The mobile bar insurance specialists
If a wedding venue or event planner just asked you for a “COI,” here’s exactly what they mean, what it needs to say, and how to get yours — issued instantly the moment you bind coverage.
Same-day coverage is typically available — even when your event is days away.
A certificate of insurance — usually called a COI — is a one-page document that proves you carry insurance. It summarizes your policy: who’s insured, the types of coverage you have (like general liability and liquor liability), your coverage limits, and the policy dates.
It’s not the policy itself — it’s the proof. When a venue asks for “proof of insurance,” “a COI,” or “a cert,” they’re asking for this document. Most wedding and event venues won’t let you set up your bar without one on file before the event.
Venues carry their own insurance, and their insurers require them to make sure outside vendors are covered too. If a guest is injured or property is damaged at an event you’re working, the venue wants to know your coverage — not theirs — responds first. A COI is how they confirm that before they let you on site.
Alcohol raises the stakes. Because you’re serving drinks, venues and planners almost always want to see liquor liability in addition to general liability — even when the couple or host is the one providing the alcohol.
Most venues ask for $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate in general liability coverage. This is the most common requirement you’ll see in a venue contract.
Because you serve alcohol, venues frequently require liquor liability coverage on the certificate as well — including for host-supplied events where the client provides the alcohol.
Venues commonly ask to be named as an additional insured on your policy for the event. This extends certain protections of your policy to them. (More on what that means below.)
The certificate needs the venue’s exact legal name and address as the certificate holder, and coverage dates that include your event date. Getting these details right the first time avoids last-minute back-and-forth.
Requirements vary by venue and contract. Always check your specific venue’s requirements — we can help make sure your certificate matches them.
When a venue asks to be added as an “additional insured,” they’re asking to be included under your policy’s protection for claims arising out of your work at their location. It’s a standard, routine request — not a red flag — and it’s one of the most common things venues want on a bartender’s COI.
Some policies include it, some add it for a small fee, and some require a specific endorsement. When you request your quote, just tell us the venue needs to be added as an additional insured and we’ll make sure your certificate is set up correctly.
Request a quote and tell us your event date and the venue’s requirements.
Our licensed agents build a custom quote — typically back the same business day.
Review your coverage and enroll yourself directly from the quote.
Your COI is issued instantly after you bind — ready to send to the venue.
Event coming up fast? Same-day coverage is typically available, and your certificate is issued the moment you bind. Tell us about your event and we’ll get you set up.