Insurance certificate
An insurance certificate is a formal document issued by an insurance company that verifies the existence and details of an insurance policy covering specific risks associated with a construction project. This certificate serves as proof of insurance and is often required by clients, contractors, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure that adequate protection is in place.
The certificate can cover various types of insurance policies relevant to construction, including:
- Public liability insurance.
- Employers’ liability insurance.
- Contractors’ all risks insurance.
- Professional indemnity insurance.
- Product liability insurance.
For more information see: Insurance.
The insurance certificate typically includes the following information:
- Name and contact details of the insured party, such as the contractor or construction firm.
- Name and contact details of the insurance company issuing the certificate.
- A unique identifier for the insurance policy.
- Specific risks covered, limits of coverage, and any exclusions or special conditions.
- Effective dates of the insurance coverage, including the start and end dates.
- The date on which the certificate was issued by the insurer.
An insurance certificate can help ensures compliance with contractual and legal requirements, as many construction contracts stipulate that certain types of insurance must be in place. It provides assurance to clients and other stakeholders that potential risks and liabilities are insured and that there is financial protection against unforeseen events that could lead to significant losses or liabilities.
Clients or other parties may verify the authenticity and validity of the insurance certificate by contacting the insurance company directly. This ensures that the coverage is current and adequate for the project's requirements.
Insurance certificates need to be renewed periodically, and any changes to the insurance policy (such as increased coverage or new exclusions) should be reflected in updated certificates. Ensuring continuous coverage throughout the project duration is critical.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building Users' Insurance Against Latent Defects.
- Contractors' all-risk insurance.
- Contract works insurance.
- Directors and officers insurance.
- Employer's liability insurance.
- Flood insurance.
- Indemnity to principals.
- Integrated project insurance.
- Latent defects insurance.
- Legal indemnity insurance.
- Non-negligent liability insurance.
- Professional indemnity insurance.
- Public liability insurance.
- Residual value insurance.
- Self build insurance.
- Self insurance.
- Subcontractor default insurance (SDI).
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.