What is the legal status of a certificate of insurance in relation to the actual insurance policy?

A certificate of insurance serves as evidence of coverage, providing assurance to interested parties, such as clients or other stakeholders, that an individual or business has specific insurance coverage in force. This document summarizes key details about the insurance policy, including the type of coverage, limits, effective dates, and the insurance company providing the coverage. However, it is important to understand that it is not the actual insurance policy itself; rather, it serves as a representation of the coverage available under the policy.

The certificate is meant to inform and verify that coverage is in place, facilitating transactions and agreements where proof of insurance is required. Although it can indicate the existence and details of coverage, it does not itself create or alter the insurance contract. As such, the rights and obligations of the parties are governed exclusively by the actual insurance policy document.