Certificate of Insurance (COI) A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that proves an insurance policy is active and shows key coverage details.
Owners, managers, and permitting agencies use the COI to verify that the contractor carries the required insurance before work begins. For NYC sidewalk projects, the COI is a basic compliance document that helps confirm the contractor is insured and ready to work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certificate of Insurance (COI)
What is a Certificate of Insurance?
A document summarizing an insurance policy, showing the insurer, coverage types, limits and effective dates.
What should an owner check on it?
That the policy is active on the work dates, that limits are adequate, that both general liability and workers' compensation appear, and that the named insured matches the contractor on the contract.
Does a COI guarantee coverage?
It evidences a policy but is not the policy itself. Coverage can be cancelled, which is why the dates matter and why an additional insured endorsement is stronger.
When should it be requested?
Before work begins, not after, and directly from the insurer or broker where possible.