Short answer: a certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page proof that you carry insurance, and being named “additional insured” means another party (like a general contractor or property owner) is added to your policy so it also protects them for claims arising from your work. Clients ask for both constantly — and getting them wrong can cost you the job.
What a certificate of insurance (COI) is
A COI is a summary document from your insurer that proves you have coverage — it lists your policies, limits, effective dates, and who’s covered. It is proof of insurance, not the policy itself. When a client asks you to “send over your COI,” they want to confirm you’re actually insured before you start work.
What “additional insured” means
Being named additional insured goes a step further: it adds the requesting party to your policy so that your coverage also protects them for liability arising out of your work. If your work causes a claim, the general contractor or property owner named as additional insured can be covered under your policy — which is exactly why they require it.
COI vs. additional insured — don’t confuse them
- A COI simply shows you have insurance.
- Being additional insured actually extends your coverage to another party.
- A “certificate holder” (the party the COI is sent to) is not the same as an additional insured — a certificate holder just receives the proof; an additional insured gets coverage. Clients often want both.
Why this matters for winning work
Most commercial clients, GCs, and property managers won’t let you on site until they have a COI — often with them named as additional insured. If your policy doesn’t allow the endorsement, or your COI is wrong or expired, you can lose the contract. Setting this up correctly with your agent ahead of time makes you the easy contractor to hire.
Frequently asked questions
Is a certificate of insurance the same as my policy?
No – a COI is a one-page proof of coverage. Your policy is the full contract with all the terms.
What’s the difference between certificate holder and additional insured?
A certificate holder just receives the COI as proof. An additional insured is actually added to your policy and gets coverage for claims arising from your work.
Can I add anyone as additional insured?
It requires an endorsement on your policy, and terms vary. Your agent sets it up correctly for the specific client or project.
How fast can I get a COI?
Usually quickly – often the same day. Working with a responsive agency means you can produce one whenever a client asks.
Never lose a job over paperwork
Need a COI or an additional insured endorsement for a client? Call (801) 676-7101 or reach out. We make sure your contractors insurance documents are ready when clients ask.
Wasatch Preferred — 9133 S Monroe Plaza Way, Suite B, Sandy, UT 84070 — (801) 676-7101
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage and endorsements vary by policy — confirm details with a licensed insurance professional.