You’ve finally booked your dream gig. The contract is signed and your gear is loaded in the van when the organizer sends you a last-minute text. They need you to send them a copy of your certificate of insurance ASAP. Don’t panic — you can get one in minutes!
What Is a COI for Bands?
COI stands for Certificate of Insurance. It acts as proof that you have liability insurance for your band.
Sometimes you’ll also see the term ACORD COI, or just ACORD. An ACORD is another COI, just a standardized version created by the Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development (ACORD).
COI = ACORD = ACORD COI = Certificate of Insurance = proof of your band liability insurance.
Why Do Bands Need a Certificate of Insurance?
Most performance venues and event organizers ask for a copy of your COI before they agree to work with you. Others who might ask for proof of insurance from your band include:
- Bar owners
- Club managers
- Studio landlords
- Rented rehearsal space owners
- Other bands and collaborators
These individuals may also ask to be added to your policy as an additional insured. An additional insured is another person, business, or entity that could also be held responsible for accidents or injuries your band might cause.
You can add additional insureds to your policy anytime through your online dashboard. Once you do that, you can access a COI with that additional insured’s name included. This entire process only takes a few minutes.
What You Need to Add an Additional Insured to Your Policy
To include a person, business, or venue to your policy as an additional insured, you need their:
- Name
- Street Address
With Insurance Canopy, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on a last-minute event or performance due to your insurance paperwork.
Not an Insurance Canopy customer yet? Get band liability insurance today, with instant access to your proof of insurance documents.
Get a Certificate of Insurance for Your Band in 3 Easy Steps
Instantly access your COI any time by following these steps:
- Log in to your online dashboard
- Locate the “Download Documents” section
- Click on “Proof of Insurance” to download your COI
Once you click “proof of insurance,” your COI will download in seconds. Then you can print or save a copy to an electronic device to share as needed. You have unlimited downloads and can access your COI online 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions About Band COIs
How Much Do Certificates of Insurance Cost?
Insurance Canopy customers get unlimited copies of their COI at no cost.
What Is the Difference Between a COI and an Insurance Policy?
A COI is a snapshot of your insurance policy. It only shows proof that you have insurance, and it has no other power, authority, or purpose.
An insurance policy is what outlines the kinds of insurance you have, terms and regulations, exclusions, and all the other regulatory information. The policy has many pages of information, and the COI has one or two.
How Long Does It Take to Get a COI?
For Insurance Canopy customers, it takes less than a minute to get a copy of your COI. For non-members, getting an insurance policy and downloading a COI for your band takes 10 minutes or less.
What Information Is on a Certificate of Insurance?
Your COI includes a snapshot of what your insurance policy covers, including:
- Your name
- Your insurance provider and carrier
- The types of coverage you have
- The limits of your coverage
- Your policy start and end dates
