Certificate of Insurance (COI) vs Proof of insurance
Proof of insurance is any evidence that you carry coverage. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is the standard business document that proves it, summarizing your policy, limits, and any additional insured. When a marketplace or wholesale buyer asks for proof, they almost always mean a COI.
Head to head.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Proof of insurance
What it is
A one-page summary of your active policy
Any evidence of coverage
Who asks for it
Marketplaces, wholesale buyers, landlords
General term used loosely
Shows limits
Yes, per-occurrence and aggregate
Depends on the document
Names additional insured
Yes, when required
Not necessarily
Which do you need?
Straight answer.
When Amazon, Walmart, or a buyer asks for proof of insurance, provide a Certificate of Insurance. Assureful issues a marketplace-ready COI with the required additional-insured wording.
From $26/mo
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No obligation. Cancel anytime.
Questions
Common questions.
Is a Certificate of Insurance the same as proof of insurance?+
A Certificate of Insurance is the standard form of proof of insurance for business relationships. When a marketplace or buyer asks for proof, they generally want a COI showing your limits and any additional insured.
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General information, not insurance advice. Sources: Insurance Information Institute. Reviewed 2026-07-01.