Certificate of Insurance (COI): What It Is, What It Costs, and Who Requires It
A certificate of insurance is a one-page document proving you have active GL coverage. The certificate itself is free. But you need an active policy to get one.
What Is a COI?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a standardized one-page document (ACORD 25 form) that summarizes your insurance coverage. It lists your policy numbers, coverage types, limits, effective dates, and the name of your insurer. It does not modify your policy or extend coverage to anyone. It simply proves that coverage exists.
Your insurance company or broker issues COIs at no charge. Most can generate one within 24 hours, and many offer instant digital COIs through online portals. You will need a new COI each time a different party requests one, as each certificate names the specific requesting party.
Who Requires a COI
Commercial Landlords
$1M/$2M minimum, landlord as additional insured
General Contractors (for subs)
$1M/$2M minimum, GC as additional insured
Corporate Clients
Varies, typically $1M/$2M+
Government Agencies
$1M/$2M to $2M/$4M depending on contract
Event Venues
$1M per event, venue as additional insured
Franchise Systems
Set by franchisor, typically $1M/$2M+
Additional Insured Endorsements
"Additional insured" means adding another party (typically a landlord, client, or general contractor) to your GL policy so they receive coverage under your policy for claims arising from your work. This is different from simply being named on a COI.
Additional insured endorsements typically cost $25 to $100 per endorsement, or they may be included free with some carriers as a blanket additional insured endorsement. Blanket endorsements automatically cover anyone who requires it in a written contract, which saves time and money if you work with multiple clients.
COI and Policy Limits
Landlord minimum
$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
General contractor minimum
$1M/$2M, often $2M/$4M for large projects
Corporate client
Varies widely, $1M/$2M is most common
Event venue
$1M per occurrence for the event
Updated 11 April 2026