Common Mistakes Agents Make On Acord Forms (And How to Avoid Them)
The Acord forms are a standard part of insurance documentation, used to communicate policy details, coverage limits, insured information, certificates to clients, underwriters, and other parties. Although the forms are designed to streamline communication, agents, brokers, or insurers still often make mistakes that lead to processing delays, misunderstandings, or potential coverage disputes.
Most issues happen when agents rush, overlook carrier instructions, or rely too heavily on pre-filled fields. A clear understanding of common errors helps improve accuracy and reduces the need for corrections or resubmissions. Below are the mistakes that agents make on Acord forms, along with practical guidance on how to avoid them.
1- Incomplete or Missing Required Fields
A common problem agents make is leaving required fields blank. This usually happens with effective dates, business descriptions, property locations, policy numbers, or producer contact details. Missing or incomplete information often leads to delays, rejected submissions, or confusion for certificate holders.
How to Avoid It:
Always review the form line by line before submitting. Acord forms follow a consistent layout, so a quick structured check helps ensure that all fields are filled correctly.
2- Incorrect Business Name or Legal Entities
Using a trade name instead of the insured’s legal entity can create serious complications. The name listed on the certificate must match the name on the policy. Even small differences can cause verification issues.
How to Avoid It:
Use the exact legal name from the policy declarations or business registration documents. Avoid adding variations or abbreviations unless specifically required.
3- Not Updating Cancellation or Notice Requirements
Some agents reuse old certificates without updating cancellation wording or notice requirements. Carriers often revise these provisions, and outdated language causes confusion or miscommunication.
How to Avoid It:
Follow the carrier’s latest instructions for cancellation wording. While Acord forms include standard text, carriers may require specific adjustments.
4- Attaching Incorrect or Outdated Endorsements
Misattaching wrong endorsements is a frequent issue, especially when managing multiple policies. Sometimes endorsements from previous years or unrelated policies get attached by mistake.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure each endorsement matches the correct policy and coverage period. Double-check the filename before uploading or sending.
5- Not Mentioning Pending Endorsements or Changes
If coverage is being modified or endorsements are pending, issuing a certificate without noting the status can create confusion or disputes later.
How to Avoid It:
If changes are pending, mention the current status in the description field or wait until updates are finalized.
6- Listing Coverage That Does Not Exist
Some agents enter coverage or limits that the client does not have. This usually happen when working from outdated templates or assuming coverage based on similar clients. Listing inaccurate coverage can cause misunderstandings and liability exposures.
How to Avoid It:
Confirm all details with the current declaration page. Do not depend on memory or older certificates.
Final Words
Acord forms play an important role in sharing accurate insurance information. Errors on these forms can lead to delays, confusion, and potential coverage issues. Paying close attention to legal names, coverage limits, endorsements, and certificate holder requirements helps prevent most problems. A simple, step-by-step review before submission keeps the process clear and efficient for the client, the carrier, and the certificate holder.