If you operate a business in Missouri or Arkansas, you’ve likely been asked to provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) before starting a job, signing a lease, or entering into a contract. But what exactly needs to be on a certificate of insurance — and why does it matter?
A COI is proof of coverage, not the insurance policy itself. It summarizes key details about your business insurance so property owners, landlords, general contractors, and clients can verify that proper coverage is in place.
Understanding what must appear on a certificate of insurance can help protect your business from compliance issues, contract disputes, and claim complications.
1. Current Date (Top Right Corner)
One of the most overlooked — but most important — items on a Certificate of Insurance is the issue date, typically located in the top right corner of the form.
This date confirms when the certificate was generated. Many contract managers and project supervisors check this first to ensure the COI is current and not outdated. An old certificate can raise red flags, even if the underlying policy is still active.
If the issue date is months old, the requesting party may require an updated certificate before allowing work to begin.
2. Named Insured (Legal Business Name)
The named insured must exactly match the legal name of the business performing the work.
If your LLC or corporation name is incorrect, abbreviated, or misspelled, it can create serious problems during a claim. Always verify that the legal entity listed on the COI matches your contracts and invoices.
3. Insurance Carriers and Policy Numbers
A proper certificate lists:
- The insurance company providing coverage
- The policy number for each coverage type
This confirms that coverage is active and identifies which carrier is responsible if a claim occurs.
4. Types of Coverage
The COI outlines the policies your business carries. Common coverages requested in Missouri and Arkansas include:
- General Liability Insurance
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- Commercial Auto Insurance
- Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance
Each coverage type should be clearly identified.
5. Policy Effective & Expiration Dates
Certificates must show:
- Policy effective date
- Policy expiration date
These dates confirm whether coverage is active during the contract period. If a policy expires mid-project, updated certificates are typically required to maintain compliance.
6. Coverage Limits
One of the most critical sections is the limits of insurance, including:
- Per occurrence limit
- General aggregate limit
- Products/completed operations aggregate
- Auto liability limits
- Umbrella limits (if applicable)
Many contracts in Missouri and Arkansas specify minimum required limits. If your limits do not meet contractual requirements, you may need to increase them before work begins.
7. Certificate Holder Information
The certificate holder section lists the person or organization requesting proof of insurance. Their legal name and address should be accurately shown.
8. Additional Insured & Waiver of Subrogation (If Required)
Some contracts require special wording such as:
- Additional insured status
- Waiver of subrogation
- Primary and noncontributory language
Important: These are not automatically included just because they’re typed onto the certificate. They must be properly endorsed on the actual insurance policy. Without the proper endorsement, the certificate alone does not change coverage.
Why This Matters for Missouri & Arkansas Businesses
Incorrect or incomplete Certificates of Insurance can lead to:
- Project delays
- Contract violations
- Denied access to job sites
- Coverage disputes during a claim
For contractors, service businesses, property managers, and commercial operators in Missouri and Arkansas, understanding how to properly review a COI is a key part of risk management.
Final Thoughts
A Certificate of Insurance is more than a formality — it’s documentation that your business is properly insured and contract compliant.
Before sending or accepting a COI, review the issue date, legal name, coverage types, limits, and required endorsements carefully. Taking a few extra minutes to confirm accuracy can prevent costly surprises later.
If you’re unsure whether your insurance coverage meets contract requirements in Missouri or Arkansas, working with an independent insurance agency can help ensure your policies — and your certificates — are properly structured to protect your business.