What to Check on a COI Before Work Starts

Prepare the comparison

Use the contract, work order, or other written requirement as your checklist. Do not assume every vendor or project has the same insurance requirements.

• Confirm the named insured matches the business doing the work.
• Check the requested policy types and limits against the certificate.
• Compare effective and expiration dates with the work period.
• Confirm the certificate holder name and project or location details, if applicable.
• Identify any required endorsements and request the actual endorsement when needed.

Resolve gaps before making a decision

If information is missing, inconsistent, or unclear, write down the question and send it to the vendor or insurance agent. A certificate holder listing alone does not establish additional-insured status, and the certificate does not replace the policy.