What Is a Certificate of Insurance and Why Do I Need One?

By Spencer Bellott, AHP Director, Risk Management  

One of the many benefits of Associated Hair Professionals (AHP) membership is professional liability insurance. Like all insurance, you hope you never need to use it, but it’s nice to know it’s there.  

At some point, an employer, venue, or landlord might ask you for proof that you have insurance for your work as a hairdresser. You will want to provide them a certificate of insurance. 

Q: What Is a Certificate of Insurance? 

A: A certificate of insurance (COI) is a document created by the insurer that shows your name and the limits associated with your coverage. It is signed by the insurance company that provides evidence of insurance.  

Q: Why Might I Be Asked for a COI? 

A: Here are some examples as to why you might be asked to provide a COI: 

• You just found a new place you are planning on leasing and your landlord requires you to have insurance for your business. 
• You decided to moonlight and pick up some work as part of the gig economy and the company facilitating this work also requested proof of insurance. 
• You just got a new job/contract and your employer requested proof you have insurance for your profession. 
• You are required to provide proof for your professional license with your state. 

Q: When Should You Not Provide a COI? 

A: If you have a client who is asking for proof of your insurance, or you receive a request in the mail from a representative of a past client, call AHP to speak with someone in the risk management department to talk through the next steps with this request. 

Q: How Can I Get a COI 24 Hours a Day? 

A: The process is simple. Log in to associatedhairprofessionals.com

Under quick links at left, click on Certificate of Insurance. 

Click on the COI link to download a copy you can provide to your landlord or employer. 

If you need a COI from a prior year, please email info@associatedhairprofessionals.com 

Related Content 

• “What is Business Personal Property Insurance” 

• “What Every Hair Professional Booth Renter Should Know About Liability Insurance”