How to Get a Certificate of Insurance (COI) in Ontario

By Michael Landry · Updated September 24, 2026

Sooner or later, a landlord, general contractor, event venue or client will ask your business for a certificate of insurance before work can start. The request often arrives with a tight deadline and a list of specific wording. Here is what a certificate is, who issues it, and how to request one so it is accepted the first time.

What is a certificate of insurance?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a short document that summarizes the insurance a business carries on a specific date. It is proof of coverage, not the policy itself. A certificate typically states that it is issued for information only and does not change, extend or replace the terms of the policy. If the certificate and the policy disagree, the policy wording generally governs.

That point matters. A certificate cannot create coverage that the policy does not provide. If a contract requires an additional insured or a specific limit, the policy usually has to be changed by endorsement first, and then the certificate reflects that change.

Who issues a certificate of insurance in Ontario?

Your certificate comes from the broker or insurer that services your policy. In Ontario, general insurance brokers are licensed and regulated by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO). If you bought your business insurance through a broker, send the request to your broker. If you bought directly from an insurer, contact the insurer.

CommercialInsurance.ca does not issue certificates of insurance. It is a free referral service that connects Ontario businesses with licensed brokers who can arrange coverage and then provide certificates.

What does a certificate of insurance show?

Formats vary, but most certificates show:

• Named insured: the legal name and address of the business that holds the policy.
• Insurer and policy numbers for each coverage listed.
• Policy period: the effective and expiry dates.
• Coverage types, such as commercial general liability, auto, property, umbrella or professional liability.
• Limits of liability, such as the per occurrence and aggregate limits.
• Certificate holder: the person or company the certificate is issued to.
• Additional insureds, if any have been added by endorsement.
• A description of operations, which may reference a specific project, location or contract.
• Cancellation wording, describing any notice the insurer or broker intends to give if the policy is cancelled, subject to the policy terms.

What is the difference between an additional insured and a certificate holder?

These two terms are often confused, and the difference affects who is protected.

	Certificate holder	Additional insured
What it means	Receives the certificate as proof of coverage	Is added to the policy as an insured, usually for claims arising from your work
How it is done	Listed on the certificate	Added by endorsement to the policy
Coverage under your policy	Generally none	Yes, within the endorsement and policy wording
Typical requester	Anyone who needs proof of insurance	Landlords, general contractors, property managers, venues
Affects the policy?	No	Yes, it changes the policy

A landlord or general contractor who asks to be “named as additional insured” is asking for more than a certificate. Your broker will need to arrange the endorsement with the insurer, and then issue a certificate that shows it.

What do clients and landlords usually ask for?

Requirements come from the contract or lease, so read the insurance section closely. Common requests include:

• General liability at a minimum limit, often per occurrence, sometimes with a stated aggregate.
• Additional insured status for the landlord, property manager, owner or general contractor.
• Waiver of subrogation, which limits the insurer’s right to recover from the other party after paying a claim.
• Primary and non-contributory wording, meaning your policy responds before theirs.
• Auto liability for vehicles used on the job, which may call for commercial auto insurance.
• Professional liability for consultants, designers and other advisers.
• Tenant property coverage for contents and improvements in a leased space.
• A WSIB clearance certificate, which is separate from a COI. WSIB describes a clearance as a unique number showing that a business, contractor or subcontractor is registered and up to date with WSIB.

Contractors often receive the longest lists. If you work on job sites, our contractor insurance page explains the coverages that general contractors commonly expect.

How do I request a certificate of insurance?

1. Get the contract or lease clause. Send your broker the exact insurance wording, not a summary.
2. Collect the certificate holder details: full legal name, mailing address and contact email.
3. List any additional insureds exactly as the contract names them.
4. Note the project or location if the certificate should reference it.
5. Give your deadline and ask whether any requirement needs a policy change.
6. Check the certificate when it arrives, before you forward it.

If you do not have a policy yet, you will need coverage bound first. A broker can review the contract requirements, compare options from insurers and then issue the certificate once coverage is in place.

What are common mistakes with certificates of insurance?

• Waiting until the day before work starts. Endorsements can take time.
• Assuming a certificate adds coverage. Only the policy and its endorsements provide coverage.
• Misspelling the legal name of the certificate holder or additional insured.
• Sending an expired certificate. Request a new one at every renewal.
• Editing a certificate yourself. An altered certificate may be rejected and can create serious problems with the client and insurer. Always ask your broker for a corrected version.
• Agreeing to limits you do not carry. Check with your broker before signing so you know if a higher limit or umbrella insurance is needed.

Do I need a new certificate for every client or project?

Often, yes. Each certificate is usually issued to one certificate holder, and many contracts require the certificate to name that party and sometimes reference the project or location. You will also need fresh certificates when your policy renews, because the old ones show the expired policy dates.

It helps to keep a simple list of everyone who holds a certificate from you, along with any additional insured endorsements you agreed to. At renewal, send that list to your broker so updated certificates can go out before anyone asks. This also makes it easier to spot endorsements you no longer need once a contract ends.

Get matched with a licensed Ontario broker

CommercialInsurance.ca is a free referral service, not an insurer or broker, and it does not issue certificates. If you need coverage before you can provide a certificate, tell us about your business and a licensed Ontario broker, regulated by RIBO, will follow up within 24 hours to review your contract requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a certificate of insurance?

If your policy is already in force and the request only needs a standard certificate, many brokers can turn it around quickly. Requests that need a new endorsement, such as adding an additional insured or raising a limit, can take longer because the insurer may need to approve the change. Ask for certificates well before your start date.

Is there a fee for a certificate of insurance?

Practices vary by broker and insurer. Many issue routine certificates as part of servicing your policy, but a change to the policy itself, such as a higher limit or a new endorsement, can affect your premium. Ask your broker before you agree to contract terms that require policy changes.

Can CommercialInsurance.ca issue my certificate of insurance?

No. CommercialInsurance.ca is a free referral service, not an insurer or broker, so it cannot issue certificates. If you already have a policy, contact the broker or insurer that services it. If you need coverage first, we can connect you with a licensed Ontario broker.

Does being a certificate holder give my client coverage under my policy?

Generally, no. A certificate holder is the party who receives the certificate as proof that coverage exists. Coverage for another party usually requires that party to be added as an additional insured by endorsement, subject to the policy wording.

What is the difference between a COI and a WSIB clearance certificate?

A certificate of insurance summarizes private insurance, such as general liability or auto coverage, and comes from your broker or insurer. A WSIB clearance certificate comes from WSIB and shows that a business is registered and up to date with its WSIB payments. Many contractors and clients ask for both.

This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage depends on the policy wording. Speak with a licensed broker or advisor about your situation.