What a certificate does
A certificate of insurance (COI) provides evidence of the coverage described in it. It does not change the policy or automatically make the certificate holder an additional insured. The Connecticut Insurance Department explains these distinctions in Bulletin S-14.
What to send your agent
• Your business's legal name and the policy involved, if known.
• The certificate holder's exact legal name and mailing address.
• The job, delivery, lease or project the certificate is for.
• The requested deadline and where the certificate should be sent.
• The customer's written insurance requirements, including any request for additional insured status.
Review the request before work begins
Ask your agent to compare the requested coverage with your actual policy. If a change is needed, ask whether the insurer must approve it and whether there is an additional charge. Do not assume that a customer's requested wording can simply be added to the certificate.
For Connecticut businesses and truckers
Keep a copy of the request and the issued certificate with your project or customer records. Check names and dates before forwarding it. Contact Grand Folder LLC at 1-800-288-5064 for help reviewing a certificate request.
Source: Connecticut Insurance Department, Bulletin S-14: https://portal.ct.gov/cid/department-resources/bulletins/sales-bulletins/bulletin-s-14
General information only. Coverage depends on the policy's terms, conditions, exclusions and applicable endorsements. A certificate request does not bind or change coverage.