What is an ACORD Certificate of Insurance?

 An ACORD Certificate of Insurance is a standardized form that provides proof of your restaurant’s insurance coverage, showing policy limits, effective dates, and covered risks.

What you need to know

This is the document you’ll email to landlords, event venues, or catering clients who need verification that you’re properly insured. Think of it as your insurance “receipt” that proves you have coverage without sharing your entire policy.

Key features of the ACORD certificate:

• Shows your policy numbers and coverage types (general liability, property, workers comp)
• Lists coverage limits for each policy
• Displays policy effective dates and expiration dates
• Identifies the certificate holder (the party requesting proof of insurance)
• Notes any additional insured endorsements

Critical reminder: The certificate is proof of coverage, not the policy itself. It doesn’t extend coverage or alter your policy terms—it simply verifies what coverage exists on the date it’s issued.

Why it matters for restaurant owners

You can’t sign most commercial leases, cater events, or work with certain vendors without this certificate. The ACORD form is the industry standard, meaning landlords, venue managers, and corporate clients will specifically request it by name.

Common situations requiring certificates:

• Lease signing – Landlords require proof of coverage before you move in
• Event catering – Venues need certificates showing they’re listed as additional insured
• Vendor contracts – Food suppliers and equipment lessors often require proof of coverage
• License renewals – Some jurisdictions require certificates for liquor license renewals

Keep digital copies readily available, as you’ll need them frequently. Your insurance agent can generate new certificates quickly when needed, often customizing them to meet specific requirements from landlords or clients.

Essential practices:

• Request certificates in advance – allow 24-48 hours for your agent to process requests
• Verify accuracy – check that policy numbers, dates, and limits match your actual coverage
• Save all copies – maintain a file of certificates you’ve issued and to whom
• Update annually – when policies renew, old certificates become invalid
• Know the requirements – ask landlords/clients exactly what coverage limits and endorsements they need

The certificate only reflects coverage that exists on the date it’s issued. If your policy cancels or you reduce coverage, previously issued certificates don’t keep that coverage in force.