Understanding the “Named Insured” Field on a Certificate of Insurance

The Named Insured field is one of the most important components of a Certificate of Insurance (COI). It identifies the legal entity or entities that are being covered by the insurance policy.

Accurate completion of this field is critical for ensuring that the correct party is insured and that the certificate aligns with the contractual agreement between the vendor and the client. For coverage, the named insured must be the legal entity's name and not a DBA or partial legal entity name. 

What is the Named Insured?

The Named Insured is the business, organization, or individual who holds the insurance policy. This entity receives the protections outlined in the insurance contract and is responsible for premium payments and compliance with the policy’s terms.

Key Points:

• The Named Insured must be the entity's legal name providing services or performing work.

• The name should match exactly the entity listed in the contract or agreement between the vendor and the client (Certificate Holder).

• If the business operates under a DBA (Doing Business As), the legal entity name should still be listed as the Named Insured.

• VIVE will be unable to approve an insurance policy if the named insured is not the legal entity name listed with the IRS or the Secretary of State. 

Example: If the business is registered as “ABC Restoration, LLC,” but the COI lists “ABC Services,” the certificate is considered invalid until corrected. 

Why It Matters for VIVE Compliance

Inaccurate or mismatched Named Insured entries can result in:

• Non-compliant COIs

• Delays in vendor approval or renewal

• Denied claims if a loss occurs and the Named Insured cannot be legally tied to the contract or work performed

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Need More Help?

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