What is the role of a Certificate of Insurance with respect to Additional Insured endorsements?

• A. It creates coverage for the Additional Insured.
• B. It changes the policy terms and conditions.
• C. It acts as the primary policy document.
• D. It provides evidence that coverage exists and lists who is an Additional Insured, but it does not by itself create coverage or replace policy terms.

Answer: (D)

A Certificate of Insurance acts as evidence of coverage, not as the source of protection. It confirms that there is an active policy in force and shows who is covered, including any Additional Insureds, along with basic details like policy numbers, limits, and dates. But the coverage itself, including what is covered and the policy terms, is defined by the actual policy and any endorsements. The certificate does not create coverage or modify the policy terms, and it is not the primary policy document. If a claim or dispute arises, the policy language governs, not the certificate. So the best answer is that the certificate provides evidence that coverage exists and lists who is an Additional Insured, but it does not by itself create coverage or replace policy terms.