A certificate of insurance, usually shortened to "COI," is one of the more common paperwork requests couples and corporate planners run into when booking vendors — and one of the least explained. If your venue or building management asked for one from your transportation company, here is what it is, why it is required, and what a legitimate car service should be able to hand over immediately.
What a Certificate of Insurance Actually Shows
A COI is a one-page document issued by an insurance carrier that summarizes a vendor's active commercial auto and general liability coverage — the policy limits, effective dates and, often, the venue or building itself named as an "additional insured" for the date of service. It is not the full insurance policy, just proof that adequate coverage exists.
Why Wedding Venues Require One
Many venues, particularly farm properties, historic estates and country clubs, require a COI from every vendor with vehicles on the property — not just transportation, but catering trucks and rental-equipment delivery too. It protects the venue if an incident occurs involving a vendor's vehicle on their grounds, and most coordinators will not confirm a vendor on the day-of timeline without one on file in advance.
Why Corporate Buildings Require One
Office towers and corporate campuses with loading docks, parking structures or restricted vehicle access frequently require the same documentation from any recurring vendor, including a car service running a standing corporate account. Building management uses it to confirm the vendor carries adequate coverage before granting access credentials or a parking permit.
What to Ask Your Car Service For
Ask directly for a COI naming your venue or building as an additional insured for the specific date, and request it early — most venues want it on file one to two weeks before the event, not the morning of. A licensed, properly insured car service should be able to produce this within a day or two of the request with no resistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can IAD Airport Limo provide a certificate of insurance for our venue or building?
Yes. Call (877) 609-1919 or email your venue or building's COI requirements and we will provide a certificate naming them as an additional insured for your date.
How far in advance should we request a COI?
As soon as your venue or building confirms the requirement — most want it on file one to two weeks before the event, not the morning of.
Is a COI the same as proof of a driver's license?
No, a COI documents insurance coverage, not driver credentials. We maintain both licensing and insurance documentation and can provide either on request.
Do all wedding venues require a vendor COI?
Not all, but many do, especially farm properties, historic estates and country clubs. Check your venue contract or ask your coordinator directly.
Does a COI cost extra?
No, providing a certificate of insurance to a venue or building on request is a standard part of booking with a properly licensed and insured carrier.