How to Read a Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Landlords, event venues, and the vendors you hire all trade certificates of insurance. Most people glance at the logo and file it. A thirty-second read can tell you whether the coverage behind it actually protects you.

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page summary of a business’s coverage. To read one, check the policy types and limits, the effective and expiration dates, whether you’re named as an additional insured, and the “description of operations” box. It proves coverage exists but doesn’t itself grant you any rights — the policy does.

What to check, line by line

• •Insured name — it must match the business you’re actually dealing with, exactly.
• •Policy types and limits — general liability, auto, workers’ comp, umbrella — and whether the limits meet your contract.
• •Effective and expiration dates — coverage must be current for the work period, not expired.
• •Additional insured — if your contract requires it, confirm you’re listed, not just mentioned.
• •Waiver of subrogation — present if your agreement calls for it.
• •Description of operations — the free-text box where additional-insured status and project details are spelled out.

Who asks for one, and why

A landlord wants one before you take the space; an event venue before you cater or vend; and you should want one from any contractor or vendor working in your restaurant. It’s the quickest proof that if something goes wrong, their coverage — not yours — responds.

Collecting COIs from your vendors

1. Ask every contractor and vendor for a current certificate before they start.
2. Require the limits and additional-insured status your contract specifies.
3. Track expiration dates and re-request before they lapse.
4. Keep them on file — an uninsured subcontractor can land on your own policy at audit.

Need certificates issued for your own landlord or clients? Get a quote and a licensed agent will set up fast, accurate COIs with the right endorsements.