Get your Certificate of Insurance (COI) instantly with biBerk.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and why do small businesses need one?
Our customers will sometimes ask, “What is a Certificate of Insurance?” A biBerk Certificate of Insurance is a physical or digital document that indicates you have an active insurance policy and summarizes the coverage. These documents are sometimes called “ACORD certificates” after the nonprofit organization that provides the standardized form used by most insurers.
Does my business need a COI?
The organizations or individuals you work with may require you to provide a Certificate of Insurance to show that you have coverage. This reassures them that if something like an injury or property damage occurs, your insurance will handle it and their risk will be minimized. Nobody wants to be liable for out-of-pocket payments or facing the time and expense associated with litigation because of someone else’s actions.
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What are the different types of COIs?
There are essentially two types of Certificates of Insurance: basic and custom. A basic COI simply summarizes your coverage. You may want one to keep in your records. A custom COI might name another company as an additional insured. You would obtain one to send to that company.
What does a Certificate of Insurance (COI) include?
A Certificate of Insurance provides basic information about your policy to serve as proof that you have coverage. This includes key details such as the name of the policyholder, the types of coverage, the liability limits, and the policy's effective dates. This information is crucial not only to business owners but also to the administrative professionals tasked with managing vendor compliance. These office managers, project coordinators, and assistants are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines and may be unfamiliar with insurance terminology. They need a straightforward process for verifying COIs for insurance policies and clarity on terms like “additional insured,” giving them confidence that the certificate meets all contract specifications without having to struggle with tracking paperwork across multiple vendors.
Free and unlimited Certificates of Insurance with biBerk
As part of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group, our mission is to make small business insurance simple. When you need to get insurance certificates for clients or others, the last thing you want is a long delay in receiving that document. You also don’t want to have to pay for proof of the policy, as even small expenses can add up quickly if you find yourself sending out multiple certificates of insurance.
Instant access to your Certificate of Insurance
That’s why biBerk gives you anytime, anywhere access to a free biBerk Certificate of Insurance for your small business whenever you need one. We figure it’s the least we can do for our valued customers. Plus, in some instances, the ability to obtain or send an insurance certificate promptly can make the difference between winning new business or watching a competitor get the job.
COIs: crucial information for independent contractors
For an independent contractor, having a Certificate of Insurance readily available is a simple but powerful way to show professionalism and secure new opportunities. Many clients, especially high-profile ones, will ask for a COI even before your first job to verify that you are properly covered. Presenting this document promptly avoids last-minute issues and serves as immediate proof of your credibility, helping you make a strong first impression.
This is especially valuable for one-off or short-term gigs, where you may need to meet a venue’s or client's insurance requirements on a tight deadline. The ability to get and send a compliant COI without unnecessary delays or confusion gives you the confidence to pursue a wide range of engagements. With fast, frictionless access to your documentation, you can meet high client expectations and ensure that paperwork never stands in the way of your next project.Include an additional insured on your Certificate of Insurance with ease.
A Certificate of Insurance may be required by an entity or individual with whom you work directly, but it may also be requested as part of an indirect relationship. For example, if you’re a cooking instructor who meets clients at a commercial kitchen, the owner or operator of that facility might request a Certificate of Insurance.
In particular, they may ask to be noted on the insurance certificate as an additional insured. When you do that, it indicates that they also have the right to make a claim against the policy. That way, if your client sues both you and the facility owner, the owner is protected from the lawsuit by your policy.
COI: expected in a wide range of industries
In any field where there is the potential for legal liability, immediate access to a COI from a reliable business insurance provider is a must. Don’t be swayed by the promise of “fast customer service.” Take matters into your own hands with the ability to get what you need instantly online with no assistance and no fees. Anything less should be unacceptable to you and your clients.
