A Certificate of Currency is proof from an insurer that a business holds active insurance (public liability, workers compensation, or tools cover), showing the policyholder's name, policy type, insured amount, and expiry date. Builders, councils, and head contractors often ask for this before work starts on-site.
What does a certificate of currency show?
A certificate of currency is a summary, not the full policy. It's built to answer one question fast: is this business currently insured. Most certificates include:
- Insured name. The legal name or trading name on your policy. This needs to match the name on your contract or lease exactly, or the certificate may be rejected.
- Policy type. For example, public liability or professional indemnity. Contract counterparties usually specify which type they need.
- Insurer. The company underwriting your policy, not the broker who arranged it.
- Policy period. The start date and expiry date. A certificate showing an expired policy won't satisfy most requests.
- Cover limit. The amount stated at the start of the policy period, commonly $5 million, $10 million or $20 million for public liability.
- Interested party. A third party named on the certificate, such as a landlord or lender, where the insurer accepts this. More on this below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of currency used for?
A certificate of currency proves your insurance policy was active on the day it's issued. It's commonly used to satisfy a landlord, client, lender or council before a contract, lease or site access is approved.
Is a certificate of currency the same as a certificate of insurance?
In Australia, the two terms are usually used to mean the same document. Some insurers prefer one term, but neither replaces the full policy wording.
How long is a certificate of currency valid for?
A certificate is valid for as long as the policy period it shows remains current. If the policy is renewed, cancelled or changed, you'll need an updated certificate to reflect the new position.
Can a policy be cancelled after a certificate of currency is issued?
Yes. A certificate only confirms the policy was active on the day it was issued. It doesn't guarantee the policy remains in force afterward, which is why some contracts ask for a fresh certificate at renewal.
Does a certificate of currency cost anything?
Most insurers and brokers don't charge for a standard certificate of currency. Certificates that need custom wording or a new interested party may take longer, subject to insurer review.
Who issues a certificate of currency?
Your insurer or insurance broker issues the certificate once your policy is active. If your policy is arranged through upcover, you can request one directly through your account.
Do sole traders need a certificate of currency?
Sole traders may be asked for a certificate of currency by clients, landlords or councils, in the same way a company would be. It depends on the contract or arrangement, not your business structure.
.svg){kind=logo}
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
%201.svg){kind=icon}
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
