Certificates of insurance (COI) are critical aspects of insurance tracking. COIs help confirm the insurance coverage of the named insured. The process necessitates a keen eye for details and insurance-specific expertise. Achieving accuracy can take time. Missing the mark can cost your company time and money.

A certificate of insurance compliance app like myCOI can allow your company to collect COIs and confirm compliance, reducing data entry mistakes and the time spent physically handling paperwork. Without practical software, tracking COIs can become a burden depending on how many third parties your company has hired.

What Happens If You Don’t Track Your COIs?

Certificates of insurance should be taken seriously. Verifying them can help you decrease your company’s liability risk and create shorter cycles of approvals – both of which can prove beneficial to your company’s success.

If you do not track your COIs, you endanger your company’s health. An example of improperly tracking COIs involves the city of Hartford, Connecticut. The city lost $700,000 because they did not verify that a firm they employed was properly insured. The firm allegedly issued a fake certificate to the city. Hartford officials believed the firm was covered and business could continue as usual.

Assuming insurance coverage is active can be an expensive lesson. Can your company stand to lose $700,000 because you didn’t properly track your COIs?

What Happens If You Have Too Many COIs To Track?

Managing a large number of COIs can be an overwhelming undertaking. You must have a COI on file for each third party your company hires. If your company hires twenty vendors, then you will need to track, verify, and store twenty COIs. You will also need to certify that each COI accurately shows the appropriate coverage.

If you aren’t able to keep up with the workload, your company’s liability risk can increase. Your employment can also be at stake if your company experiences a crushing financial setback.

Another possible result of having too many COIs to track is that since the job can be overwhelming, you might not do it at all. This is extremely dangerous.

COI Compliance Apps Can Save You

Collecting COIs simply to confirm they were received isn’t an effective method to manage them. You should guarantee that your company is compliant with current standards and regulations. COI compliance apps like myCOI can help you where manual methods fail. They can save your company:

  • Time: Manual insurance tracking involves physically inspecting each COI. It also entails requesting missing and expired certificates from each third party and their insurance agents. Any oversights or errors can draw the process out longer. COI compliance software can automate all of these actions and more, making the processing of certificates simpler, faster, and more accurate.
  • Money: Maintaining sufficient coverage can save your company from having to pay damages should a lawsuit arise. COI software can make sure you remain protected with suitable coverage.
  • From lawsuits: Time and money aside, litigation can negatively affect your company’s reputation. Some people won’t do business with a company that has been known to be sued for any reason. COI software can make sure your insurance requirements are constantly met.

How to Choose the Best Certificate of Insurance Tracking Software

Choosing the best certificate of insurance tracking software can be challenging. However, certificate of insurance tracking software can be worth the time and financial investment. At its core, obtaining the right tool that improves your existing processes is like shopping for any other product.

You can use free certificate of insurance tracking software, but a paid option might be better supported by its developer, ensuring you get premium service. Because insurance compliance apps are so critical, we suggest a paid option for that very support reason.

Regardless of the option you choose, there are a few things you should keep in mind before selecting a solution:

  • Know what you can afford: Although COI software can save you money in the long run, you might not want to bankrupt your company by buying an expensive service.
  • Research: You can look online to find available software that fits your needs. Some platforms like myCOI have comprehensive websites to explain the features they offer.
  • Read as many reviews as you can: Learning how users react and feel about specific software can help influence your purchasing decision. These can be found on several websites.

If you have certificates of insurance issues and answers are difficult to come by, myCOI can be the certificate of insurance compliance app that can solve your problems. COI tracking software that follows certificates of insurance best practices can:

  • Automate certificate renewal requests: You no longer have to type a sample letter requesting certificate of insurance from vendors. myCOI can automatically contact them.
  • Automate non-compliant notices: myCOI can inform you, vendors, and their insurance agents if coverage has lapsed.
  • Update you with email alerts: myCOI users can also easily use an online dashboard to monitor the statuses of their COIs.

COI solutions can automate the occasionally tedious process of tracking certificates of insurance. You don’t have to worry about how to organize certificates of insurance. You also don’t have to worry about having to manage a large volume of COIs. You want a certificate of insurance compliance app because you want to worry less and protect your company more.

The next uninsured third-party partner won't announce themselves.

illumend catches the gap.
You save the project.

Get started

Blog & Insights

Moving Beyond the Outdated Insurance Compliance Model

What Are Policy Limits?

Policy limits are the maximum an insurer will pay under a policy. Learn how per-occurrence and aggregate limits work and how to verify them on a COI.
Insurance Knowledge

What Is Insurance Renewal Tracking?

Renewal tracking means monitoring policy expiration dates and collecting updated certificates so coverage never lapses. Learn why it is the top source of non-compliance.
Insurance Knowledge

What Are Insurance Requirements?

Insurance requirements are the coverage types, limits, and endorsements you require partners to carry. Learn how to set clear requirements for COI compliance.
Insurance Knowledge

What Is an Insurance Exclusion?

