How do I get a certificate of insurance?
Short answer
Ask your agent — most certificates are issued the same day, often within the hour, once your policy is in force. A certificate is a one-page summary proving coverage exists. It is evidence of insurance, not a contract, and it does not add coverage for whoever requested it.
Send the requirements, not just the request
Most delay comes from a certificate being issued, rejected, and reissued. The fastest path is to forward the actual insurance requirements from the contract or lease — the exact limits, the exact legal name and address of the party to be listed, and whether they need to be an additional insured or just a certificate holder.
Certificate holder versus additional insured
A certificate holder simply receives proof and notice. An additional insured is actually extended coverage under your policy by endorsement.
These are very different, they cost differently, and a general contractor asking for one will not accept the other. Requesting additional insured status when the contract only requires a certificate holder is a common and unnecessary expense.
What a certificate cannot do
It does not amend your policy, guarantee coverage will apply to a specific claim, or promise anyone will be notified before cancellation unless a specific endorsement says so. It is a snapshot of what was in force on the day it was issued.
Collect them from your own subs
Whatever a general contractor requires of you, require of anyone working under you. Uninsured subcontractors surface at premium audit and at claim time, and both are expensive.
General information, not legal or coverage advice. Requirements and figures change — verify anything you intend to rely on with the state or with us. Coverage is governed solely by the policy issued. Anthony Core Insurance Agency Inc · Oregon License #100171326
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