What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

A Certificate of Insurance is a one-page document from your insurance company that proves you have active coverage. Farmers markets, pop-up events, and commercial venues will ask you for one before they allow you to set up a table.

The COI shows: your name and business name, the insurance company, the type of coverage, the coverage limits, and the policy effective dates. It is not the policy itself — it is proof of the policy.

What “Additional Insured” Means

When an event organizer says “please add us as additional insured on your policy,” they are asking you to list them on your COI so that they are also covered under your policy for liability arising from your presence at their event.

This protects them if, for example, a customer claims they got sick from your product and tries to sue the market as well as you. The market is covered under your policy as an additional insured.

With FLIP, adding an additional insured is free and takes about two minutes in their online portal.

How to Generate a COI — Step by Step (FLIP example)

1. Log into your FLIP account at fliprogram.com
2. Click “Certificate of Insurance” in your dashboard
3. Click “Add Certificate Holder”
4. Enter the market or event’s business name and address exactly as they gave it to you (spelling matters)
5. If they’ve asked to be added as “Additional Insured,” check that box
6. Generate and download the COI (PDF)
7. Email it to the market organizer

With FLIP this is instant. Some providers take 24–48 hours — know your provider’s timeline before you apply to a market with a tight deadline.

Markets That Will Ask for a COI

Almost every licensed farmers market will require a COI before your first market. Many also require proof annually when the season starts. Create a running list in Tab 7 of your binder of every market and event you’ve submitted a COI to, with the date submitted and the contact name.

When you apply to a new market, assume they will ask for a COI. Have your insurance information ready and know how to generate one before you submit the application — some markets process applicants quickly and you’ll need it same-day.