Let’s face it—insurance policies can be long, boring, and filled with legal jargon that nobody has time to sift through. Thankfully, there’s a way to get the important stuff without diving into hundreds of pages. Enter the Certificate of Insurance, or COI!

A COI is like a quick snapshot of an insurance policy—a one-pager that sums up all the key details you need to know. Issued by insurance brokers, it acts as proof that a company has the right coverage in place.

But here’s the thing: COIs are just for your reference. They don’t replace the actual insurance policy and won’t change any of the policy’s terms. Think of a COI as a highlight reel, while the policy is the full-length feature. If there’s ever a conflict between what’s on the COI and the insurance policy itself, the policy (and its add-ons) is the boss.

In the construction world, COIs play a big role in keeping everyone on the same page—literally! General contractors often ask their subcontractors for a COI to make sure they have the right insurance in place, whether it’s general liability, workers' comp, or auto liability. This isn’t just a box to check off; it’s about managing risk and making sure everyone is covered if something unexpected happens on the job site.

Having a COI means the general contractor can rest easy, knowing their subcontractors have the insurance they need. It’s like getting a backstage pass that shows you all the important details without having to go through every little policy clause. Plus, it helps keep projects running smoothly, without worrying about who’s responsible if something goes wrong.

So, next time someone asks for a COI, just remember: it's your proof of protection, keeping both your business and your projects safe!