What is a certificate of insurance, and when will a customer ask for one?

A certificate of insurance summarizes your policies: the type of cover, the insurer, the policy dates and the limits. It does not change your coverage. It only proves it exists at the time it is issued.

Commercial customers ask for one most often. Property managers, HOAs, schools, towns and businesses often require a COI before they let a contractor on site, and some ask to be listed as an additional insured. Your agent can tell you whether that is possible under your policy and what it may cost.

Homeowners ask too, and they should. A homeowner who asks for proof of insurance is protecting themselves. Make it easy by keeping a current certificate ready to send as a PDF. Be honest about what you carry. Never show a certificate that is out of date or edit one yourself.

Ask your agent how fast they can issue a certificate. Many agents can do it the same day, but do not wait until a customer is standing at the gate.

A habit worth building: put a calendar reminder for your policy renewal date, and send the new certificate to repeat commercial customers when the policy renews.

This is a short explanation, not legal or insurance advice. Talk to a licensed insurance agent about the cover your company needs.