Trucking Terms Guide

Insurance / Documents

Certificate of Insurance in trucking

COI
Short answer: A document summarizing insurance coverage for a broker, shipper, or customer.

Plain-English explanation

A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page summary document that shows a carrier's active insurance policies, limits, effective and expiration dates, insurer names, and named insured. It does not change or grant coverage — it just confirms that coverage exists at that moment.

Insurance terms should be matched to the policy, endorsement, certificate, limit, and exclusion language. A short definition cannot confirm coverage for a specific loss or load.

Why it matters in trucking

Brokers require a current COI as part of carrier setup before tendering any load. If the certificate shows expired dates, wrong limits, or a missing endorsement, setup stalls. Carriers who let COI renewals slip lose access to brokers until the agent issues an updated certificate.

Coverage questions are easier before dispatch than after a claim. If the load, trailer, cargo value, or operating status is unusual, clarify the wording early.

Example in real use

A broker receives a carrier packet with a COI showing primary liability of $1,000,000, cargo of $100,000, and a policy expiration of next month. Dispatch flags it for follow-up: the agent will need to issue a renewal certificate before the policy lapses or the broker removes the carrier from their approved list.

Common mistakes or confusion

  • Treating the COI as the actual policy — it is a summary document and does not grant or extend coverage.
  • Sending a COI that does not list the broker as certificate holder or additional insured when the broker's setup form requires it.
  • Letting the COI expire without sending the renewal to active broker partners, which can suspend loads mid-lane.

Related terms

Loss Run A report showing a business's insurance claims history for a period. Additional Insured A party added to a policy for limited coverage rights under policy terms. Certificate Holder A party listed to receive proof of insurance or notices as described on the certificate. Certificate of Insurance A document summarizing insurance coverage for a broker, shipper, or customer. Primary Liability Liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by the truck in covered operations. Physical Damage Coverage for damage to the insured truck or trailer itself, subject to policy terms.

Related guides

Truck Insurance Terms is the best next place to keep learning this topic.

Sources and last updated

Insurance definitions are reviewed against FMCSA minimum coverage requirements and NAIC consumer insurance glossary. Coverage details should be confirmed against the actual policy. See the sources page.

Last updated: 2026-05-10