A gym membership proves you belong. A food handler’s permit proves you’re qualified. And a Certificate of Insurance? That proves you’re ready to do business the safe way.
Providing proof of insurance isn’t a hurdle; it’s your ticket to trust, credibility, and growth. Without it, you risk rejection before you even get the chance to show what you can really do.
Why a COI? Show You’re a Certified Pro!
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) proves you’re insured. Events, clients, and landlords often require it before hiring you, renting space, or approving contracts.
✔️ Quickly show proof of small business insurance
✔️ Build trust with clients and customers
✔️ Keep your business compliant
✔️ Say “yes” to more business opportunities
Why Clients or Venues Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Clients, venues, retailers, landlords, and potential partners may ask for a Certificate of Insurance to ensure everyone is properly protected. This is crucial because it means:
- Protection for them: Insurance covers those you work with from liability for accidents your business causes
- Protection for you: Insurance protects your business from costly claims involving medical bills, lawsuits, repairs, and more
- Protection for outside parties: Insurance gives you the financial support to pay for injuries or damages caused to other people
- Professional reassurance: Insurance shows you run a safe, responsible business
People want to work with you; they just need the peace of mind that you’re insured. Think of showing your COI as a green light to safer business deals. It’s a sign you’re dealing with professionals who are protecting their business and making sure you’re protected, too.
At the end of the day, providing proof of small business insurance is just standard practice. Many contracts, rental agreements, and events require a Certificate of Insurance, and having it ready shows you’re prepared and professional.
New Here? Start with our blog "What Is a Certificate of Insurance? ” to learn more!
What Happens If You Can’t Show Proof of Insurance?
You can be put in an awkward spot if you can’t show proof of insurance. Many clients, venues, or event organizers see insurance as a non-negotiable, so without coverage (and a valid certificate), you can risk:
- Losing out on contracts or gigs
- Being denied vendor spots or rental spaces
- Looking unprofessional compared to insured competitors
- Forfeiting big partnership opportunities or rental contracts
- Missing out on employment or freelance opportunities
- Worst-case: taking all the blame if something goes wrong
The good news is, having a Certificate of Insurance can make you the safest, sure choice to work with! Being insured would never hurt your chances of landing a deal; it can only sweeten it.
“Very user-friendly platform. Multiple options. Very good pricing. Needed liability insurance in order to secure a very good-paying event for my solo tribute show. Was set up within 15 minutes and had the signed contract in my possession 30 minutes later.”
—SB Moose
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When It’s Common for Someone to Ask for Your COI
You likely won’t need to show your COI every single day, but there are certain situations where it will almost always come up. These are the moments where having this paperwork matters the most:
| When You Need It | Who May Ask | Why They Ask |
|---|---|---|
|
Booking a wedding |
– Venue |
Protects the venue from guest injuries or property damage |
|
Renting a vendor booth |
– Event planner |
Ensures all vendors have liability coverage |
|
Contracting with a client |
– Client |
Limits legal risk from your work or products |
|
Leasing a hair salon stall |
– Landlord |
Keeps damage claims from falling on the landlord |
|
Selling a handmade product |
– Retailer or platform |
Shields others from accidents caused by your designs or production |
It’s essential to be prepared with a COI instead of scrambling at the last minute. Take these three real-world scenarios, for example:
- No Proof? No Booth!
A farmer’s market might not give you booth approval until your COI is uploaded to your vendor portal - You Spin That COI Right Round
A bride might need your COI to share with her planner and venue before confirming your DJ contract - Serve Up Safety First
A corporate client may ask for your COI, alongside your W-9 and permits, before finalizing a catering job
Quick Quiz: Will I Need to Show a COI?
If you can answer “yes” to any of these, you’ll likely need a Certificate of Insurance!
- I am signing a contract
- I am reserving an event booth
- I am working on someone else’s property
- I am providing a service
- I am renting a space for my business
- I am being hired as a freelancer
- I am working a gig or event
How to Get a Certificate of Insurance Online (Quickly)
Having your Certificate of Insurance shows you’re insured, professional, and easy to work with.
- Choose the coverage that best suits your business
- For most, you can customize and buy a policy online within minutes
- A copy of your COI will be emailed to you and any additional insureds you add during the application process
- Instantly log in to your online dashboard and download as many copies of your COI as needed after purchase
You’ve already done the hard part of starting your business. A COI helps you protect that hard work and keep your momentum going. Start an application today and be ready the next time someone asks for proof of insurance!
Accessing a COI for a Current Policy
Already have a policy with Insurance Canopy? Great! Here’s how you can find and download your COI instantly online, anytime:
- Log in to your online dashboard
- Go to the “Download Documents” section
- Click on “Proof of Insurance” to download your COI instantly
- Double-check that details look correct
- Send proof directly to the requester
- Keep a copy for your records
- Download an unlimited number of certificates for free!
Getting a COI for a Custom Quote
For some, your business may require a policy that our team will customize to fit your needs (and your wallet). You can apply by providing basic business details, speaking with an agent, and getting a custom quote within 24 hours.
From there, you can buy online and access your COI instantly via email and your online dashboard.
Downloading a COI for Additional Insureds
You can find a copy of your Certificate of Insurance that includes mention of any additional insureds you currently have listed on your policy under the “My Policy” section.
You can also add insureds from here, generating a unique COI for each one you can download and share.
Adding Special Phrasing to Your COI
You may be asked to include specific wording in your certificate for an additional insured. A member of our team can happily help!
Contact us today, and a licensed agent can update your policy wording for you.
Questions About Providing a Certificate of Insurance
Why Would a Customer Want a Copy of My COI?
A customer would want a copy of your COI because it proves you’re insured. It also reassures them that accidents can be covered by your general liability insurance. This means if you’re hired, you have the financial means to make things right if something goes wrong.
What Happens If I Refuse to Provide Proof of Insurance?
If you refuse to provide proof of insurance, you risk losing out on opportunities and appearing unprofessional.
What Happens If I Cancel My Insurance After Providing a COI?
If you cancel your insurance after providing a COI:
- Coverage ends immediately
- Anyone listed on your policy is notified
- Future claims may be denied
- Policy details cannot be modified
Using a COI for a canceled policy can also damage your reputation, void contracts, and cost you more in the long run.
For example, if you cancel your policy right after sending a COI, you can’t add anyone as an additional insured later if they request it in the future. That could expose you, cause you to lose the job, and force you to buy new policies repeatedly (often at a higher cost than simply keeping affordable monthly coverage).
Can I Customize Who the COI is for?
Yes, you can customize who the COI is for from your online dashboard. When you add another person or entity to your policy as an additional insured, a unique certificate is automatically generated for them.
You can access copies of these certificates from your online dashboard under “My Policy.”
Is It Free to Get a Certificate of Insurance?
Yes, getting a copy of your Certificate of Insurance is free. You can only access a certificate if you have active coverage. Policyholders can download an unlimited number of certificates at no extra charge!
