Summary: Certificates of insurance serve an integral role in the relationship between vendors and buyers, contractors and sub-contractors, lessees and lessors, mortgagees and mortgagors, and others who hold inter-related positions in the supply chain of the economy. Most certificates only provide information on the type and limits of insurance that the insured carries. They have little or no standing legally because they are not contractual in nature—they only represent the coverage and limits that are provided by the insurance policies indicated. However, certificates do provide those who rely on them with the information needed to verify coverage exists at the time the certificate is issued and to determine whether it may be adequate for the relationship. Copies of standard ACORD certificates of insurance are reproduced at the end of this chapter. The documents are copyrighted by ACORD.