Whether you’re starting a new lease, onboarding with a rideshare platform, or securing a commercial contract, you’ll likely need to request a certificate of insurance at some point. This document, sometimes called a Certificate of Currency, provides official proof that your policy is active and outlines your coverage details. It’s a standard requirement across many industries in Australia, and knowing how to obtain one quickly can save you unnecessary delays.
At National Cover, we help Australian drivers and businesses secure the right motor insurance for their needs, from private vehicles to rideshare, taxi, courier, and commercial fleets. We understand that getting your documentation sorted shouldn’t be a headache. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of requesting a certificate from your provider, explains what information you’ll need to have ready, and shows you how to ensure you receive your certificate promptly, so you can get back to what matters.
What a certificate of insurance proves in Australia
A certificate of insurance is an official document issued by your insurer that confirms you hold an active policy with them. When you request certificate of insurance from your provider, you receive a single-page summary that lists your policy number, coverage type, coverage period, and key policy limits. This document serves as proof to third parties that you meet the insurance requirements they’ve set out.
What organisations ask for this document
Landlords and property managers typically require a certificate before you move into a rental property. Rideshare platforms like Uber need to verify you have the right commercial coverage before you can start driving. Fleet managers ask contractors to provide certificates to confirm their vehicles are properly insured. Event venues, commercial clients, and government agencies may also request this document to protect themselves from liability.
Your certificate proves you have coverage at a specific point in time, not that you’ll remain covered indefinitely.
Details included on your certificate
You’ll find your insurer’s contact details at the top, followed by your policy number and the dates your coverage runs from and to. The document lists your coverage type (comprehensive, third party, etc.), policy limits, and any excess amounts. Some certificates also note specific endorsements or exclusions that apply to your policy. This information lets the requesting party verify you meet their minimum insurance standards without accessing your full policy documentation.
Certificate of insurance vs certificate of currency
You might see both terms used when dealing with Australian insurers, and it’s natural to wonder if they’re different documents. The good news is that certificate of insurance and certificate of currency refer to the same document. Both terms describe the official proof your insurer provides to confirm your policy is active and meets specific coverage requirements. When you request certificate of insurance from your provider, you’re asking for the same document someone else might call a certificate of currency.
Why both terms exist
Different industries and organisations in Australia favour different terminology. Property managers and landlords typically ask for a certificate of currency, while commercial clients and rideshare platforms often use certificate of insurance. Your insurer might use one term in their online portal and the other in correspondence, but they’re issuing the same document either way.
The document itself matters more than what you call it, as long as it shows your current coverage details.
Most Australian insurers recognise both terms and will provide the right document regardless of which phrase you use when requesting it. Focus on ensuring the certificate includes the policy details and coverage dates the requesting party needs.
Step 1. Gather the details you will be asked for
Before you request certificate of insurance from your provider, collect the information your insurer needs to process your request quickly. Having these details ready prevents back-and-forth delays and ensures you receive the correct document. Most insurers ask for similar basic information, though specific requirements vary by provider and coverage type.
Information your insurer will need
You’ll need your policy number, which appears on your renewal documents, email confirmations, or online account dashboard. Insurers also require the full name of the certificate holder (the organisation or person requesting proof of coverage) and their complete mailing or email address. Some requests specify a reference number or project name that must appear on the certificate.
Gathering these details before you start takes two minutes but saves hours of processing delays.
Have your driver’s licence number and vehicle registration details available if you hold motor insurance. Commercial policies may require your ABN or business name exactly as it appears on your registration documents.
Step 2. Request your certificate online with your insurer
Most Australian insurers offer an online portal where you can request certificate of insurance instantly. This method is the fastest way to receive your document, often delivering it to your email within minutes. Log into your account dashboard using your policy number and registered email address, then look for sections labelled "Documents", "Policy Services", or "Request Certificate".
Finding the request function in your account
Insurance portals typically display a certificate request option on your main policy summary page or under a documents menu. Click the button or link, then enter the certificate holder’s details you gathered in Step 1. Fill in their full name exactly as provided, add their email or postal address, and include any reference numbers they specified.
Most insurers send your certificate by email within 5 to 15 minutes during business hours.
Select whether you want the certificate emailed directly to the requesting party or sent to you first for review. Submit your request and check your email for confirmation that it’s been processed.
Step 3. Request your certificate by phone or email
When you can’t access the online portal or prefer direct contact, you can request certificate of insurance by calling your insurer’s customer service line or sending an email. This method takes longer than online requests but lets you speak with a representative who can answer coverage questions while processing your certificate.
Calling your insurer
Phone the customer service number on your policy documents during business hours. Provide your policy number and the certificate holder’s details you gathered earlier. The representative processes your request and confirms where they’ll send the document.
Emailing your request
Send an email with this structure:
Subject: Certificate of Insurance Request - Policy 123456789
I need a certificate for policy 123456789.
Send to: [Holder's Name], [Their Email/Address]
Reference: [Their Reference Number]
Most insurers respond to phone requests immediately and email requests within one business day.
Step 4. Check the document before you send it on
Once you receive your certificate after you request certificate of insurance, take two minutes to review it before forwarding it to the requesting party. Certificates with errors cause delays and may require you to request a replacement document. Check that all details match what was requested and that your coverage information appears correctly.
Key details to verify
Review these elements carefully on your certificate:
- Policy number matches your current policy documents
- Certificate holder’s name is spelled exactly as they provided it
- Coverage dates show your policy is active during the required period
- Coverage type and limits meet the requesting party’s minimum requirements
- Vehicle registration or business details are accurate for commercial policies
- Reference numbers appear if the holder specified any
A single spelling error in the holder’s name can invalidate your certificate and require resubmission.
Common errors to spot
Insurers occasionally list outdated policy details if your coverage recently renewed or changed. Check that your certificate reflects your current policy terms, not expired coverage. Verify the document shows the correct excess amounts and that any special endorsements the holder requested appear in the coverage notes.
Next steps
You now know how to request certificate of insurance from your provider using online portals, phone calls, or email. Keep a copy of your current certificate accessible on your phone or computer so you can send it quickly when organisations request proof of coverage. Most certificates remain valid until your policy renewal date, but you’ll need to request a new one if your coverage changes or your policy renews mid-contract.
Set a reminder to request an updated certificate about two weeks before your policy expires if you hold ongoing contracts or commercial arrangements. This gives you time to receive the new document and forward it to relevant parties without coverage gaps. Store your certificates in a dedicated folder so you can locate them easily for future requests.
If you’re looking for competitive motor insurance that covers private vehicles, rideshare, taxi, courier, or commercial fleets, get a quote from National Cover today. We provide comprehensive coverage with expert claims support and competitive rates backed by our price-beat guarantee.
