Certificate of Insurance (COI):
What It Is and How to Get One Same Day

You've just won a new contract and your client is asking for a "certificate of insurance" before you can start work. Or your landlord needs one before you can sign the lease. Here's everything you need to know.

What a certificate of insurance (COI) actually is

A COI — also called an ACORD 25 or evidence of insurance — is a one-page document issued by your insurance company or agent that summarizes your current insurance coverage. It proves to a third party (your client, landlord, or general contractor) that you carry insurance without them needing to see your full policy.

What information a COI contains

A standard ACORD 25 COI shows:

• Named insured — your business name and address
• Insurance company — the carrier(s) providing your coverage
• Policy numbers — for each line of coverage
• Coverage types and limits — GL, auto, workers comp, umbrella
• Policy effective and expiration dates
• Certificate holder — the company requesting the COI
• Additional insured — if the requesting party requires it

Who needs a COI and when

California businesses that regularly need COIs:

• Contractors — required by every general contractor and most property owners before starting work
• Cleaning and janitorial companies — commercial clients require proof of GL and bonding
• Vendors and suppliers — many corporations and government agencies require COIs from all vendors
• Event planners — venues require event liability COIs
• Tenants — commercial landlords require COIs from business tenants
• Subcontractors — GCs require COIs from every sub before they work on a project

How to get a COI same day

If you already have the right insurance coverage, getting a COI is simple and fast:

1. Contact your insurance agent with the certificate holder's name and address
2. Specify if you need additional insured status added
3. Your agent requests the COI from the carrier or generates it directly
4. You receive the COI by email — typically within hours, often same day

At Blackstone, we can issue COIs for our clients same day in most cases. Call 818-945-8585 or email info@blackstoneca.com with the certificate holder information.

Additional insured requests — what they mean

When a client asks to be listed as an "additional insured" on your COI, they're asking to be added to your policy — meaning your insurance would also defend them if a claim arises from your work. This is different from just receiving a COI. Additional insured endorsements typically require a formal policy endorsement, not just a COI notation. Check with your agent before agreeing to additional insured requests — some policies include this automatically, others charge a fee.