CSR Desk Reference

Named insured (exactly as it appears on the policy), current policy number, coverage type and limits, the certificate holder's name and address, and any special language they're requiring (additional insured, waiver of subrogation). Most AMS systems let you generate this in under 5 minutes.

No. A COI only describes existing coverage — it doesn't grant it. To actually add an additional insured, you need to request an endorsement from the carrier. Issue the COI after the endorsement is bound, not before.

Standard ISO policies give 10 days for non-payment and 30 days for most other cancellations — but not all carriers offer 30-day notice as a COI provision. Check the policy. Some carriers offer a 30-day notice endorsement. Never add language to a COI that doesn't reflect what the policy actually provides.

1) Check if the policy has a blanket additional insured endorsement that may cover them automatically. 2) If not, contact the carrier to add a named AI endorsement. 3) Issue the COI only after the AI is confirmed on the policy.

Vehicle year, make, model, VIN, garaging address, primary driver name and date of birth, and the coverage being requested (liability only vs. comp/collision and with what deductibles). Submit to the carrier for a mid-term endorsement. Send confirmation to the client when it's bound.

Get the full address, building ownership (own vs. lease), square footage, construction type, and whether they want property coverage for that location. Both GL and property policies may need to be endorsed. Check with the underwriter if it's a significant change.

For WC: payroll will be audited at year-end, but notify the carrier if there's a large payroll increase or a new class of employee. For GL: large headcount increases may affect premium at audit. For commercial auto: new drivers need to be added before they operate company vehicles.

Yes, with a mid-term endorsement. Get the effective date of the sale and the VIN. Return premium is typically calculated pro-rata. Confirm with the client that the vehicle is no longer in their possession or control.

Check the reason: non-payment vs. carrier-initiated. For non-payment: find out if the carrier accepts reinstatement (some do within 10 days). Get payment, submit it, and get reinstatement confirmation in writing. Note any lapse in coverage dates. For carrier-initiated: advise immediately on replacement options.

Common causes: rate increases (carrier-level, not specific to client), changes in class codes or exposure basis (more revenue, more vehicles), loss surcharges from prior claims, reduced credits, or market hardening. Pull the renewal worksheet and compare line by line. Then explain clearly — clients accept increases better when they understand the reason.

Premium audits happen at the end of the policy period (or sometimes during) to verify actual exposure vs. estimated. If revenue or payroll was higher than estimated, there's additional premium due. Remind them that the estimate at inception was just that — an estimate. If the audit number looks wrong, they can request a review and submit their records.

Date/time/location of the incident, description of what happened, names and contact info of all parties involved, any injuries or visible property damage, police report number (if applicable), photos if available. Do NOT advise the client on whether it will be covered — that's the carrier's determination.

Advise clients that "incidents" should typically be reported, especially if there's third-party involvement (injury or property damage to others). Failing to report timely can jeopardize coverage. Let the carrier evaluate — that's what they're paid to do. Document that you advised the client to report.

Say: "I can look at the policy and give you an initial read, but the carrier makes the final coverage determination once the claim is reviewed." Then actually look at the policy. If coverage appears clear, say so but add the caveat. Never guarantee coverage verbally without qualification — that's how E&O claims start.

Standard GL does not cover auto liability. This is covered by a Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) endorsement on either the GL or commercial auto policy. Check if they have it — if not, this is a coverage gap worth flagging.

It depends. Many GL policies exclude bodily injury to uninsured subcontractors, or treat them as employees for WC purposes. Check the policy endorsements and the specific exclusions. This is a common source of claim disputes.

Not if the policy only provides $1M. A COI only reflects actual policy limits. If they need $5M, they need to increase primary limits or add an umbrella. Calculate the cost and present options.

No. GL excludes employee bodily injury. Workers comp is the coverage that responds to employee injuries. If they don't have WC and have W-2 employees, that's a major gap — flag immediately and get a WC quote started.