What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for Moving Companies?
By Family Movers Canada · Published July 10, 2026 · 6 min read
A Certificate of Insurance (COI), also known as a proof of insurance certificate, is a document that summarizes your moving company's insurance coverage and verifies that you carry adequate liability protection.
Issued by your insurance company or broker, the COI confirms that your policy is active. It outlines the types of coverage, policy limits, expiration date, and other essential details.
For moving companies like Family Movers Canada, a COI is not just a formality. It is a key business document. Whether you're booking a local household move, a long-distance relocation, or a corporate transfer, clients, landlords, property managers, and building administrators routinely request proof of insurance before trusting you with their belongings and homes.
Without a current COI, you can lose out on jobs, especially with larger clients, apartment buildings, or commercial properties that require verified coverage.
What Information Does a Certificate of Insurance Include?
A typical COI for a moving company includes:
- Broker / Insurer details: Name, address, and contact information of the issuing broker and underwriting insurance company.
- Policyholder details: Your company name (e.g., Family Movers Canada), address, and contact information.
- Additional insureds: Clients, landlords, property managers, or building owners who are added to your policy for a specific job.
- Policy information: Policy number, effective and expiration dates, coverage types (General Liability, Cargo/Moving Goods in Transit, Auto, etc.), limits of insurance, and any relevant exclusions or deductibles.
The document is usually one page and clearly marked as a Certificate of Insurance.
Why Moving Companies Need a Certificate of Insurance
Moving companies face unique risks, from damage to household goods and client property to injuries during loading/unloading or transit accidents. A COI provides assurance to:
- Homeowners and families who want protection for their cherished belongings.
- Apartment and condo property managers who require proof of insurance before allowing access to buildings or elevators.
- Corporate clients and relocation departments managing employee moves.
- Landlords and storage facilities when using their premises.
- General contractors or real estate agents coordinating larger relocation projects.
Having a readily available COI helps Family Movers Canada build trust, win more bids, and close deals faster. It shows you're a professional, fully insured operation that protects your clients.
How to Get a Certificate of Insurance as a Moving Company
- Secure a suitable business insurance policy for your moving operations (General Liability + Cargo + Commercial Auto is standard).
- Purchase or renew the policy.
- Request your Certificate of Insurance. Most brokers can issue it immediately.
- Add additional insureds as needed for specific jobs (e.g., a particular apartment building or client).
At Family Movers Canada, we maintain active, comprehensive insurance and can provide updated COIs quickly for our clients and partners upon request.
How Much Does a Certificate of Insurance Cost?
The COI itself is free. It is simply proof of your existing coverage. What you pay is the premium for your underlying moving company insurance, which depends on:
- Fleet size and vehicles used
- Annual revenue
- Types of moves (local, long-distance, international)
- Number of employees/contractors
- Claims history and coverage limits chosen
Who Needs a Certificate of Insurance in the Moving Industry?
Virtually every reputable moving company in Canada should have one on hand. This includes:
- Local and long-distance household movers
- Specialized family relocation services
- Corporate and office movers
- Self-employed owner-operators
- Moving and storage companies
If you frequently work in apartment buildings, condos, or commercial properties, expect to provide a COI before every job.
Tip: Always verify a third-party mover's COI directly with their broker to ensure the policy is valid and the limits are sufficient.
Is a Certificate of Insurance the Same as a Business Insurance Policy?
No.
A COI is a summary document. It proves you have insurance but does not include all the full terms and conditions.
The actual insurance policy is the complete legal contract that details all coverages, exclusions, endorsements, and obligations. The COI simply confirms the highlights for third parties.
Protect Your Business and Your Clients
At Family Movers Canada, we take insurance seriously because we understand the responsibility of moving people's homes and lives. Our policies are designed specifically for the moving industry to protect families, their belongings, and our team.
If you're a homeowner or business planning a move, feel free to ask us for our current Certificate of Insurance. We're happy to provide it.
Ready to move with confidence?
Contact Family Movers Canada today for a stress-free, fully insured moving experience.
- Phone: 519-200-3116
- Email: info@FamilyMovers.ca
- Website: familymovers.ca
Serving families across Canada with care, professionalism, and proper insurance protection.