What is a certificate of insurance?
A certificate of insurance is a document issued by an insurance company that verifies a junk removal business carries active general liability coverage for property damage or bodily injury claims.
When a property manager or commercial client hires a junk removal company, they often ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) before work starts. This document, issued by the junk removal company's insurance provider, shows that the business maintains general liability coverage. It typically lists the policy number, coverage limits, and the dates the policy is active.
General liability insurance protects the property owner if something goes wrong during the removal job. If a worker damages a wall, breaks a floor, or causes injury on site, the insurance covers legal costs and repair or medical expenses. For commercial jobs like clearing retail spaces, office buildings, or apartment complexes, a COI is often a requirement in the contract.
The certificate serves as quick proof without requiring the property manager to dig through a junk removal company's full insurance files. Most commercial clients ask to be listed as an additional insured on the policy, which gives them extra protection. When vetting commercial junk removal providers in Ontario, requesting and reviewing a current COI is standard practice. Make sure the coverage dates align with your project timeline.