What is a certificate of insurance primarily intended to provide?

A certificate of insurance is primarily intended to provide proof of insurance coverage. It is a document issued by an insurance company or broker that verifies an individual or organization has an active insurance policy. This certificate typically includes essential details such as the type of coverage, the policy number, the dates of coverage, and the limits of liability.

This proof is especially important for various stakeholders, such as clients, contractors, or third parties, who may require assurances that adequate insurance is in place before entering into a contract or commencing work. By demonstrating that a policy exists, the certificate serves as an important risk management tool, helping to facilitate transactions and partnerships where insurance is a prerequisite.

The other options, while related to the broader context of insurance documentation, do not accurately define the primary purpose of a certificate of insurance. An official policy document refers to the actual insurance policy itself, which goes into greater detail than a certificate typically does. A summary of coverage limits focuses narrowly on specific aspects of a policy, lacking the comprehensive proof provided by the certificate. Lastly, the means to access new insurance policies suggests a function that is outside the scope of what a certificate of insurance accomplishes, as it does not facilitate purchase or access of insurance but rather validates existing coverage.