What Is a Certificate of Insurance and Why Do I Need One?

Woman works at a laptop on a table in a sunlit room.

By Spencer Bellott, ABMP Director, Risk Management  

One of the many benefits of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) membership is professional liability insurance. Like all insurance, you hope you never need to use it, but it’s nice to know it’s there.  

At some point, an employer, venue, or landlord might ask you for proof that you have insurance for your work as a massage therapist. You will want to provide them a certificate of insurance.   

Q: What  Is a Certificate of Insurance? 

 A: A certificate of insurance (COI) is a document created by the insurer that shows your name and the limits associated with your coverage. It is signed by the insurance company that provides evidence of insurance.    

Q: Why Might I Be Asked for a COI? 

A: Here are some examples why you might be asked to provide a COI: 

  • You just found a new place you are planning on leasing and your landlord requires you to have insurance for your business. 
  • You decided to moonlight and pick up some work as part of the gig economy and the company facilitating this work also requested proof of insurance. 
  • You just got a new job/contract and your employer requested proof you have insurance for your profession. 
  • You are required to provide proof of your professional license with your state. 

Q: When Should You Not Provide a COI? 

A: If you have a client who is asking for proof of your insurance or you receive a request in the mail from a representative of a past client, call ABMP to speak with someone in the risk management department to talk through the next steps with this request. 

Q: How Can I Get a COI 24 Hours a Day? 

A: The process is simple. Log in to abmp.com.  

Under quick links at left, click on Certificate of Insurance. 

Click on the COI link to download a copy you can provide to your landlord or employer. 

If you need a COI from a prior year, please email expectmore@abmp.com

Related Content 

What is Business Personal Property Insurance”  

Why ABMP Liability Insurance Does Not Have a Shared Aggregate” 

Category: 

News

Ohio Adopts Interstate Massage Compact

The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.

US Department of Education 150% Rule Update

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction that halts the enforcement of the US Department of Education’s new Bare Minimum Rule, also known as the “100% rule,” until the court takes further action. This is the first step in what could be a lengthy battle to ultimately delay enforcement of the rule, providing schools more time to adjust their programmatic standards, or overturn the rule altogether. Find out more and what your school needs to do to prepare.

Colorado Bill Requires Local Background Checks

Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1371, requiring local government (counties, cities, or municipalities) to conduct periodic criminal background checks for massage establishment operators, owners, and employees.

Blog

Perform Your Best with MassageBook

Illustration of computer and phones displaying MassageBook sites.

MassageBook wants to help you focus on delivering exceptional care to your clients and building the practice of your dreams.

Julie Plachta: Serving the Underserved

Woman massages a client who is lying facedown on a massage table.

As we get closer to celebrating Massage Is for EveryBody, July 14–20, 2024, we wanted to share more of Julie Plachta’s story, which exemplifies the inclusive values of this campaign.

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Hyperice

ABMP members save 10% on all Hyperice percussive and heat/ice technology massage devices, including the Hypervolt, Vyper Vibrating Fitness Roller, and Ice Compression.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Yomassage

ABMP members receive 20% off Signature Yomassage, Mindful Touch by Yomassage, Barefoot Yomassage, Table Yomassage, and Yomassage Facials certifications.

Please note: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Learn more...