Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A COI is a summary document issued by an insurer that proves a policy is in force: coverage types, limits, effective and expiration dates.
The standard form is ACORD 25. A COI is not the policy itself — it is evidence that coverage exists. Businesses collect COIs from vendors, contractors and tenants to transfer risk and prove compliance. COIFort reads the key fields, verifies them against your requirements, and reminds you before expiration.
More from the glossary
- Additional InsuredAn additional insured endorsement extends liability coverage to a party that is not the policyholder — typically the company hiring the contractor.
- General Liability InsuranceCGL coverage protects a business against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage and personal injury.
- Workers CompensationWorkers comp covers medical costs and lost wages for employees injured on the job. Most states require it for employers.
- Certificate HolderThe certificate holder is the party listed on a COI who receives proof of the policyholder’s coverage.
- ACORD 25 FormACORD 25 is the standardized Certificate of Liability Insurance form used across the US insurance industry.
- Coverage LimitThe coverage limit is the maximum amount an insurer will pay under a policy — per occurrence and in aggregate.
- COI Expiration TrackingExpiration tracking means monitoring certificate expiration dates so coverage never lapses unnoticed.