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What’s the difference between a COI and an insurance policy?

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a summary document that shows basic coverage details like limits, carrier, and policy dates. It’s often one page and used to prove insurance was issued.

An insurance policy is the full legal contract. It includes conditions, limitations, and exclusions—meaning the policy, not the COI, determines whether a claim is paid. This post outlines the COI vs policy comparison in greater detail.

Is a COI enough to confirm insurance coverage?

No. A COI cannot show exclusions, geographic limitations, or hidden clauses. Many risk managers assume the COI matches the policy—but that’s not always the case.

Real example: A COI showed complete coverage, but the actual policy excluded projects over 25 residential units, leaving the client unprotected.

What are the most common insurance exclusions hidden in policies?

  • EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) exclusions
  • Height restrictions (e.g., no work above 30 feet)
  • Labor law exclusions or “action-over” clauses
  • State/location exclusions (e.g., California, New York)
  • Designated work/operations limitations
  • Classification limitations (coverage only applies to listed trades)

These exclusions are not shown on COIs—only found in the full policy.

What’s an EIFS exclusion in insurance?

EIFS exclusions remove coverage for anything involving synthetic stucco materials—even if the subcontractor isn’t applying EIFS directly. If EIFS is present on a building, the policy may exclude related work.

What is a height exclusion and why does it matter?

A height exclusion limits coverage for work done above a certain elevation (e.g., 30 feet). It can make entire projects ineligible—even if the COI appears compliant.

What is a labor law or action-over exclusion?

These exclusions remove protection when an injured worker sues beyond workers’ comp under contractual liability. They’re especially common in New York and neighboring states.

How can I tell if a policy excludes work in my state?

Some policies contain location-based exclusions that bar coverage in entire states or counties (e.g., California, Colorado, NYC, or the Bronx). These are not shown on COIs.

How does Jones verify insurance policies?

Jones offers two methods of policy verification:

  • Full Policy Verification: Review of the entire policy with detailed notes.
  • Partial Policy Verification: Focused review of 3–5 high-priority risks.

What is partial vs. full policy verification?

Full policy verification covers every clause, endorsement, and limitation. Partial verification targets specific risks based on project scope.

Can I use policy review to prequalify subcontractors or tenants?

Yes. More risk teams are using policy reviews before onboarding vendors to flag exclusions early. This allows you to prequalify subcontractors based on project needs and avoid downstream risk.

Note: Ready to explore how Jones can improve your COI management? Talk to our team of experts today!

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Tired of Reviewing COIs and Endorsements Manually?

Jones automates the collection and review of COIs for property management companies, owner-operators, and general contractors across the US. Reach out to us via the form below to find out more about how Jones can help your organization manage your insurance documents.