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Certificate of Insurance (COI)

All you need to know about Certificate of Insurance (COI).

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Proof of Insurance for Your Move

Many buildings, property managers, and commercial facilities require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before allowing a moving company on-site. Elite Moving & Storage provides Certificates of Insurance upon request to help ensure your move is approved, compliant, and on schedule. Our COIs confirm that Elite Moving & Storage carries the required insurance coverage to operate safely and professionally during your move.

What Is a Certificate of Insurance?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official document issued by an insurance provider that verifies a moving company’s active insurance coverage.

A COI is designed to protect the building and its common areas, such as hallways, elevators, lobbies, and loading docks — not the personal items being moved. Coverage for your belongings is handled separately through moving protection options.

A typical COI includes:

  • General liability coverage
  • Workers’ compensation coverage
  • Policy limits and effective dates
  • The certificate holder (building, property manager, or HOA)

When Is a COI Required?

You may need a Certificate of Insurance if you are:

  • Moving into or out of an apartment or condominium
  • Moving within a high-rise or managed building
  • Relocating a business or office
  • Scheduling elevator reservations for your move
  • Moving into a property managed by an HOA or building management company

Clients moving to Chicago are more likely to need a COI than those moving to suburban areas, where requirements are often less strict.

Building-Specific COI Requirement

  • Buildings typically provide tenants with the exact Certificate of Insurance requirements and wording
  • The tenant forwards these requirements to Elite Moving & Storage
  • We submit the information to our insurance agent for processing
  • Once issued, we send the COI directly to the building or property manager
  • Our team confirms acceptance, so no additional follow-up is required from the tenant

Is There a Fee for a COI?

Some COIs are provided at no additional cost. However, certain buildings may require:

  • Additional insured endorsements
  • Special policy wording
  • Higher coverage limits
  • Multiple certificate holders

If any fees apply, we will notify you in advance.

What a COI Does and Does Not Cover

A Certificate of Insurance:

  • Confirms Elite Moving & Storage is properly insured
  • Protects the building and common areas
  • Meets property management and HOA requirements

A COI does not cover personal belongings being moved. Moving protection for items must be selected separately before your move begins.

COIs for Residential and Commercial Moves

Elite Moving & Storage regularly provides COIs for:

  • Apartments and condominiums
  • High-rise buildings
  • Office relocations
  • Commercial and retail moves
  • Storage facilities

Our experience working with Chicago-area buildings allows us to coordinate smoothly with property managers and front desks.

What Customers Say

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GREAT MOVERS The movers were on time and were extremely nice and professional about the move. When they got to our new home with our furniture, they helped put all of our furniture together, as well as unloaded everything from the truck very quickly. We had a lot of stuff that needed to be moved from our apartment to our new house, but Elite was able to handle everything quickly. The movers were great guys; I really appreciated them. Thanks, Elite! Would definitely recommend to friends in the future.

-Cheryl

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We had a GREAT moving team today lead by Jose Reyes! Jose was very communicative, friendly and professional. He lead the team with clear expertise and efficiency. They worked quickly but with solid organization and safety. I would both hire and recommend Jose and his team in an instant. 5 STARS!

-Dina ARGUS

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Rafa and his team arrived on time and never stopped working. They knew what needed to be done & did it efficiently. Nothing was damaged or an issue. They plugged in the units & made sure they were working. This is the second move with Elite, and we are very happy to recommend the company.

-Patty W

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We moved 2 days ago from the house we lived in for over 20 years. The provided quote was very close to what we paid, even though there were a lot more items to be moved than I anticipated. The movers were on time, very professional, and super helpful. This team really took the stress out of moving. I would highly recommend this company!

-Ia Lubera

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Elite gave me the best moving experience I have ever had. I had antique furniture, and everything was handled with care. Nothing was damaged. The price was reasonable, and their estimate was spot on. The team on the phone was so easy to work with, and the movers showed up right on time. All four were friendly, hard working, strong, and tactical. It was actually great to spend my day with them. Wholeheartedly recommend.

-Aimee Stoltz

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This was the best experience moving I have had because of Elite. The men were amazing. Showed up on time, worked tirelessly as a team. No breaks. Cost came in lower than expected. My furniture was fully protected. Everything was wrapped. These are Professionals!!! They know exactly what to do to make your experience positive. They cared about my things treating them as their own. Each room was set up to my specifications as I directed them. So respectful and kind. You can’t go wrong with this Company.

-Kim Abello

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We had an excellent experience with Elite Moving Company and highly recommend them. From start to finish, the team was professional, efficient, and incredibly detail-oriented. Every item was handled with care, and they used thorough protective coverings for all our furniture — a huge contrast to our previous experience with another company (H2H). The movers were organized, respectful of our space, and communicated clearly throughout the process. Nothing was damaged, and everything was placed exactly where it needed to go. If you value professionalism, attention to detail, and peace of mind during your move, Elite Moving is the company to go with.

-My Nguyen

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I’ve used ELITE MOVING several times over the years for my clients. I keep coming back to them because my clients have always been happy with the way every move has been handled. The teams from ELITE are efficient and detailed in how they address each move. I have another move coming up in a week with them and know that it will be handled well.

-Glen Lusby

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Overall, Israel and his crew did a great job. They arrived on time, performed a quick walk-through, and efficiently packed and loaded everything. There was no damage to the home or furniture. The only miss was that our bed frame wasn’t reinstalled correctly.

-Tony Russo

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Elite moving was great. Jenny coordinated all the specifics and gave me the estimate. The movers showed up within the window and finished within the estimated time. They were fast, efficient, prepared, and made this a simple move. No lolly gagging and wasting time to eat the clock. They moved my baby grand piano, and heavy dressers. Nice job. I’d definitely use them next time.

-Gscapture

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Frequently Asked Questions

01

Is a Certificate of Insurance required for every move?

No. COIs are typically required for apartment buildings, high-rises, and commercial properties, not single-family homes.

02

Why do buildings require a COI?

Buildings require a COI to protect common areas such as elevators, hallways, and lobbies from potential damage during a move.

03

Does a COI cover my furniture or personal items?

No. A COI only verifies the mover’s insurance for the building. Coverage for your items is handled separately.

04

How long does it take to get a COI?

Most COIs can be issued within 1–2 business days once all required information is received.

05

Can Elite Moving & Storage send the COI directly to my building?

Yes. We send the COI directly to the building and confirm acceptance on your behalf.

06

What information does my building need to provide?

Buildings usually provide exact wording, coverage limits, and the certificate holder’s information.

07

Do I need a COI more often when moving in Chicago?

Yes. Chicago buildings commonly require COIs, especially in high-rises and managed properties. Suburban moves often do not.

08

Is there an extra charge for a COI?

Some COIs are free. Additional fees may apply if special endorsements or higher limits are required.

09

When should I request my COI?

As soon as your move date is scheduled and at least 3 business days before the moving day.have a page dedicated to a full value protection

10

What happens if my building rejects the COI?

If revisions are needed, we coordinate directly with our insurance agent to make corrections quickly.

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