You need a Certificate of Insurance. Here's how to get one fast
You need to show someone that your business has insurance. Maybe a client asked for a certificate. Maybe a bank needs proof. You only have an hour. You can get a Certificate of Insurance (COI) quickly, even if you are the only person in your business and have no employees.
Here is how to get it done in under an hour.
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, a landlord, or a bank 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.
A Certificate of Insurance can be for a business with no employees. It is called a 'ghost policy' sometimes. It still shows your business is covered. But it does NOT cover you personally. If you want coverage for yourself, you need to pick that option when you get your quote. Learn more about ghost policies.
Step-by-step: How to get a Certificate of Insurance fast
Here is what you need to do in under an hour:
- 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 tell them if you want to be covered yourself. This is called an owner inclusion. It is optional and costs a little more.
- Once you pick your options, you will get a price. This is your real quote. No guess. Real number.
- When you buy, you will get a Certificate of Insurance. You can download it right away. It is ready in minutes.
What if your state does not let you get it this fast?
Some states need more time. But most let you get a Certificate of Insurance quickly. Your quote will tell you if it takes longer in your state. If it does, it might take one business day or two. You still get it fast, but not in minutes.
Your insurance is valid as soon as you buy it. You can download the Certificate right away 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 quote will tell you what your state needs. Learn more about if you need insurance.
What if you need more than one Certificate?
If you need more than one Certificate, you can download them all. You can send one to a client, another to a bank, and another to a landlord. Each one shows your business is covered. You do not need to buy more insurance. One policy can give you as many COIs as you need. Learn more about Certificates of Insurance on our site.
Where to go next
You now know how to get a Certificate of Insurance in under an hour. You can show your business is covered, even if you are the only person working.
Go to start your quote now. You can have your Certificate in minutes. No employees? No problem. You can still prove your business is covered.
