What is the legal status of a certificate of insurance in relation to the policy it references?

The correct answer is that a certificate of insurance does not change the referenced policy. A certificate of insurance is a document that provides proof of insurance coverage, detailing the types of insurance and the limits of coverage associated with a particular policy. It serves primarily as confirmation for third parties that the insured party holds a policy in good standing.

This type of certificate does not modify the actual terms, conditions, or coverage limits established in the underlying insurance policy. The document simply summarizes the coverage that exists without holding the same legal standing as the insurance policy itself. It does not confer any additional rights or benefits beyond what the policy provides.

For clarity, while other choices suggest alterations to coverage or the status of the policy, the reality is that a certificate serves as a summary and verification tool rather than a binding legal document that impacts the policy itself.