A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document is issued by an insurance company that provides evidence of insurance coverage.   

It is important to note that insurance certificates need to be renewed  or re-issued on an annual basis or at the start of a new insurance policy term. 

When an External Party Requires a Certificate of Insurance 

COIs are often requested by external parties who engage with the university. For example, when McMaster University rents space in an offsite, non-McMaster owned location or enters into a contract for services. 

To request a Certificate of Insurance: 

• Following the execution of a contract or agreement with an external party, complete and submit the?Certificate of Insurance Request Form 
• Please allow at least 5 business days after submitting the Certificate of Insurance Request Form to receive the certificate of insurance 
• If you have any questions, please contact the Chief Risk Office 

 When McMaster University Requires a Certificate of Insurance 

Certificates of Insurance should be requested by McMaster University staff when engaging in a contract with external parties.  

A properly completed Certificate of Insurance should be obtained?before?services are provided or before the activity outlined in the contract begins. 

The Certificate of Insurance from the external party must have the following: 

• The named insured must match the name in the contract
• The appropriate insurance coverage and limits must be shown
• The Certificate Holder section should show the McMaster University contact name and address
• The Description of Activity or Operations should describe the specific duty, service or event

Cargo or Shipping Insurance provides coverage for property, goods or equipment while in transit between McMaster University and its destination, and for the equipment’s return transit, if applicable.  

When shipping property, goods, or equipment, it is important to understand what is covered, what exclusions may apply, and what information you need to provide to the Chief Risk Office in order to activate this insurance.   

To register for cargo or shipping insurance coverage, please complete the form at the link below:

McMaster University policy RMM 904 University Owned, Leased or Rented Vehicle Program details all protocols and procedures related to the use of university owned or leased vehicles as well as rental of vehicles on university business.  

All university vehicle owners are provided on an annual basis with an insurance liability card, which should be kept with the driver of the vehicle when in use. 

All information on any new vehicles, new drivers or changes to existing vehicle and driver information, must be promptly reported to the Chief Risk Office in order to ensure that insurance coverage is in place.  

McMaster University policy RMM 904 University Owned, Leased or Rented Vehicle Program details all protocols and procedures related to the use of university owned or leased vehicles as well as rental of vehicles on university business.   

All information on any rental vehicles must be promptly reported to the Chief Risk Office in order to ensure that insurance coverage is in place.  

Special insurance is required for the performing of clinical trials in many countries and country-specific requirements for this insurance differ greatly.

It is recommended that McMaster staff and faculty contact the Chief Risk Office to discuss clinical trials insurance needs and options in the early planning stages of any trial.