Asena Capital Insurance Services
FREE GUIDE

COI Decoder

Understand every field on a Certificate of Insurance (ACORD 25). Know exactly what you're signing and what your GC is asking for.

What is a COI?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page summary of your insurance coverage. It proves to clients, GCs, and property owners that you have active insurance. It is NOT the policy itself — it's a snapshot. The actual policy terms control what's covered.

Certificate Holder

Section: Bottom

The entity requiring proof of insurance (GC, property owner, city). Their name appears here and they receive a copy of the COI.

Named Insured

Section: Top

The contractor or business that owns the insurance policy. This must match the name on your CSLB license.

Producer

Section: Top

The insurance agency or broker who issued the certificate. For Asena Capital clients, this is Asena Capital Insurance Services,

Policy Number

Section: Coverage Section

The unique identifier for each policy. Used to verify coverage with the carrier directly.

Effective / Expiration Dates

Section: Coverage Section

The dates your coverage is active. The COI is only valid during this period. Always check expiration before starting work.

Policy Limits

Section: Coverage Section

The maximum the insurer will pay per occurrence and in aggregate. Most GCs require $1M/$2M for GL.

Additional Insured

Section: Description Box

When checked or noted, the certificate holder is added to your policy as an additional insured — they can make claims directly against your policy.

Waiver of Subrogation

Section: Description Box

Prevents your insurer from suing the certificate holder after paying a claim. Often required by GCs and property owners.

Primary & Non-Contributory

Section: Description Box

Your policy pays first before any other coverage the certificate holder may have. Required by most large GCs.

ACORD 25

Section: Footer

The standard COI form number. Most certificate holders accept ACORD 25. Some require ACORD 27 (property) or ACORD 28 (commercial property).

Common COI Requests from GCs

Additional insured on GL policy (most common)

Waiver of subrogation on GL and workers comp

Primary and non-contributory language

$1M/$2M GL limits (some GCs require $2M/$4M)

30-day notice of cancellation

Project-specific additional insured endorsement

Need a COI Issued Today?

We issue timely certificates of insurance for all active policies. Additional insured, waiver of subrogation, and project-specific endorsements available.