If you're moving into a Miami condo building, you've probably heard the term "COI" from your building's move-in coordinator. They want it from your moving company before they'll let any move happen. Without it, your crew gets turned away at the loading dock with the truck loaded and the meter running. Here's what a COI actually is and how to make sure you have one in time.
COI = Certificate of Insurance
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document from a moving company's insurance carrier that proves the mover has active liability insurance. It names your specific building (or building management company) as an "additional insured" on the mover's policy — meaning your building is protected if the mover damages common areas (elevators, hallways, lobbies) during the move.
Why your building requires it
Miami condo buildings have learned (often the hard way) that uninsured moving companies cause expensive damage to lobbies, elevator interiors, and hallway walls — and then disappear without paying. A COI guarantees that if your mover causes damage, the building can claim against the mover's policy without the building itself absorbing the cost.
Almost every condo building in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties requires COI. The few that don't are typically older buildings (1970s and earlier) or single-family condo conversions.
What a COI must include
Your building will provide specific COI requirements. Common ones in South Florida:
- General liability insurance: $1M minimum (some buildings require $2M)
- Auto liability for moving vehicles
- Workers compensation coverage
- Your building (or management company) named as "additional insured" with exact spelling
- Specific dates of the move included
- Carrier signature and date of issue
How to get a COI for your move
- Get your building's COI requirements in writing from your move-in coordinator or building manager
- Forward those requirements to your moving company
- Reputable movers issue COI within 24 hours of receiving requirements, free of charge
- Confirm with your building that they've received and approved the COI before move day
- Keep a copy on move day in case the dock manager needs to verify
Red flags
If a moving company can't or won't provide a COI, that's a serious red flag — they're likely uninsured. An uninsured mover puts you on the hook for any damage they cause, both to your goods and to the building. Walk away from any quote where the mover hesitates on COI.
Some movers charge $50-$150 to issue a COI. This is a junk fee — issuing a COI takes 5 minutes and costs the mover nothing. Reputable movers include it for free. If a mover charges for it, expect more junk fees on move day.
When to request your COI
Best practice: forward building requirements to your mover the day you book. Confirm with your building 5-7 days before move date. Some buildings' approval processes can take 3-5 business days, so don't wait until the week of your move.