Everything security companies need to know about certificates of insurance, additional insured endorsements, and client compliance.
Guide
Certificate of Insurance Guide
Certificates of insurance are among the most frequently requested documents in the security industry. Every client, venue, and property manager requires proof of insurance before allowing your guards on site. Understanding how COIs work, what endorsements clients commonly request, and how to manage certificate requests efficiently is essential for smooth operations.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance?
A certificate of insurance is a standardized document that provides proof of your current insurance coverage to third parties. It lists your active policies, their limits, effective dates, and any special endorsements. The certificate does not confer coverage on the holder; it simply verifies that coverage exists.
In the security industry, clients require COIs before your guards can start work. Property managers, venue operators, general contractors, and government agencies all have their own COI requirements that must be met.
Common Endorsement Requests
Additional insured status is the most common endorsement request. When a client is named as an additional insured, they receive protection under your policy for claims arising from your services at their location.
Waiver of subrogation prevents your insurer from seeking reimbursement from the additional insured after paying a claim. Primary and non-contributory language ensures that your policy responds before the additional insured's own insurance.
Best Practices
- ●Maintain a current COI template ready for quick issuance
- ●Keep a log of all certificate holders and their specific requirements
- ●Set up automatic renewal notifications so certificates do not lapse
- ●Review endorsement requests before agreeing to them in contracts
- ●Ensure your agent can issue certificates within 24 hours of request
- ●Maintain higher limits than minimum requirements to accommodate varied client needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Insurance Requirements in Security Service Contracts
Understanding insurance requirements in security service contracts. Minimum limits, additional insured, waiver of subrogation, and certificate requirements.
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