You need a Certificate of Insurance. Here's how to get one
You need to show someone that your business has insurance. Maybe a client asked for a certificate. You can get a Certificate of Insurance (COI), even if you are the only person in your business and have no employees.
Here is how to get it done, step by step.
What is a Certificate of Insurance?
A Certificate of Insurance is a page that shows you have insurance. It has your name, your business name, and the kind of insurance you have. It also shows the dates it is good for, and the name of the insurance company.
It is not the whole policy. It is just a piece of paper to prove insurance exists. You can give it to a client or a landlord to say you are covered.
You are a one-person business. Can you get a COI?
Yes. Even if you are the only person in your business and have no employees, you can get a COI. You do not need to have other people working for you. Your insurance can still be real and prove your business is covered.
The workers' comp policy for a business with no employees is called a ghost policy. Its certificate still shows your business is covered. But it does NOT cover you personally. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy a ghost policy. It is for the owner only, with no employees and no subcontractors of any kind. Learn more about ghost policies.
Step-by-step: How to get a Certificate of Insurance
Here is what you need to do:
- Go to start your quote online. You will answer a few simple questions.
- You will tell them what kind of work you do. This helps find the right insurance for you.
- You will tell them where you work. Insurance rules are different in each state.
- You will answer a few questions about your business, like whether anyone else works for you. A ghost policy is for the owner only.
- Once you answer, you will get a price. This is your real quote. No guess. Real number.
- You pay by card and sign your documents. Cimarron issues your policy within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. Then you get your Certificate of Insurance, and you can download it.
How long does it take?
Your quote takes minutes. The policy takes a little longer: Cimarron issues it within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. So start before the day you need the certificate.
Your insurance is valid once Cimarron issues your policy. Then you can download the Certificate and show it to whoever needs it. Learn more about how insurance rules vary in solo business basics.
What if you are not sure if you need insurance?
Some people think they do not need workers' comp. But if someone asked for a Certificate, they probably want proof. If you are not sure, go to start your quote and find out. It is free to check.
If you are the only person in your business, your state might not require workers' comp. But some places still want proof. Your state's workers' compensation office can tell you what your state needs. Learn more about if you need insurance.
What if you need more than one Certificate?
If more than one person asks for proof, you can make a Certificate for each of them from your account, with their name as the certificate holder. You do not need to buy more insurance. Learn more about Certificates of Insurance on our site.
Where to go next
You now know how to get a Certificate of Insurance. You can show your business is covered, even if you are the only person working.
Go to start your quote now. Your quote takes minutes, and Cimarron issues your policy within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. No employees? No problem. You can still prove your business is covered.
