Creating and Printing Insurance Certificates

Overview

Insurance certificates provide documentation of alarm system coverage for insurance companies and customers. This guide walks you through creating, completing, and generating certificates directly from customer records in Cornerstone — including how to print or email them and what information they contain.

Creating a New Insurance Certificate

Step 1: Navigate to the Insurance Certificate Tab

1. From the Customer Record, click the 'Ins/Certificate' tab.
2. Click Insert.

Step 2: Complete Certificate Information

The Customer Certificate screen will appear. Complete the following required fields:

Step 3: Select System Details

Check the appropriate boxes for the following:

Protection Types: Select all applicable protection types for the system (e.g., burglary, fire, etc.)

Communication Methods: Select all applicable communication methods for the system (e.g., phone line, cellular, internet)

Step 4: Save the Certificate

Click OK to save the certificate information.

Printing or Emailing the Insurance Certificate

Step 1: Select the Certificate

Highlight the policy you just created from the list.

Step 2: Open Print Options

Click Print.

Step 3: Choose Certificate Format

Choose the *New Ins Cert option from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Configure Output Options

Email Options: Add email address(es) if you plan to email the certificate. You can enter multiple email addresses if needed.

Zone List: Select to include the zone list if zone information is stored in Cornerstone. This provides detailed system information on the certificate.

Step 5: Generate the Certificate

Click Generate to create the certificate. The certificate will be created and either printed or emailed based on your selections.

What's Included on the Certificate

The insurance certificate typically includes the following information: customer information, policy dates (beginning and end), protection types (burglary, fire, etc.), communication methods, zone list (if selected and available), and company information.

Best Practices

When Creating Certificates

1. Verify policy dates — Ensure begin and end dates are accurate.
2. Select all applicable protection types — Incomplete information may delay insurance processing.
3. Check communication methods — Insurance companies need accurate system details.
4. Update zone information — Keep zone lists current in Cornerstone for accurate certificates.

When Sending Certificates

1. Verify email addresses — Ensure you're sending to the correct insurance contact.
2. Include zone lists when requested by insurance companies.
3. Keep copies — Maintain records of certificates sent.
4. Send promptly — Insurance companies often have deadline requirements.

Certificate Management

1. Update certificates when system changes occur.
2. Track expiration dates — Set reminders for policy end dates.
3. Create new certificates for policy renewals.
4. Archive old certificates for reference.

Common Scenarios

Troubleshooting

Zone List Not Appearing

Issue: Zone list option is grayed out or zones don't appear on the certificate.

Solution: Verify that zone information is properly entered in Cornerstone for this customer.

Email Not Sending

Issue: Certificate doesn't send via email.

Solution:

1. Check that email addresses are entered correctly.
2. Verify email settings are configured properly.
3. Try generating and printing first, then emailing separately.

Missing Protection Types

Issue: Some protection types are missing from the certificate.

Solution: Edit the certificate record and ensure all applicable protection types are checked.

Need Additional Help?

Our Customer Success team is here to assist you.

Phone: 847-405-9517 x1
Email: customer.success@alarmbills.com

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