A certificate of insurance is a standardized document that provides proof of your insurance coverage to third parties. The COI summarizes your policy types, coverage limits, policy numbers, effective dates, and the name of your insurance carrier. It is not a policy and does not confer any rights to the certificate holder, but it serves as evidence that you carry the coverages described. For roofing contractors, COIs are required for virtually every commercial project, permit application, and subcontractor prequalification.
The standard form used in the construction industry is the ACORD 25 certificate of liability insurance. Your insurance agent or broker issues COIs on your behalf, and they can typically generate them within 24 to 48 hours of request. The certificate lists the certificate holder (the party requesting proof of insurance), any additional insured endorsements, waivers of subrogation, and primary and noncontributory status that applies to that party.
When a GC or property owner requests a COI, they are verifying that your coverage meets their contract requirements before allowing you on the jobsite. Delays in providing COIs can hold up project starts and strain business relationships. Many contractors set up their insurance programs with blanket endorsements specifically so their agent can issue COIs quickly without needing to add project-specific endorsements each time. Keep your agent informed of all active projects and their insurance requirements so COIs can be issued promptly and accurately.