It’s a question we’re frequently asked…and the answer depends on the situation.
For those of you new to this topic, a certificate of insurance is a snap shot in time, a document that shows the certificate holder that a workers compensation policy is in place when the certificate is issued. A certificate of insurance, regardless of the wording provided on the certificate, conveys no rights to the certificate holder and cannot be used to modify, add or change coverage or policy conditions on the workers compensation insurance policy. Be sure to check out where to get a certificate on our website for more free, detailed information about this topic.
So back to the question…
If you are the named insured on the policy and are asked to provide a certificate to someone else then you should begin by asking your insurance agent or insurance company, the one who you purchased the coverage from, to provide you with the certificate.
If you’ve purchased your workers compensation coverage from a State Fund, Insurance Pool or directly from an insurance company you should begin by calling them. Many of these organizations have active websites and some may even allow you to request certificates through your online account.
If you are any party other than the named insured asking to be named as a certificate holder then you should ask the named insured on the policy to provide this document to you…where they will in turn ask their agent or insurance company to do so.
Basic information needed to provide a certificate of insurance is the certificate holders name, complete address and fax or email. This information will then be used to complete and deliver the certificate.
Lesson Learned: If you are the policy holder and need a certificate…ask your insurance agent or insurance company. If you are somebody else and need a certificate…ask the policy holder to get one for you.
Thanks!
