Moving Certificate Of Insurance (COI)
Dumbo Moving and Storage NYC Handles All your COI Needs
Dumbo Moving isn't the Best Mover in NYC without a reason, we manage the entire COI process from start to finish. We issue certificates directly to your building management, same day, at no extra charge to you. YES, no cost.
Request a COI → | Call (718) 222-8282
US DOT: 1543241 | NY DOT: T-36990 | ICC MC: 573935 | NJ PC: 001103 | COI: Included
What Is a COI and Why Does Your Building Need One?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official document issued by a moving company's insurer that proves they carry the right coverage to operate in your building. It's not the insurance policy itself — it's a one-page summary that building managers can review before your move day.
Most NYC apartment buildings, co-ops, condos, and commercial properties require a COI before allowing any moving crew on the premises. It protects the building, other residents, and you from liability if anything is damaged during the move.
Without it, your movers won't be let in — full stop. And since getting one can take hours, leaving it to the last minute can derail your entire move day.
What a COI Contains
Moving company name, address, and license numbers
Insurance company name and NAIC number (verifies it's legitimate)
Type of coverage: General Liability, Workers' Comp, Auto, Cargo
Coverage limits (e.g. $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate)
Policy effective and expiration dates
Certificate holder: your building's name and address
Additional Insured endorsement (if required by your building)
Move date and specific property address
Note: Most NYC buildings require at least $1M per occurrence. Some co-ops and luxury buildings require $2M or higher. We confirm your building's exact requirements before issuing.
Which Buildings Typically Require a COI?
Not every building requires a COI — but in New York City, most do. If you're unsure, ask your building manager or super before your move date. Don't assume — find out early.
Almost always required:
High-rise elevator buildings
Co-op apartments
Condo buildings
Luxury rental properties
Buildings managed by large property groups
Commercial office buildings
Buildings with freight elevator reservations
May or may not require one:
Low-rise walk-up buildings
Privately owned brownstones
Single-family homes
Buildings with fewer than 10 units
When in doubt, ask. It's better to have one and not need it than the reverse. We'll always tell you honestly whether you need one — and we'll handle it either way.
How Dumbo Handles Your COI — Start to Finish
Unlike some companies that leave you to chase paperwork yourself, we manage the whole process. Here's exactly what happens after you book.
Step 1 — You Tell Us a COI Is Required Mention it when you book — it's one of the first things we ask. You'll also receive a COI checklist from your moving consultant after booking so nothing gets missed. At booking
Step 2 — Get the Sample COI From Your Building Contact your building manager and ask for their "sample COI" or their specific requirements — certificate holder name, address, and any Additional Insured entities. Most buildings have this on file and can send it immediately. Your one task
Step 3 — Forward the Details to Us Email us the sample COI or the building's requirements. Our team takes it from there — we work directly with our insurer to generate the ACORD 25 certificate tailored to your building's exact specifications. Email or call us
Step 4 — We Deliver It Directly to Building Management We send the completed COI straight to your building manager's email — and to you as a copy. We also bring a hard copy on move day, just in case. No chasing. No last-minute panics. Same day · Hard copy on move day
FAQs around Certificate of insurance
What is a COI and why do I need one to move in NYC?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document issued by your moving company's insurer that proves they carry the right coverage to work in your building. It's not about your belongings — it protects the building itself. If a mover damages the elevator, a wall, a lobby floor, or injures someone in a common area, the building's management needs proof that someone can pay for it. Without a valid COI, most NYC buildings will refuse to let any moving crew through the door, regardless of how well you planned everything else.
How much does a COI cost?
With Dumbo Moving, nothing — it's included in every booking. Cool Hand Movers never charges clients for these essential, custom documents. The same applies to us. Charging for a Certificate of Insurance is a common practice in the moving industry, due to the specific insurance requirements and liabilities involved. If a company quotes you a fee for a COI, that's a warning sign — walk away.
How far in advance do I need to request a COI?
In general, you should ask at least a week before your move date for the COI, ideally more. That way, there's plenty of time for the moving company to make any necessary changes or ask questions. For residential moves in Manhattan high-rises, submit to building management usually 48–72 hours before the move begins. With Dumbo, we can typically turn one around same day — but don't leave it to the morning of your move.
What happens if the COI isn't ready on move day?
They will not let us enter the building until the document is provided. If our crew arrives for a scheduled move and must wait around for the building management, moving company and insurer to process the certificate, you will be billed for that time. It also risks losing your elevator reservation window entirely, which in many buildings can't be rebooked same day.
What's the difference between a Certificate Holder and Additional Insured?
A COI is typically an ACORD 25 form issued by the mover's insurance agent that lists the building as the certificate holder and, often, as an additional insured for the move date. The certificate holder is simply the entity receiving the document. Additional Insured means the building is actually named on the policy and covered by it for the duration of the move — a higher level of protection that most NYC co-ops and condos require. We include both at no extra charge, just let us know.
Does my own renter's or homeowner's insurance cover this?
No. Your own policy doesn't cover the scope, or dollar amount, of what a mover's policy would cover. The business coverage gives the building protections when it is listed as an additional insured that it cannot get on a personal policy. It covers damaging the elevator in a move or breaking a pipe during renovation that wrecks common areas or the apartment below. Your personal insurance and the mover's COI cover completely different things.
Do I need a COI just to reserve the elevator?
Some buildings require a COI just to reserve the elevator in your building for a time slot to perform your move. This means you can't even lock in your moving window until the COI is approved — another reason to start the process at booking, not the week of.
Official Partner of New York City FC
A large part of Dumbo Moving spirit is soccer. For many years our company has been a part of the New York soccer community. New York City Football Club represents a city that a diverse and constantly on the move, and with this partnership we want to support and serve fans, players and New Yorkers with all moves.
