SnowPlowInsurance.ca
  1. Home
  2. FAQ
  3. Certificate of Insurance Timing

How Fast Can I Get a Certificate of Insurance?

It depends on your broker and insurer, and on what the certificate needs to show. If your policy is already in place and the client only needs standard proof of coverage, the request is usually simpler. If the contract requires changes to your policy, such as a new additional insured or higher limits, the insurer may need to approve an endorsement first, which takes longer. There is no standard turnaround time, so ask early.

What a Certificate Is

The Insurance Bureau of Canada defines a certificate of insurance as a "written document stating that insurance is in effect," with a general statement of the policy's coverage. In Canada, the industry standard form is CSIO's Certificate of Liability Insurance. A certificate is evidence of coverage, not the policy itself. See certificates of insurance explained.

What Can Slow It Down

  • No policy yet. A certificate cannot be issued until coverage is bound.
  • Endorsements. Adding an additional insured, primary wording or a waiver of subrogation may need insurer approval.
  • Limits. If the contract requires more than you carry, the policy or an umbrella has to be changed first.
  • Missing details. The certificate holder's exact legal name and address, and the contract or site description.

Know Your Deadlines

Contracts can set tight timelines. The Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan's winter maintenance RFP, for example, required a certificate within seven working days of award. Read the tender and plan backwards.

What to Send Your Broker

  1. The insurance section of the contract or tender
  2. The certificate holder's legal name and address
  3. Any additional insured names and wording required
  4. The deadline

Plan Ahead

The easiest way to get a certificate quickly is to have the right coverage in place before bid season. Review your contracts with your broker in late summer, using our coverage checklist. If you are new, see new snow removal businesses and general liability.

General information only, not insurance advice.

SnowPlowInsurance.ca is an independent referral service, not an insurance company or broker. We connect you with licensed brokers who provide quotes and advice. How this site works.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a certificate of insurance the same day?

It depends on your broker, your insurer and whether any policy changes are needed. Ask early rather than relying on a quick turnaround.

Who issues a certificate of insurance?

Your broker or insurer issues it, based on the policy in force.

Does a certificate change my coverage?

No. A certificate is evidence of coverage. The policy and its endorsements set the terms.