What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) & How to Get One in SC?

The Essential Proof of Coverage for Winning Contracts in SC

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is the standardized legal document issued by your insurance agency proving to commercial property managers, project owners, and General Contractors that your business carries active insurance policies with mandatory liability limits (typically $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate).

Why do General Contractors require a COI?

GCs mandate COIs prior to site authorization in Greenville, Spartanburg, and across South Carolina to transfer property damage or injury risk arising from your specialized subcontracting operations to your insurance policy rather than their own.

Key Terminology You Must Know:

• Certificate Holder: The individual or corporation requesting formal verification of coverage.
• Additional Insured: An endorsement extending your general liability protection to the hiring general contractor for claims arising out of your work.
• Waiver of Subrogation: An agreement precluding your insurer from seeking recovery from the certificate holder after settling a covered loss.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does a COI cost? For active policyholders at Smart Shield Insurance, issuing certificates of insurance and adding unlimited certificate holders is 100% free.

How fast can I receive a certificate? Our local bilingual team typically generates and delivers your digital COI in minutes via email or WhatsApp.

Official Sources & Regulatory Guidelines:

• South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI)

Related Guides & Articles

Need an insurance quote for your business or vehicle?

Call us directly at +1 (864) 783-5912 or request your quote online in minutes.