The certificate of insurance must be countersigned by which party?

• A. A licensed attorney
• B. An insurance agent licensed with the state who countersigns
• C. The building owner
• D. The local fire marshal

Answer: (B)

A certificate of insurance is evidence that coverage exists, but it must be approved by someone who has authority to bind the insurer. That authority rests with a licensed insurance agent (or broker) who is authorized by the insurer to issue and countersign certificates. When a licensed agent countersigns, it confirms the certificate is legitimate, reflects an active policy, and accurately states the insurer, policy number, limits, and effective dates. This helps prevent counterfeit or outdated certificates from circulating.

Licensed attorneys, building owners, or local fire marshals do not have the authority to attest to the insurer’s binding coverage, so they aren’t appropriate countersigners for a COI.