What To Include In A Certificate of Insurance

Updated June 2026 · Reviewed by the Eduyush editorial team

What to include in a certificate of insurance

Here is the full checklist at a glance, with what to verify on each:

Named insured

The named insured is the individual or business the policy covers. It must match your contract exactly. Example: if you hire "ABC Construction LLC," the COI should read "ABC Construction LLC," not "ABC Contractors" — mismatched names can void coverage. For the most frequent errors, see top mistakes in certificate of insurance.

Coverage types and policy limits

List every coverage the contract requires — general liability, workers' compensation, auto, professional liability — and confirm the limits meet or exceed the contractual minimum. Example: a client hiring a food truck may require $1,000,000 in general liability; a COI showing $500,000 is insufficient. For higher-risk work, consider requiring umbrella coverage. More on how limits appear in certificate of insurance vs liability policy.

Effective and expiration dates

Coverage must be active at the project start and remain so until completion. For a year-long build, make sure the policy does not expire mid-project, and set a reminder to request an updated COI if it does. See reasons to request a current certificate.

Additional insured

An additional insured is a third party added to a policy so they receive coverage for claims arising from the policyholder's operations — for example, a property manager named on a janitorial company's general liability policy.

Description of operations and exclusions

This section outlines the policy scope and any special terms or exclusions. Review it carefully. Example: a roofer's COI might exclude work on multi-story buildings — a serious gap if your project is a high-rise. Make sure the description accurately reflects the work being performed.

Cancellation notice terms

Essential review checklist

• Named insured matches your contract exactly.
• Carrier is reputable, rated, and licensed.
• Coverage types match the contract.
• Limits meet or exceed the required minimums.
• Effective and expiration dates cover the full project.
• Additional insured status is backed by an endorsement.
• Certificate holder details are accurate.
• Exclusions and cancellation terms are understood.

Examples across industries

Event management: a promoter requests general liability and workers' compensation COIs from vendors to cover equipment accidents or staff injuries. Real estate leasing: property managers require current property COIs from tenants. Professional services: a marketing agency provides a professional liability COI to clients in case a campaign error causes loss.

Frequently asked questions

Use this as your COI review reference

Reviewing each element against your contract is the simplest way to protect your business and avoid coverage gaps. Keep this checklist handy whenever a certificate lands on your desk.