required wording (see below).
– Waiver of Subrogation (if required) is shown on each relevant policy or endorsement.
– Primary & Noncontributory endorsement language where required.
– Project description on the COI matches the contract location and scope (project address, contract number).
– Cancellation/notice of modification clause: insurer must agree to notify certificate holder, typically 30 days for non‑payment, 10–30 for other reasons (verify exact wording).
– Any SIRs/deductibles noted; confirm whether insured will pay or whether insurer will defend first.
– For umbrella/excess: confirm schedule lists underlying CGL and shows no attachment conditions that reduce availability.
– For required project‑specific aggregate: confirmed endorsement attached or clear written confirmation from insurer.

Sample endorsement language to request (plain‑English templates)
– Project‑Specific Aggregate: “It is hereby agreed that Policy No. [X] is amended so that the general aggregate limit stated in the Declarations applies separately to: [Contract Name], located at [address], for the policy period stated herein.”
– Additional Insured (ISO CG 20 10 or equivalent) tailored: “The insurer agrees to add [Owner/General Contractor name and address] as Additional Insureds with respect to liability arising out of [insured’s] operations performed for the project identified as [project/address]. Coverage provided to Additional Insureds is primary and noncontributory to any other insurance available to the Additional Insureds, except where prohibited by law.”
– Waiver of Subrogation: “The insurer waives any right of recovery against [Owner/GC name] for losses to the extent such waiver arises from work performed under contract [contract number].”
Always attach the actual endorsement document; COI summary language alone is insufficient to prove coverage.

Common red flags and how to handle them
– COI lists “per project aggregate” in the remarks box but no endorsement attached: treat as unverified — request endorsement or insurer confirmation.
– Umbrella policy lists attachment condition or requires prior exhaustion of underlying aggregates beyond contract expectations: obtain insurer clarification, or require higher underlying limits.
– SIRs (self‑insured retention) larger than the contract allows: require insured to demonstrate ability/funds to satisfy SIR or purchase a policy with acceptable deductible.
– Claims‑made professional liability with retroactive date after the start of work: requires correction or extended reporting period endorsement (tail).
– Certificate issued after policy expiration or with mismatched policy numbers: request corrected COI and scanned endorsements.

Sample verification workflow for a project manager or risk reviewer (quick 6‑step)
1) Read contract insurance section; note exact required limits/endorsements and effective dates.
2) Obtain COI and all endorsements from the contractor/insured.
3) Check names, dates, policy numbers, and limits against contract; flag discrepancies.
4) Confirm additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary/noncontributory, and any project‑specific aggregate endorsements are attached and contain acceptable wording.
5) If anything is missing or ambiguous, contact the insurer (not the broker) for written confirmation or corrected endorsements.
6) Log final acceptance in the contract file, including scanned endorsements and the COI, and index the insurer contact for future claims inquiries.

Who to call and what to ask the insurer
– Call the insurer’s policyholder services or claims office (use the phone on the endorsement if available). Ask:
– “Does Policy No. [X] include a project‑specific aggregate endorsement for [project name/address]? Please provide the endorsement number and a copy.”
– “Does the umbrella/excess schedule list the underlying CGL as required, and are there any attachment conditions or SIRs that would prevent coverage for this contract?”
– “Does the policy contain an Additional Insured endorsement naming [owner/GC] and is coverage primary and noncontributory?”
– Get answers in writing (email/scan) and save them to the project file.

Why the actual endorsement matters more than the COI line-item
– A COI is a summary prepared by an agent or broker; it is not evidence of contractual coverage in many jurisdictions and does not modify policy terms. Only the policy and attached endorsements control coverage. For contract compliance, insist on the endorsement text or insurer confirmation rather than relying solely on COI remarks.

