Certificate of insurance
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page summary, issued by an insurance company or agent, of the policies a business carries: the insurer, policy numbers, types of coverage, limits and policy dates. In construction it's how a general contractor or owner checks that a sub is insured before work starts.
Updated November 9, 2026 · 1 min read
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What it isn't
It isn't the policy and can't change it. Texas law, for example, bars a certificate that alters, amends or extends the policy's coverage, and says a certificate "may not convey a contractual right to a certificate holder" (Insurance Code § 1811.051). Being named as certificate holder just means you get the summary. Being an additional insured comes from an endorsement on the policy itself.
What to check
- The named insured matches the company on your contract.
- The policy dates cover the whole job, not just the start.
- Limits meet what the contract requires.
- Additional insured status, if required, is backed by an endorsement.
- Workers' compensation is listed, or a valid exemption.
Ask for it from the agent, not a photocopy from the sub, and note the expiry date so you can ask for a renewal.
In SignMaster
SignMaster's subcontractor agreement template requires the sub to deliver a certificate of insurance before starting work. Add an Attachment field so the sub uploads the COI as they sign; the file is added to the signed PDF. See collecting files from signers.
General information, not legal advice
Certificate rules differ by state. Your insurance agent can confirm what a certificate does and doesn't cover.
Sources
- Texas Insurance Code chapter 1811, certificates of property and casualty insurance · statutes.capitol.texas.gov