Most brokers think of certificate of insurance (COI) tracking as a compliance task. Something to check off, not something that wins business.
Insurance
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For years, Certificates of Insurance were treated as a routine administrative task. In 2026, they have become a frontline compliance function.
As insurance carriers finalize renewals and policy adjustments for the new year, December is historically the period when Certificates of Insurance (COIs) experience the highest rate of discrepancies, lags, and expirations. This year is no exception—in fact, 2025 has produced some of the most volatile COI management conditions in recent memory.
In the insurance and risk management ecosystem, the Certificate of Insurance (COI) has emerged as a critical document — a small form with big implications. It validates coverage, enables contracts, and protects organizations from liability exposure. Yet, many companies underestimate the complexity and importance of managing COIs accurately and consistently.
For insurance agencies, brokers, and financial firms, the management of Certificates of Insurance (COIs) is a critical, high-volume, and often time-sensitive administrative task. In an environment where regulatory scrutiny is intensifying across the financial sector, and the risk of “data slips” carries “zero tolerance”, the efficient and accurate handling of COIs is more than just an operational necessity—it’s a cornerstone of compliance and client trust. The burden of managing these requests internally can stretch resources, divert focus from core business, and expose firms to potential errors or delays.
The insurance industry, like broader financial markets, is navigating increasing complexity and heightened regulatory demands. In this environment, efficient back-office operations, particularly around critical functions like Certificates of Insurance (COIs), are more crucial than ever. While discussions around investment strategies have highlighted the growing reliance on outsourced expertise to manage market complexity and ensure compliance, the same principles apply to the daily administrative burdens that can strain internal resources.
In 2024, U.S. insurers leaned more heavily on outsourced investment management than ever before. According to a new report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), more than half of all insurers now outsource some or all of their investment decisions—and the number is still climbing.
The Business Process Management (BPM) sector is undergoing a major transformation. What was once a space defined by cost-cutting and offshore labor is now evolving into something far more strategic—driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and integrated IT solutions.