An insurance exclusion is a policy provision that removes specific risks from coverage. Learn what exclusions are, common examples, and why they matter for COI review.
Insurance Knowledge

Moving Beyond Spreadsheets to Manage Construction Risk

Insurance Knowledge
Informational
Guides & How-Tos

Compete in a Crowded Industry with the Right Insurance Technology

Insurance Knowledge
Informational
Comparisons & Buyer Resources

Has Your Organization Been Hurt By Insurance Claims?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Construction Industry Trends For Additional Insureds

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Perspectives

How Insurance Agents Can Achieve Clients For Life

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Get Your Team Off Your Back About COI Tracking

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

You Could Be Saving 30% on Insurance Tracking Costs

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Tip# 1 – The “INSURED” Box

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Constructing A Strong Contract

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Are You Really an Additional Insured?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Insurance Agents: Watch Your Client Base Grow

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What You Need to Know About Certs and Real Estate

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Insurance and Cannabis: What You Need to Know

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Create a Unique Agency Sales Strategy with myCOI

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Comparisons & Buyer Resources

Important Steps for Managing Risk Using Your RFP

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Cybersecurity and Remote Work: Managing the Risks

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Blanket Endorsements: The ‘Am I Covered’ Checklist

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

10 Tips for Transferring Contractual Risk

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

myCOI Gives Back to the Community

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Perspectives

A Guide to myCOI’s Go-To Insurance Resources

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Here’s What You Need to Know About Example COIs

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

When You Need a Sample COI, Think ACORD

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Here’s What You Need to Know About COIs

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Insurance Compliance Will Be a Critical Role in 2022

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Always, Always Remember that ACORD is not an Insurer

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Agents: Your Insureds Deserve Automated COI Tracking

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

The Right Compliance Management Software is Crucial

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Comparisons & Buyer Resources

The ABCs of Certificate of Insurance Compliance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

A COI Template Will Only Take You So Far

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

The Importance of A Signed Contract

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Checking More Than Just Expiration Dates

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Dominate Your Insurance Agency Earning Power

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Additional Insured Updates You Need to Know

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Is COI the same as liability insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

The Basics of Quarterly Tracking

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

The Basics of Additional Insured Endorsements

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is a COI in Contracting?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is A Certificate Of Insurance (COI) For?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document issued by an insurer or broker that summarizes an insurance policy's key details, including its coverage types, limits, effective dates, and named parties, as proof that coverage is in force.
Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Primary and Noncontributory Endorsement Form

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

7 Strategies for Managing Insurance Renewals

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

General Liability Certificate of Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Certificate of Property Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How to Check If a Business Has Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How do I get an insurance certificate?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Customer Asking for Certificate of Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How Do I Get a Certificate of Insurance in the USA?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

The Basics: Waiver of Subrogation

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is A Surety Bond and Why You Need One

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

You Need MORE Than Just Holding COIs

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

The Wrong COI is Just as Bad as No COI

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

It’s Easy to Create Your Own COI. Don’t Do it.

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

5 Things to Do to Verify Your COI is Valid

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Finding a Certificate of Insurance Online is a Risk

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Premiums Are On the Rise

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

A COI Example Can be a Great Guide—Or a Burden

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Contractors Pollution Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

COI Real Estate

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Broker Certificate of Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Building Certificate of Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is An LLC Certificate of Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Who Is Responsible for Subcontractors’ Work?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Do Contractors Need Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Construction Insurance Risk Management

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Subcontractor Default Insurance: Everything You Need To Know

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How Do You Calculate Building Construction Coverage?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is Regulatory Compliance in Construction?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is Not Usually Covered by Building Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is Considered a Third-Party Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is a COI in Construction?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Types of Construction Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Why Is Builders’ Risk Insurance so Expensive?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is Builders’ Risk Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Third-Party Insurance Verification

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Why Should I Outsource COI Tracking to myCOI?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Comparisons & Buyer Resources

Insurance Tracking Services

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How Can You Track Insurance Policies?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is Insurance Certificate Tracking?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How to Ensure Contractor Compliance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

myCOI Expands Procore Integration to Simplify Compliance and Payments

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Comparisons & Buyer Resources

How Do I Generate a Certificate of Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Why Does a Company Need a Certificate of Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is an Insurance Certificate for a Business?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How Much Does a COI Cost in the USA?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

How Important Is a Certificate of Insurance?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Are COIs? A Guide To Certificates of Insurance

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Agents: Help Contractors Manage Insurance Risks

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is COI in Risk Management?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Are the Five Elements of Risk Management?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Is a Third-Party Risk Management System?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

What Are the Key Elements of Third Party Risk Management?

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Compliance in the Construction Industry

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

Third-Party Risk Management in Construction

Insurance Knowledge
Educational
Guides & How-Tos

You don't have to understand insurance to be good at insurance compliance.

With Lumie™, compliance is covered. So is everyone on your project.

Get started

Get The Lantern

illumend updates, designed to light the way to insurance confidence.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.