A certificate of insurance is a document that verifies you have liability coverage and condenses crucial information about your policy into one page.
What information does a certificate of insurance include?
A certificate usually lists the following information about your general liability insurance policy:
- Your policy number
- The name of your insurance company
- When your coverage starts and expires
- Your policy limits
- A description of your operations, locations, and vehicles
To see what one looks like, check out this sample certificate of liability insurance [PDF].
When do you need a certificate of liability insurance?
A certificate of general liability insurance is the document you share when someone asks for proof of insurance – often when you are signing a contract with a new client or leasing commercial property.
Insurance certificates ease business transactions. It's how you're able to show potential business partners, clients, landlords, and others that an insurer protects your business. A certificate is proof your finances are partially protected by commercial general liability insurance.
Here are some situations where you might need a certificate of liability insurance:
A client requires it. Clients want to know that if you damage their property or cause them to suffer an injury, you'll have insurance to cover the damages. Typically, when you work with a larger company, they'll require insurance.
Your landlord requires general liability insurance. Many leases state that you need to have fire liability insurance, which is often included with general liability insurance. If there is a fire at your business and it damages a landlord's building, your policy can help pay for repairs.
You apply for professional licenses. If you apply for certain professional licenses, such as a contractor's license, local laws may require you to have general liability insurance.
If you need to prove you have errors and omissions insurance or other liability policies, an insurance certificate can verify that, too.
How do I get a certificate of liability insurance?
Many of our clients face this situation: You run a new business, and you're about to sign your first major contract. In order to finalize the deal, you need proof of commercial general liability insurance. You need to get coverage quickly and attach a copy of the general liability certificate to the final contract.
In situations like this, Insureon can help you get covered and email you an insurance certificate right away. A business can often get coverage on the same day you contact us.
Because we've worked with thousands of small businesses, we know you sometimes need coverage immediately to sign a new contract. That's why we hire expert insurance agents who can help get you covered quickly.
To get a quote today, start an online application by clicking the "Get a Quote" button anywhere on our site.
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