Understanding Certificates of Insurance (COIs) for Church Vendors and Contractors


A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document issued by an insurance company or broker that verifies a vendor, contractor, freelancer, or event provider carries active insurance coverage.


We will require a COI before allowing any third party to:

  • Perform work on church property
  • Provide professional services
  • Participate in events
  • Access church systems or sensitive information
  • Transport equipment or materials to the church
  • Teach lessons such as baton, karate, fitness, etc.


What Is a COI?

A COI is not the insurance policy itself. It is a summary document that confirms:

  • The vendor has active insurance coverage
  • Coverage types and policy limits
  • Policy effective dates
  • Insurance carrier information


The certificate should always come directly from the vendor’s insurance broker or insurance company.


COI must be in hand before any work is started.


General Generic COI

For general purposes that does not include construction, production, or events. Examples teaching baton, gymnastics,

  • $1 million per occurrence
  • $2 million aggregate



Subcontractors and Vendors COI Requirements

Subcontractors performing physical labor, construction, maintenance, repairs, installations, or trade work should provide the following minimum coverage:


  • Commercial General Liability

Recommended minimum:

  • $1 million per occurrence
  • $2 million aggregate

Larger projects or higher-risk work may require higher limits.


  • Workers’ Compensation

Coverage should meet statutory limits required by the state where the work is performed.

  • employers in construction with one or more employees (including owners/officers) and non-construction businesses with four or more employees maintain coverage.


  • Commercial Auto Liability

Required for subcontractors operating vehicles on or to church property.

Recommended minimum:

  • $1 million combined single limit


COI Requirements for Freelancers and Independent Contractors

Freelancers and independent contractors should carry insurance appropriate to the services they provide.


  • General Liability
  • $500,000 to $1 million per occurrence

This applies to freelancers working on church property or delivering physical products.


  • Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions (E&O)
  • $500,000


This coverage is important for:

  • Designers
  • Developers
  • Consultants
  • Writers
  • Marketing professionals
  • IT providers
  • Other professional service providers


  • Cyber Liability

Cyber liability coverage should be required for anyone who:

  • Accesses church systems
  • Handles church or member data
  • Manages digital assets
  • Processes sensitive information


  • Workers’ Compensation

Usually required only if the freelancer has employees.

Sole proprietors without employees may be exempt depending on state requirements.


COI Requirements for Event Vendors

Event vendors should provide proof of insurance before participating in church events or using church facilities.


  • General Liability
  • $1 million per occurrence
  • $2 million aggregate is commonly required



Common Vendor Concerns About Providing a COI “I Don’t Know How to Get One”

The vendor should contact their insurance broker or insurance agent. The broker generates the COI, not the vendor. Most standard requests are completed within one business day. If a vendor attempts to create their own COI document, it should not be accepted.


“My Insurance Company Won’t Allow It”

Being listed as a Certificate Holder is standard practice and purely informational. Additional Insured status is also a common commercial insurance request that most insurers accommodate. If questions arise, request that the vendor’s broker contact the church directly.


“Insurance Isn’t Required for This Type of Work”

Even if coverage is not legally required, churches may still require insurance as part of their vendor approval process. Insurance requirements help protect the church from assuming liability for vendor-related incidents.


“I Don’t Want to Provide a COI”

Proceeding without insurance creates significant financial exposure for the church. Without proper coverage, the church could become responsible for:

  • Property damage
  • Injuries
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Professional errors
  • Data breaches
  • Other claims caused by the vendor

Finding a compliant vendor is typically far less costly than handling an uninsured loss.


Best Practices for Churches

Before approving any vendor or contractor:

  • Request the COI before work begins
  • Verify policy effective dates
  • Confirm coverage limits meet requirements
  • Ensure the certificate is issued by a legitimate broker or carrier
  • Request Additional Insured status when appropriate
  • Keep certificates on file for documentation purposes


For larger projects or higher-risk activities, churches should consult their insurance advisor or legal counsel to determine if additional coverage requirements are necessary.



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