COI: a competitive advantage for small business owners
Fast access to COIs can be especially important for small business owners who contract with larger clients. These clients often have complex contract requirements, and a proper certificate provides trusted proof that your business meets their insurance standards and is prepared for the unexpected. Working with an insurer that offers self-service access to basic COIs and a simple process for requesting the inclusion of additional insureds builds confidence and shows that your small business operates with a high degree of professionalism.
This client-ready documentation is also a critical tool that keeps jobs moving. Being able to get an instant COI online eliminates the common bottlenecks that can occur in a larger client’s vendor onboarding, project bidding, and payment release cycles. When there are no delays and no guesswork, you ensure compliance and can focus on the work itself.How to get a COI from biBerk in 3 simple steps
Need to download a COI? The process is easy. All you have to do is:
Click Get a Certificate.
Enter your policy number and phone number and click Continue.
Enter your name, business address, and email address and click Email Certificate. Your COI will be emailed to you!
Business insurance COIs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are quick answers to questions business owners frequently ask about Certificates of Insurance.
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What is a Certificate of Insurance?
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A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official document that serves as a snapshot of your business insurance policy. It summarizes your active coverage, policy limits, and effective dates for you to provide to clients, landlords, or other third parties.
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How do I get a Certificate of Insurance?
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To get your Certificate of Insurance, also known as a certificate of liability insurance, please click Get Certificate above and follow the on-screen prompts by providing the necessary details. If your certificate requires special information, submit a request online and allow three business days for processing.
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How will I receive and share proof of insurance?
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Your COI is delivered as a digital file, which you can save directly to your computer or phone. From there, you can easily share it by sending it as an email attachment or by printing a physical copy.
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When do I need a Certificate of Insurance?
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You typically need a COI when signing a contract, leasing commercial property, or bidding on a project where proof of insurance is a requirement. They are commonly requested by clients, general contractors, and property managers.
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What’s the difference between a basic and custom COI?
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A basic COI provides a standard summary of your existing coverage. You can get one instantly online. A custom COI is modified to include specific details a client might request, such as naming their company as an additional insured. Requests for a custom COI are completed within three business days.
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How do I indicate additional insureds on a COI?
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Please include information on additional insureds in the comments section of the Custom Certificate of Insurance request form you submit to us.
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Can I manage my own Certificates of Insurance?
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We’ll handle changes (like additional insureds) for you, but you can obtain basic Certificates of Insurance online anytime. Click Get a Certificate above, follow the instructions, and complete the required fields on the form.
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Can I get a COI immediately after purchasing my policy?
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Yes, you can get your Certificate of Insurance online as soon as your policy becomes active.
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Is a COI the same as having insurance?
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No, a COI is not an insurance policy. Instead, it serves as official proof that you have one. It’s a summary document that verifies your active coverage for a third party.
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Why do clients or landlords request a COI?
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Clients and landlords request a COI to confirm that you have adequate insurance to cover potential accidents or property damage. This verification minimizes their financial risk when they hire you or lease property to you.
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How do I send a COI to a client or vendor?
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After you generate the COI from your online account, you will receive a digital file that you can email directly to your client or vendor. That’s the easiest way to share it.
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What types of insurance policies include a COI?
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COIs are typically issued for business liability policies, such as general liability, a business owners policy (BOP), commercial auto, and workers' compensation.
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Can I get multiple COIs for different clients or projects?
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Yes, with biBerk you can generate free and unlimited Certificates of Insurance for as many different clients, projects, or vendors as you need.
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How often should I update my COI?
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You should obtain a new COI whenever your policy renews or if you make any changes to your coverage during the policy term.
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Can I show my COI on my phone or digitally?
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Absolutely. Because the COI is created as a digital document, you can save it on your phone or computer to show or send whenever it is required.
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Does a COI include policy limits and effective dates?
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Yes, a COI summarizes the key details of your coverage, including the policy’s effective dates and the liability limits for each type of coverage.
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What’s the difference between a COI and a policy declaration page?
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A COI is a document used to prove your insurance coverage to third parties, while a policy declaration page is a more detailed summary of your policy intended for your records.