Restrictions on the Content of Certificates of Insurance

(a) Required language. A certificate of insurance must contain the phrase "for information purposes only" or similar language, or state that:

(1) the certificate of insurance does not confer any rights or obligations other than the rights and obligations conveyed by the policy referenced on the form; and

(2) the terms of the policy control over the terms of the certificate of insurance.

(b) Specific limitations.

(1) A certificate of insurance may not amend, extend, or alter the coverage afforded by the referenced insurance policy.

(2) A certificate of insurance may not confer to a certificate holder new or additional rights beyond what the referenced policy or any executed endorsement provides.

(3) A certificate of insurance may not alter or modify a certificate of insurance form approved by TDI unless TDI approves the alteration or modification.

(4) A certificate of insurance may not contain false or misleading information concerning the referenced insurance policy.

(A) Requests for information on the certificate of insurance form must be specific, clear, and reasonable.

(B) Any explanatory information included in a completed certificate of insurance is limited to language in the referenced policy and any executed endorsements.

(5) A certificate of insurance may not contain a reference to a legal or insurance requirement contained in a contract other than the underlying contract of insurance, including a contract for construction or services.

(A) A certificate of insurance may refer to the language in the underlying contract of insurance.

(B) A certificate of insurance may not refer to, describe, explain, or define obligations under a contract other than the underlying contract of insurance.

(6) A certificate of insurance may not alter the terms and conditions of a right to notice of cancellation, nonrenewal, or material change, or any similar notice concerning a policy of insurance required by the insurance policy or Texas law.

(A) A certificate of insurance may not create a new or additional duty to notify.

(B) Any statement on a certificate of insurance regarding an existing duty to notify is limited to language in the referenced policy and any executed endorsements.

(c) Disapproval. The Commissioner will disapprove a filed certificate of insurance form, or withdraw approval of an approved certificate of insurance form if the form:

(1) contains a provision or has a title or heading that is misleading or deceptive or violates public policy;

(2) violates any state law, including an administrative rule;

(3) requires an agent to certify insurance coverage that is not available in the line or type of insurance coverage referenced on the form; or

(4) directly or indirectly requires the Commissioner to make a coverage determination under a policy of insurance or insurance transaction.

Source Note: The provisions of this §5.9376 adopted to be effective March 13, 2013, 38 TexReg 1693; amended to be effective July 28, 2019, 44 TexReg 3640.