Certificates of Insurance
Provide proof of insurance and detail your limits and coverages.
getting a certificate
It is increasingly common for other organizations and/or people (third parties) to request some evidence that the fraternity/sorority or chapter has insurance coverage in place. The form that confirms that coverage is, in fact, in place is called the Certificate of Insurance, and it shows your limits and coverages.
In addition, it is also very common for you to receive a request from a lender requesting that you provide evidence that you carry property insurance. Banks often require you to list them as a mortgagee or loss payee on your policy for property for which they provide a loan. Companies from whom you lease equipment, such as a copy machine vendor, also often request proof that you are carrying insurance to cover any damage to their equipment.
A Certificate of Insurance details your limits and coverages, and you’re likely to need a copy for more than your own information.
Events
If you’re planning an event, you can fill out the Event Certificate form to request proof of coverage. Event Certificates typically take at least two weeks to process, so be sure to request a certificate well in advance of your event.
Non-Event-Specific Certificates
If you need proof of coverage for your own records or for loan applications and rentals, you can request a Non-Event-Specific Certificate.
Which form to use?
There are two Certificate of Insurance Request Forms on our website, and the easiest way to know which one you need is this:
1. EVENT SPECIFIC FORM
Use this form when you are having an EVENT.
✔ If people are getting together in person
✔ If you’re hosting something
✔ If there is a venue
✔ If someone is asking for a Certificate of Insurance because of an event
Examples:
- A social event – semi-formal, formal, mixer etc.
- A philanthropy event – raising money for your philanthropy etc.
- A chapter event – chapter retreats, initiation, sisterhood etc.
If the reason you are requesting a Certificate of Insurance includes the word “event,” this is the correct form.
2. NON-EVENT SPECIFIC FORM
Use this form when it is NOT for an event.
✔ No gathering
✔ No venue
✔ No activity taking place
Examples:
- A university asks for proof that your chapter is insured for recognition
- You are renting or leasing equipment (like office equipment)
THE SIMPLE RULE
If people are gathering → EVENT form. If no one is gathering → NON-EVENT form.
event certificates
To request a Certificate of Insurance for an event, please fill out the request form at least two weeks prior to your event.
non-event certificates
To request a Certificate of Insurance for a university, mortgagee, bank, or loss payee, please complete the Non-Event Certificate of Insurance Request Form.
resources for event planning
Planning an event? Our resource library’s event planning section has everything you need to get started, from requesting certificates to reviewing contracts.
FAQs
Have questions? Take a look at our certificate and event FAQs.
What is a third-party (e.g., in reference to a contract)?
When we reference a “third party” in our Certificate/Event Review Request Form, we are referring to any entity other than the parties to the contract.How long does it take to process a Certificate of Insurance?
It depends on what exactly is required by the specific venue and the nature of the event. We require two weeks’ notice for Certificate of Insurance/Event Review requests.I need a Certificate of Insurance for a third party…what next?
All Certificate requests must be submitted directly via an online form.I have a Certificate of Insurance for an event we held last month. Can I use it again for another event?
No, Certificates of Insurance are all issued on an event specific basis; therefore, each time someone requests a Certificate of Insurance, you must obtain another Certificate of Insurance.Does MJ Insurance approve events?
No, MJ Insurance offers recommendations based on prudent risk management. Your national organization has the ultimate decision as to the approval of your event based on your organization’s risk management policies and the specifics of the event.
