A certificate of insurance summarizes policies and limits in force on the issue date. It does not create coverage or change the underlying policy.
Information needed for a certificate request
- Named insured and policy number, when available
- Certificate holder legal name and complete address
- Recipient email and requested delivery date
- Project, job, lease, loan, or contract reference
- A copy of the insurance requirements or relevant contract section
- Requested additional insured, waiver, primary and noncontributory, or special wording
Why contract language matters
Some requests require policy endorsements rather than certificate wording. An endorsement may need insurer approval, an additional premium, or coverage that is not available under the existing policy. Sending the contract language helps identify the actual requirement.
Before relying on a certificate
Review names, policy dates, limits, holder details, and description wording. A certificate is informational only; the policy and issued endorsements control coverage.
