Certificate holder

Published 2026-06-12 · by Brokly

In plain terms: The person or company a certificate of insurance is issued to — they get the paper (and often cancellation notices), but no coverage from your policy.

Why it matters to you

Making someone your certificate holder shows them your insurance exists — it doesn't cover them. When a landlord or client wants your policy to actually cover them too, they need additional-insured status — a different, bigger ask.

Where you’ll see it

A box on the certificate itself, usually bottom-left on the standard form. Contracts often spell out exactly who the certificate holder must be.

Related terms

Additional insured
Named insured

Definitions describe how policies are typically structured — exact terms live in the policy. Not legal or compliance advice.