Brief checklist you can paste into a contract folder (one‑page)
– Contract name/address: __________________
– Required limits/endorsements: ______________
– COI received

– COI received: __________________ (date)
– Policy type(s) shown on COI (GL/Auto/WC/Prof/E&O/Umbrella): __________________
– Insurer name (as shown on COI): __________________
– Policy number(s): __________________
– Effective / expiration dates: __________________
– Limits shown on COI (per occurrence / aggregate): __________________
– Additional Insured (AI) indicated on COI? Y / N — AI endorsement attached? Y / N
– AI coverage primary & noncontributory indicated? Y / N — endorsement attached? Y / N
– Waiver of Subrogation indicated? Y / N — endorsement attached? Y / N
– Per-project aggregate required? Y / N — endorsement attached? Y / N
– Claims-made vs occurrence (for professional liability/E&O): ___________ — retroactive date: ___________
– Cancellation notice to contract party (days) shown on COI: ___________ — endorsement attached? Y / N
– Broker/agent name & contact: __________________ — insurer claims contact (phone/email): __________________
– Endorsement text obtained? Y / N — file location: __________________
– Insurer confirmation (email/letter) obtained? Y / N — file location: __________________
– Final compliance status (check before payment/close-out): Compliant / Conditional / Noncompliant — notes: __________________

How to verify endorsements — step-by-step
1. Don’t rely on the COI alone. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a summary document; it does not change policy terms. Always obtain the actual endorsement text or insurer-written confirmation.
2. Request the endorsement PDF. Ask the contractor or broker for the full Additional Insured endorsement (by ISO form number if available) and any Waiver of Subrogation or Primary & Noncontributory language. Save it to the project file.
3. If the contractor’s broker can’t provide the endorsement, request a written statement from the insurer confirming the required contractual language applies. Keep the insurer’s name, rep, and timestamped email.
4. Confirm effective dates. The endorsement must be in effect for the whole period the contract requires (including latent exposure for claims-made policies if applicable).
5. For claims-made policies (commonly professional/E&O), confirm the retroactive date precedes services start. If not, obtain extended reporting period (ERP) or tail coverage.
6. Match policy limits to contract language. Verify the COI limits equal or exceed the contract’s required limits and that an umbrella policy “follows form” (i.e., supplements primary limits) if relied on.
7. Document proof of notice provisions. If the contract demands a certain cancellation notice period (e.g., 30 days), the endorsement or insurer confirmation must reflect that. If state law affects enforceability, flag for legal review.

Sample email to request endorsement (copy/paste and edit)
Subject: Request for Additional Insured Endorsement and Confirmation — [Project Name/Contractor Name]

Hello [Broker/Agent Name],

Per contract [Contract ID], we require an Additional Insured endorsement (Primary & Noncontributory) naming [Owner/GC name], plus Waiver of Subrogation on Commercial General Liability and Workers’ Compensation (if required). Your client provided a COI, but we need the actual endorsement text or insurer confirmation that the policy includes these provisions and is primary and noncontributory. Please send:

– PDF of the Additional Insured endorsement(s) and any Waiver of Subrogation endorsements; and/or
– A written confirmation from the insurer (signed or emailed from an insurer representative) that the policy provides Additional Insured status with primary/noncontributory language and the effective dates.

Please reply by [date]. Thanks, [Your name, role, contact]

Action steps when COI is insufficient
1. Mark contract as “conditional” and list missing items.
2. Ask for endorsement text and insurer confirmation immediately. Put the request in writing (email).
3. Escalate to contracting/legal if response is delayed or insurer won’t confirm. Consider withholding payment or requiring a bond or alternate insurer depending on contract remedies. (Document all steps.)
4. For recurring suppliers, update procurement requirements to require endorsements up front.

Red flags (warrants immediate follow-up)
– COI lists “additional insured” but no endorsement attached.
– Policy shown is claims-made and no retroactive date or tail policy for past services.
– Cancellation notice on COI is shorter than contract requirement or says “as required by policy” without specification.
– Insurer on COI is not

…not authorized or appears to be a surplus lines/inauthorized insurer for your state. If the insurer isn’t licensed where the work is being performed, the COI may not provide the protection you think. Other red flags:
– Policy number on the COI doesn’t match the insurer’s records or the number on the actual policy when provided.
– Effective/expiration dates on the COI don’t cover the contract performance period (including warranty or correction periods).
– COI lists only “limits shown are per occurrence” but the contract requires an aggregate limit that’s higher or specifically applies to that contract.
– Cancellation language is ambiguous (e.g., “as required by state law”) rather than specifying the number of days’ notice to the certificate holder.
– Named Additional Insured is misspelled, uses an old company name, or omits subsidiaries required by the contract.
– Evidence is an unsigned or photocopied COI with no producer contact details.

Limitations of a Certificate of Insurance
– Not a policy: A COI summarizes coverage; it does not itself create or change coverage terms. Only the insurer’s policy and any endorsements do that.
– Not proof of payment: A COI won’t show whether premiums have been paid or whether the policy is in good standing.
– Snapshot in time: COIs reflect coverage at issuance; they don’t guarantee future renewals or that the coverage won’t be cancelled.
– Administrative or clerical errors: Producer mistakes, transcription errors, or mismatched names are common—so don’t rely on a COI without verification.
– Varying language: There’s no single standardized COI form in all jurisdictions. Wording differences can materially affect what’s shown.

How to verify a COI — step-by-step checklist
1. Check basics (5 minutes)
– Confirm named insured matches contracting party (including DBA names and subsidiaries).
– Verify policy type (occurrence vs. claims-made), policy number, limits, effective/expiration dates.
– Confirm Additional Insured wording and whether an endorsement is listed or attached.

2. Contact the issuing agent/producer (10–20 minutes)
– Call the producer using a phone number from an independent directory (not one printed on the COI) and request:
a) Confirmation that the COI was issued by them.
b) A copy of the actual endorsement(s) that add you as Additional Insured or change cancellation provisions.

3. Confirm with the insurer if in doubt (15–60 minutes / may require written request)
– Ask the insurer to confirm the policy details and whether it is current and will provide the contract-required coverage. Request this in writing (email).
– If the insurer refuses or cannot confirm, escalate to legal or procurement.

4. If policy is claims-made, check retroactive date/tail
– Ensure the retroactive date predates the start of exposure, or confirm a purchased extended reporting period (tail) or that the contract requires ongoing claims-made coverage.

5. Document everything
– Save emails, call notes (date/time/name), and any endorsements received. File them with the contract.

Worked numeric example
Contract requirement: Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate; contractor must name Owner Co. as Additional Insured and provide 30 days’ cancellation notice.

COI received shows:
– CGL Limits: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate.
– Policy effective: Jan 1 – Dec 31.
– Additional Insured: “Owner Co.” listed on certificate but no endorsement attached.
– Cancellation: “Will endeavor to notify 10 days.”

Assessment:
– Aggregate shortfall: COI aggregate ($1M) is below contract requirement ($2M). This is insufficient even though per-occurrence matches.
– Cancellation shortfall: 10 days’ notice vs. required 30 days — unacceptable.
– Missing endorsement: Listing Additional Insured on the COI is not evidence of coverage until an Additional Insured endorsement is produced.

Action steps:
1. Request the Additional Insured endorsement and confirm aggregate limit.
2. Ask insurer to amend cancellation notice to 30 days (or obtain endorsement reflecting that).
3. If insurer won’t provide required terms, withhold final payment or require alternative risk transfer (bond or different insurer) per contract remedies (consult legal).

Practical email template to request verification (concise)
Subject: Request for Insurance Endorsement and Confirmation — [Contractor Name / Contract ID]

Body:
Please provide, within 3 business days:
1) Copy of the Additional Insured endorsement naming [Your Company Legal Name, including DBAs and subsidiaries as required];
2) Confirmation that policy number [XXX] provides CGL limits $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate;
3) Confirmation of cancellation notice language guaranteeing at least 30 days’ notice to the certificate holder.

Please send the endorsements and insurer confirmation to [email address]. If you cannot provide these items, advise alternative evidence of compliance.

Best practices checklist — Requestor (owner/contracting party)
– Require endorsements up front in procurement documents.
– Insist that producers attach the actual endorsement(s) to the COI when submitted.
– Verify insurer is licensed/authorized where work occurs.
– Maintain a renewal monitoring process (calendar alerts 60/30/15 days).
– Keep a log of verification steps for audit and dispute resolution.

Best practices checklist — Supplier/contractor
– Provide the COI plus required endorsements at contract execution.
– Use a producer who can issue endorsements quickly.
– Avoid relying on photocopies; provide certified electronic copies when possible.
– If using claims-made coverage, disclose the retroactive date and any tail arrangements.

When to request the full policy
Request the insurer policy (or relevant portions) if:
– The contract involves high risk, large exposures, or long-latency claims.
– Coverage language is ambiguous or the COI contradicts contract requirements.
– There is a dispute or potential claim where coverage scope matters.

Common additional insured endorsement types (high level)
– Blanket additional insured: Automatically covers others under specified relationships (e.g., when required by written contract).
– Scheduled additional insured: Names specific parties via endorsement.
– Each has