COI vs. Additional Insured: What’s the Difference?
A certificate proves you have coverage; being named additional insured actually extends coverage to someone else. They’re not the same — and the difference matters.
A certificate of insurance, in plain English
A COI is a one-page document that proves you have active coverage and shows your limits. It’s evidence — it documents your policy but doesn’t change it. The party who receives it is the “certificate holder.”
Additional insured, in plain English
Naming someone as an additional insured is an endorsement that actually extends your policy’s liability coverage to that party for claims arising from your work. It changes your policy and gives them real coverage rights — not just a copy of your certificate.
Certificate holder vs. additional insured
A certificate holder simply receives the COI as proof of your coverage. An additional insured is covered under your policy. So a contract that says “name us as additional insured” is asking for the endorsement, not just the certificate.
Why it matters
If a client requires additional-insured status and you only send a certificate listing them as the holder, you haven’t met the requirement — and it can hold up a job or a payment. We read the contract wording and issue exactly what’s asked for.
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FAQs
Is being a certificate holder the same as additional insured?
No. A certificate holder just receives proof of insurance; an additional insured is actually covered under the policy.
Does adding an additional insured cost extra?
Sometimes — some carriers charge a small fee for the endorsement, depending on the policy. The certificate itself is typically free.
How fast can you do this?
Often the same day. We add the endorsement if needed and issue the certificate with the right wording, then send it to whoever requested it.
This guide is general information, not legal advice or a coverage promise. Coverage varies by policy, carrier, and state — a licensed agent confirms what applies to you.