when should i get a certificate of insurance 
you should ask for and receive a coi before anyone works on your home or property if you have a written contract it should contain insurance requirements including coverage and limits required that are verified with a coi the bottom lineyou may need a certificate of insurance coi in a number of situations generally a client will request a coi directly from your insurance company to confirm you have appropriate insurance coverage if you are hiring a contractor consider getting a coi from their insurance company even if you have worked with them before because their coverage may have changed 