A certificate of insurance, usually called a COI, is a summary showing that named insurance policies were in place on the date the certificate was issued. It normally lists the insured business, policy types, policy numbers, limits and effective dates. It is proof for a customer or general contractor, but it is not the policy, does not guarantee future coverage and does not create coverage by itself.
What you are looking at
Most certificate requests arrive because a contract requires proof before a crew can start. Read the document from the top down. Confirm the producer information, the exact named insured, policy companies, coverage rows, dates, limits, operations description and certificate holder. A typo in the business entity or an expired policy date can stop approval even when the contractor believes everything is fine.
For workers compensation, the certificate generally shows whether a workers comp policy is listed and its policy period. It may display employer's liability limits as well. It does not show every classification, payroll estimate, exclusion or endorsement. Those details live in the actual policy and underwriting file.
What a COI does not do
A certificate is informational. It does not amend the policy, promise that a claim will be paid or automatically make the certificate holder an additional insured. Workers compensation and general liability are different coverages, and “additional insured” language usually concerns liability coverage rather than turning a project owner into an insured under workers comp. That distinction matters when a project manager checks the document.
The description box is not a magic override. Project wording may help identify a contract, location or requested endorsement, but the policy controls if certificate text conflicts with it. If a contract calls for a waiver, specific endorsement or special status, ask whether the underlying policy actually provides it.
Five checks before sending the certificate
- Legal entity: the company signing the contract should match the insured entity or be addressed correctly by the policy.
- Dates: coverage should span the work period; a policy expiring next week may need a renewal certificate soon.
- Coverage: confirm every required line, not just workers compensation.
- Holder details: use the customer name and address exactly as requested.
- Special requirements: compare endorsements and wording with the contract instead of assuming the certificate grants them.
Certificates and Florida subcontractors
Florida construction contractors should collect required workers compensation evidence before a subcontractor begins. Keep the certificate with the written agreement, invoices, dates worked and any valid individual exemption record. One document from the start of the year may not show that coverage stayed active through later jobs.
A COI also does not decide whether a worker is truly independent. Payment by 1099, a business card or certificate from the wrong entity can leave unanswered questions. The actual relationship and Florida's rules still matter, and the carrier or NCCI must confirm classifications and audit treatment.
People Also Ask
Is a COI the same as an insurance policy?
No. It is a snapshot of listed policies. The policy forms, endorsements, exclusions and conditions control coverage.
Does a certificate holder get insurance protection?
Not merely from being named as holder. Any insured status must come from the policy and applicable endorsement.
How long is a COI valid?
It reflects the policies and dates printed on it. Request a fresh certificate at renewal or after a material change.
Related contractor guides
See workers comp guidance for Florida construction, the electrical trade and contractors in Fort Lauderdale. If a customer is waiting on proof, learn how COI timing works or use the form to request a coverage review.