How do I get proof of General Liability insurance?

May 12, 2025 | Certificate of Insurance

This article was originally published June 10, 2022

General liability insurance provides protection from lots of common business risks, from customer property damage and non-employee injuries, to libel, slander, and copyright infringement. Without it, you might find yourself with a large financial burden when something unexpected happens. So, it’s very important to have this type of coverage. It’s also crucial to be able to prove you have coverage. That leads to questions like, “What is proof of liability insurance?” and, “How do I get proof of general liability insurance?”

This article answers those questions, explaining how to prove you have general liability insurance or any type of coverage.

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What is a Certificate of General Liability Insurance?

A Certificate of General Liability Insurance (sometimes just called a Certificate of Insurance or COI) is a document that proves you have insurance coverage. Essentially, it’s like a receipt for your insurance purchase. It includes things like the named insured (your company) on the policy, your insurance provider, the coverage limits and amounts on your policy, and its effective date and expiration date. 

You don’t have to have a certificate in order for your liability insurance to be in effect, but there are times when you’ll need to prove you have coverage.

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When would I need a Certificate of General Liability Insurance for my business?

There are a few reasons you might need a Certificate of General Liability Insurance for your business. One is that your landlord might require it as a condition of letting you lease space from them. This helps protect them if, for example, a fire started by your business damages the building. Your coverage might help pay for repairs.

In some cases, the companies you do business with might require proof that you have business general liability insurance. They want to be protected if your work damages their property or injures one of their employees. 

You might also need to provide proof of your general liability insurance policy when applying for a professional license. In some instances, being able to prove you’re covered is required by law.

Getting a COI for your liability insurance policy is easy.

With biBerk, getting a free Certificate of Insurance (COI) for a liability insurance policy is fast, easy, and convenient. All you have to do is visit the Certificate of Insurance page on our website. Then, click Get a Certificate and follow the instructions.

If you need to add additional insureds to your general liability insurance certificate or you need a customized certificate, all you have to do is call 1-844-472-0967 and we’ll take care of that for you. Having liability insurance shows you’re focused on protecting your company and the organizations you do business with. We want to make sure it’s simple for you to prove you’ve got great coverage from a trusted provider!

Who turns to biBerk for affordable General Liability insurance (and easy access to COIs)?

At biBerk, we assist all types of business owners and independent contractors looking to shield their companies from unexpected expenses with general liability insurance and other policies.

Small business owners & entrepreneurs
People who own and operate small businesses need to protect their companies from business risk and the financial fallout from incidents. That means general liability is insurance critical, and getting it from a trusted provider is essential. Liability lawsuits are common in a wide range of industries, from retail and restaurants to construction and consultants. Having insurance not only protects your finances, but it can also protect your reputation. Being able to address lawsuits promptly and professionally earns the respect of current customers and clients and leaves the door open to future business opportunities. 

Freelancers & independent contractors
“Flying solo” can make you feel like your business is exposed to all kinds of financial risks. And the reality is that there are lots of potential pitfalls for freelancers and independent contractors. But the good news is that general liability insurance from biBerk can protect your company from lawsuits and their potentially high costs. This coverage, and quick access to a Certificate of Liability Insurance, is essential for businesses like yours. So is the ability to connect with a licensed insurance expert if you have questions about your insurance or your general liability insurance certificate. When you buy your policy from biBerk, you can be confident we’re here for you.

Construction and trade professionals
For plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and other tradespeople, every day comes with many types of business risk. From causing damage in a client’s home to creating conditions that lead to them getting hurt and suing your business for their medical bills, unexpected expenses can pop up at any time. That’s why having general liability insurance (and a general liability certificate) is so important to construction and trade professionals. Whether you need a simple general liability policy or you enhance your coverage with endorsements like contractors installation, tools & equipment, cyber, hired and non-owned auto liability, employment-related practices liability, and employee benefits liability, having proof of general liability gives you and your clients peace of mind.

Is getting General Liability insurance complicated? 

At biBerk, we make getting general liability insurance or any coverage fast and efficient. You can get free, instant, self-service policy quotes on our website whenever it’s convenient for you. Then, you can also make your purchases online, with coverage typically active as soon as the next day. That means there’s no reason to be without business insurance or the ability to quickly prove that you have it!

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