High-Rise Move-In Rules and Certificates of Insurance
In a condo tower or managed apartment building, the building decides when and how you move. Miss one of its requirements and the move does not happen that day. Here is what Tampa buildings usually ask for and how to get it sorted in time.
What your building controls
- A freight elevator reservation, often for a two to four-hour window
- Which days and hours moves are allowed
- Where the truck parks: a loading dock or a marked space
- Protection for floors, walls and the elevator cab
- A refundable move deposit or a move fee
- A certificate of insurance on file before the truck arrives
What a certificate of insurance is
A certificate of insurance, or COI, is a one-page document from your mover’s insurer showing the company carries liability coverage. Buildings ask for it so that damage to an elevator, lobby or hallway is covered by the mover’s policy and not the association’s.
Most buildings want $1,000,000 in general liability. Many also ask to be listed as certificate holder or additional insured, with the building’s legal name and address written exactly as management gives them.
How to get one
- Ask management for its COI requirements in writing, ideally with a sample certificate
- Send those requirements to your mover at least a week before the move
- Your mover requests the certificate from its insurer
- The certificate goes to building management
- Confirm management has received it before move day
A timeline that works
- Three to four weeks out: get the building’s rules and reserve the elevator
- Two weeks out: send the COI requirements to your mover
- One week out: confirm the COI is on file and where the truck will park
- The day before: reconfirm the elevator window
- Move day: be there early so the window is not lost
What goes wrong
- The truck arrives late and the elevator window is gone
- The certificate names the wrong legal entity and is rejected
- The truck is too tall for the garage or dock
- Two moves are booked into the same elevator slot
What we carry
We carry $1,000,000 in general liability coverage and a $50,000 bond, and we send certificates to building management before move day.
Common questions
What is a COI for a move?
A certificate of insurance showing your moving company has liability coverage. Buildings require it before they allow a move.
How long does it take to get a certificate of insurance?
Usually a few business days once the insurer has the building’s requirements, so start at least a week ahead.
Do apartment complexes require one too?
Many managed communities do, especially newer buildings with elevators. Ask your leasing office.
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