Certificates of Insurance

Definition

A certificate of insurance demonstrates evidence of an insurance policy. This document provides no coverage to the certificate holder and rarely guarantees that the certificate holder will be notified if there is a policy cancellation. It may be issued by an insurer, insurance agent or broker. A certificate of insurance should include the following:

• Name of the insurance company and policy number
• Policy period
• Name of the insured and address
• Description of coverage
• Policy limits
• Description and locations of operation
• Name and address of certificate holder
• Notice of cancellation provision
• Authorized signature and date

When requesting a certificate of insurance from a vendor or organization we require a minimum of the following:

• General liability $1 million
• MWSU listed as additional insured

To obtain proof of MWSU insurance, a written request and a copy of the contract, if applicable, must be sent to the Risk Manager with the following information:

• To whom the certificate is to be issued
• Events or services: purpose, location, time period
• The type of insurance for which proof is needed