What is Certificate of Insurance?
Also called: COI
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document that proves your policy exists and states its coverages, limits, and effective dates. It does not change the policy; it is evidence of it. Marketplaces, wholesale buyers, and retailers request a COI, often naming themselves as additional insured, before they will work with you.
Why it matters for sellers
The COI is the piece sellers actually get asked for. Amazon and Walmart check the limits, the named insured, the carrier rating, and the additional-insured wording, and reject certificates that do not match exactly.
Example
Amazon requests a COI showing $1,000,000 per occurrence and naming Amazon.com Services LLC as additional insured before your account stays in good standing.
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Questions
How fast can I get a Certificate of Insurance?+
Once a compliant policy is bound, most sellers can get a COI the same day, with the correct limits and additional-insured wording for the marketplace or buyer that asked.
Is a Certificate of Insurance the same as the policy?+
No. The COI is proof that the policy exists and summarizes it. The policy is the full contract that controls what is actually covered.
Definition based on Insurance Information Institute and IRMI Glossary of Insurance & Risk Management Terms. Reviewed 2026-07-01. This is general information, not insurance advice.