Certificate of Currency

A certificate of currency is an official document that proves you hold a current, active insurance policy. It shows the policy type, insurer, coverage limits, and expiry date.

You’ll hear it called a COC for short. It’s one of the most requested documents in Australian business, especially if you work as a contractor, tradie, or consultant.

Why It Matters

• Clients, head contractors, and landlords often require a COC before you can start work or sign a lease.
• It proves your cover is genuine and current without sharing your full policy details.
• Many government tenders and procurement processes require a COC as part of your application.
• Without one, you could miss out on jobs or breach contract requirements.

Show Transcript

When it comes to insurance, what is a certificate of currency? A certificate of currency proves that your insurance is active and valid. It's a snapshot of your insurance policy and it provides details around the policy and key dates. Businesses will often need this to secure tenders or contracts. It can confirm insurances like public liability, professional indemnity, and other insurances as well. Clients at times will request for this particular document to make sure that you've got the right insurance and it is valid. Requesting for this is pretty common practice in professional services, service-based businesses, or construction. Some government and councils as well will require it for compliance. What it has on there is the insurer's name, coverage limits, and the policy number. It can also be required in the event that you're leasing out a commercial space or venue, and often you'll be required to note down the landlord as an interested party on that policy. In some cases as well, it reassures your partners or people that you're working with that you've got the appropriate coverage and you take risk management seriously. Just keep in mind though that document is not a policy document. It's just a quick summary, a quick snapshot of the coverage that you do have. Certificates can be requested by speaking directly with your insurer or your insurance broker. But generally speaking, at the time that you take out a policy, a copy should be provided to you. Save this for your next contract or whenever you might need a certificate of currency or send this to someone that might find this helpful.

What a Certificate of Currency Includes

• Your business name and ABN.
• The insurer’s name.
• The type of policy (for example, public liability or professional indemnity).
• The coverage limit (for example, $10 million public liability).
• The policy start and end dates.
• The certificate issue date.

Simple Examples

• A head contractor asks an electrician for a COC showing $20 million public liability before allowing them on site.
• A commercial landlord requires a COC for public liability, property insurance, and plate glass insurance as a condition of the lease.
• A council tender asks you to upload a current COC as part of your submission.

Common Mistakes or Misunderstandings

• Thinking a COC is the same as your policy. It’s a summary document, not the full policy wording.
• Using an expired certificate. Always check the dates. If your policy has renewed, you need a fresh COC.
• Not knowing how to get one. Your broker or insurer can usually provide one within minutes.
• Assuming all COCs look the same. The format varies by insurer, but they all contain the same key information.

When to Speak to a Broker

If you need a COC urgently, aren’t sure what coverage limits a client is asking for, or need help understanding the requirements in a contract, your broker can sort it out quickly.

Need help?

If you need a certificate of currency or want to make sure your cover meets a client’s requirements, reach out to Tank Insurance and we’ll get it sorted.

Related Terms

• Policy Wording - A COC summarises your cover, but the policy wording contains the full terms, conditions, and exclusions.
• Insurance Premium - Your COC confirms cover is active, which means your premium has been paid or arranged.