Your Building Requires a COI: Here’s Why
A Certificate of Insurance protects you, your building, and your neighbors on moving day. Watch our expert explain what it is, how to get one, and what to look out for.
What It Proves
Your moving company carries active liability insurance and is authorized to operate in your building.
Who Needs It
Building managers, co-op boards, and landlords require it before granting elevator or loading dock access.
What It Costs You
A standard COI should be free. If your mover charges for it, that is a red flag. Roadway never charges for a standard COI.
What is a Certificate of Insurance?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official document that confirms your moving company carries adequate liability insurance. It is issued by the mover’s insurance company and presented to your building management before or on moving day. The COI assures building managers that the moving company is insured to handle all potential damages during moving activities, so the building will not be held liable for anything that happens inside their property.
What Information Does a COI Include?
- The address of the property where the move is taking place
- The name of the person or entity authorized by the building to oversee the move
- Confirmation that the movers are insured to operate at that specific building
- The amount of coverage provided (typically $1 to 10 million per occurrence)
Please coordinate with your Move Coordinator to provide the necessary building details and specific COI requirements
Why Your Building Requires It
Most managed buildings in New York City and other major metro areas require a COI before allowing any move-in or move-out activity. This requirement exists to protect the building, its residents, and common areas from potential damage. Without a valid COI, your building may deny access to the elevator or loading dock on moving day, causing delays and additional costs.
Send us your requirements early: if your building uses a specific COI template, portal, or named additional insured, give it to your relocation specialist as soon as you book. Rushed requests on moving day are the single most common cause of access delays, and they are completely avoidable.
Red Flags to Watch For
| Good Practice | Red Flag |
|---|---|
| COI provided at no charge | Mover charges $100+ for a standard COI |
| $1 to 10 million in coverage | Coverage below your building’s minimum requirement |
| COI ready before moving day | Mover says they will bring it on the day |
| Physical and email copies available | No documentation provided in advance |
How Roadway Moving Handles Your COI
At Roadway Moving, we issue COIs directly from our insurance company and provide them to clients as needed, at no extra charge. Our team will have a physical copy of the COI on moving day, so if your building manager or doorman asks to see it, we will have it ready. Our standard coverage is $10 million, which meets or exceeds the requirements of virtually every building in New York City.
Some buildings may request additional endorsements beyond a standard COI template. In those cases, there may be a small fee (capped at $250 with Roadway). Your relocation specialist will handle this paperwork for you.
In plain terms: a standard COI is always free with Roadway. The only time a fee applies is when a building demands special endorsements, and even then it is capped at $250 and your specialist files it for you.
Need a COI for Your Upcoming Move?
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