Creating and Printing Insurance Certificates

Overview

Insurance certificates provide documentation of alarm system coverage for insurance companies and customers. This guide will walk you through creating and generating certificates from customer records.

Creating a New Insurance Certificate

Step 1: Navigate to 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:

• Policy - Enter the policy number or identifier
• Policy Bgn - Enter the policy beginning date
• Policy End - Enter the policy end date

Step 3: Select System Details

Check the appropriate boxes for:

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 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:

• Customer information
• Policy dates (beginning and end)
• Protection types (burglary, fire, etc.)
• Communication methods
• Zone list (if selected and available)
• 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

New Installation

Create an insurance certificate after system installation is complete and all zones are configured.

System Upgrade

Generate a new certificate when protection types or communication methods change.

Policy Renewal

Create a new certificate with updated policy dates when the insurance policy renews.

Insurance Company Request

Generate and email certificates quickly when requested by insurance companies or customers.

Troubleshooting

Zone List Not Appearing

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

• Check that email addresses are entered correctly
• Verify email settings are configured properly
• 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 Help?

Still have questions? Contact Cornerstone Holding Co. 847-405-9517 or email us customer.success@alarmbills.com