1. What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
2. When does a Group need a COI?
3. What does “Additional Insured” mean?
4. What coverage amounts are typically required?
5. How do I request a COI?
6. How much notice is required to request a COI?
7. Do I need to include a contract with my request?
8. How long is a COI valid?
9. What if I only need proof of insurance (not Additional Insured)?

 

1. What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that provides proof of liability insurance coverage. For Scouts Canada Groups, it is commonly used to confirm insurance coverage and, when required, to name another organization as an Additional Insured.

 

2. When does a Group need a COI?

Scout Group would typically need a COI when:

• Group is using a facility or property owned by an external organization that requires proof of insurance.
• A third party (e.g., a venue, municipality, or partner organization) asks to be named as an Additional Insured as a condition of use or participation.

 

3. What does “Additional Insured” mean?

When an organization is named as an Additional Insured, your liability insurance extends certain protections to that organization for the specific activity, event, or timeframe listed on the certificate. This is a common requirement when using third-party facilities or hosting events.

 

4. What coverage amounts are typically required?

Most organizations request:

• Commercial General Liability insurance, often with limits of $2,000,000 or more.
• Requirements can vary, so Groups should review the third party’s insurance wording carefully and include it with the request.

 

5. How do I request a COI?

To request a COI:

1. Submit a request through Certificate of Insurance Request.
2. Provide all of the required information such as full legal name and address of the organization requesting the COI, event type, event date(s) as well as the deadline the COI is required by.
3. Attach a copy of the contract or written insurance requirements, if applicable.
4. Submit the request with sufficient advance notice.

 

6. How much notice is required to request a COI?

Requests must be submitted at least fifteen (15) business days before:

• The Certificate of Insurance is required,
• A contract must be signed, or
• The event takes place, whichever occurs first.

 

7. Do I need to include a contract with my request?

Yes. If a contract exists or insurance requirements are outlined by the requesting organization, a copy must be included with your request. The agreement is reviewed to ensure that responsibilities and liabilities are appropriately and fairly allocated between all parties, and that each party remains responsible for its own liability. This review helps ensure that Scouts Canada does not assume unnecessary or unintended risk, and that the Certificate of Insurance accurately reflects the required coverage and wording.

 

8. How long is a COI valid?

A COI is valid only for the dates and activities specified on the certificate. It does not automatically renew. Separate requests may be required for recurring events or future dates.

 

9. What if I only need proof of insurance (not Additional Insured)?

Some organizations only require Proof of Insurance, which confirms coverage but does not name them as an Additional Insured. This may be sufficient for lower-risk activities or basic facility use. Please still use the Certificate of Insurance Requests form and one of our agents will be able to provide a copy of our generic COI.

 

Support Centre

Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Support Centre: