A certificate of insurance is your documentary proof that your insurance coverage exists. Whether this insurance is for your personal liability such as vehicle insurance or for your business insurances such as public liability or worker's compensation, you may be required to show proof of your insurance coverage, so your certificate should be available for presentation.

Insurance providers will often provide your certificate of insurance together with the policy terms and conditions once you begin your insurance cover. Many people find this big bundle of paperwork a little overwhelming, so it ends up sat in a drawer. However, since you may be called upon to present your certificate, it is a good idea that it is kept in a safe organised place. For example, if you are involved in a road traffic incident, the police may request to see your insurance certificate.

A certificate of insurance can be even more important for businesses. Since there are a number of mandatory insurances needed for businesses to legally operate, often businesses will display their certificates to highlight their legitimacy. Although a certificate does not form an insurance contract, since it does not detail any policy exclusions, it will normally state the minimum level of insurance coverage and both the start and end date of the policy.

While it is important to ensure that you keep your insurance certificate in a safe place, it is also important to store all of the insurance documentation properly. This information will detail how to make a claim and any limitations to your coverage. Additionally, should the terms and conditions be subjected to change by the insurance provider, the letter detailing the changes will usually directly refer to the original policy paperwork. The responsibility to understand any changes lies with the policyholder, so you should read through changes and query any details on which you are not completely certain.

It is important to note that should you cancel or default on your insurance policy mid term, the insurance provider will often request that you either destroy or return the certificate of insurance. It is considered fraudulent to present an invalid certificate for inspection.

When your insurance paperwork arrives, be sure to take a little time to properly read through the information and check all of the details are correct. Any errors in the policy documentation or on the certificate should be explained to the insurance provider. Most insurance providers will correct the error and resend out the documentation. This simple process can avoid you incurring any complications in the event of a claim on your policy. For example, if your property address is incorrect with even the smallest detail, you should inform your insurance provider. This eliminates any ambiguity regarding your coverage.

If you are interested in learning more about a certificate or insurance or would like to obtain a quote for your business insurance, contact us. We offer a specialist service for all aspects of business insurance and our advisers would be delighted to discuss your specific requirements and assist you in obtaining a great deal.

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