Certificates
Need a certificate? Here's what to send.
For existing clients. Tell us who needs it and what wording they want. Certificates usually go out the same business day; it depends on the carrier and what the holder is asking for.
How it goes
Three steps to a certificate
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Send the holder and the wording.
The holder name and address as the contract lists them, the job, and the additional insured language the contract asks for. The form below has a spot for each.
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We check it against the policy.
If the endorsements are there, the certificate can say what the contract wants. If they are not, we call you first, because the fix is on the policy, not the paperwork.
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It goes to the holder, with you copied.
Usually the same business day. Wording that needs a new endorsement waits on the carrier, and we tell you where it stands.
The form
Request the certificate
Have it in front of you
What to send
- Certificate holder name and address, exactly as written in the contract.
- The project or property (address, job name, or lot number).
- The additional insured wording the contract requires. Paste it. Form numbers like CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 are fine.
- Whether they want primary and non-contributory, waiver of subrogation, or specific limits.
- Where to send it (email address for the holder) and the deadline.
The most common delay is a holder name that doesn't match the contract, or wording that requires an endorsement the policy doesn't carry yet. Send the contract page if in doubt.
What happens next
What usually happens
Plain certificates are usually issued the same business day. Certificates with additional insured wording the policy already supports: usually the same business day too. Wording that needs a new endorsement: we call you, then the carrier issues it, and the timing is theirs. We don't promise turnaround because the carrier controls part of it. We do tell you where it stands.
The two words on every exhibit
Additional insured vs. certificate holder, the two-paragraph version
A certificate holder gets a certificate. That's a one-page snapshot saying you carry the policies listed, with the limits listed, on the date listed. It proves you have insurance. It does not give the holder any coverage under your policy. Most HOAs and property managers stop here.
An additional insured is added to your policy by endorsement, so that if a claim comes in tied to your work, your general liability responds for them too. That is what a GC's insurance exhibit is asking for when it names form numbers, says "primary and non-contributory," or asks for a "waiver of subrogation." The certificate can only say those things if the endorsements exist. We check before we send. If the policy wasn't written for that language, we call you first, because the fix is on the policy, not the paperwork. More on general liability endorsements.
Not a client yet? Here's how it goes, or call (720) 529-0300.