Insurance Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A Certificate of Insurance proves your active coverage to landlords, vendors, lenders, and buyers. It must be updated annually and whenever coverage changes.
What Is a COI?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page summary document issued by your insurance company or broker that proves your restaurant holds active insurance coverage. It is not the policy itself — it is proof that the policy exists.
Who Requests a COI
- Landlord — almost universally required as a lease condition; your landlord is often listed as an "Additional Insured"
- Vendors and suppliers — may require proof of general liability before service agreements
- Alcohol distributors — often require proof of liquor liability coverage
- Lender — required for SBA loans and commercial financing
- Restaurant buyer — critical due diligence document
Standard Coverage Types for Restaurants
| Coverage Type | Typical Minimum | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate | Bodily injury, property damage |
| Liquor Liability | $1M (if serving alcohol) | Dram shop liability |
| Property | Replacement value of contents/equipment | Fire, theft, damage |
| Workers Compensation | Statutory limits (required in Georgia) | Employee injury |
| Business Interruption | 12 months revenue | Income during forced closure |
Georgia Workers Compensation Requirement
Georgia requires workers compensation insurance for any business with 3 or more employees (including part-time). This is a separate policy from general liability.
Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation Phone: (404) 656-2034 Website: sbwc.georgia.gov
How to Get a COI
Request a COI from your insurance broker or agent. They can issue a COI naming specific additional insureds (e.g., your landlord) within 24–48 hours. Keep both a digital and printed copy accessible.
What SpoonSeal tracks
The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.
Stay ahead of this requirement
SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.
Get started free →This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.