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Certificate of insurance (COI)
A certificate of insurance is a document that shows the builder has active insurance, usually general liability and workers comp.
Why it matters
Insurance protects the homeowner when someone gets hurt or something gets damaged.
Where people get this wrong
A COI is proof of coverage on a date, not a full policy. The homeowner should confirm the COI is current and from a real insurer.
Real-world example
A worker gets injured on site. Without proper insurance, the homeowner can get pulled into a mess. A COI is a basic safety check.
Where this hits your build
This comes up early, before construction starts. It affects your contract, your budget, or both. Misunderstanding it can cost you money or leverage.
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