Free COI Tracking Software: Options and Limitations
Free COI tracking can mean a permanent limited plan, a spreadsheet or a one-off checker. Those options solve different parts of the job. Decide whether you need a place to store vendor records, automated collection, renewal follow-up or a process for reviewing policy documents.
Public plan information below was reviewed on November 3, 2026. Confirm current access and limits before moving your vendor files.
Free options with different jobs
| Option | Useful starting point | Limit to investigate |
|---|---|---|
| BCS free plan | Collection and tracking for a small vendor list | Published cap of 25 vendors and selected review scope |
| TrustLayer Starter | Small-team tracking and document collection | Published cap of 50 vendors; free versus paid compliance logic |
| Spreadsheet template | A transparent register you control | Manual intake, review, follow-up and version management |
| Certy public checkers | Trying a certificate-review workflow | Public-tool limits; not an ongoing free tracking account |
BCS’s own pricing page advertises the 25-vendor free plan. Do not assume every specialist review capability described elsewhere by BCS is included in that free tier.
TrustLayer’s plans page lists Starter up to 50 vendors. Its Starter explainer distinguishes extraction and document checks from the complete compliance logic reserved for Pro. Its public materials describe different routes beyond the free limit, so confirm upgrade terms directly.
Check what happens after the first upload
Ask how missing certificates are requested, whether dates can be corrected, how renewals are chased and who handles a failed document review. Check whether your team can export the vendor list and files before relying on a free account as its only record.
Count the work the plan leaves with you. A free tool can be a sensible choice when that work fits your process; it becomes less useful when nobody owns the remaining follow-up.
A hypothetical small portfolio
An administrator tracks 18 maintenance vendors and receives a few renewals each month. A free plan or COI tracking spreadsheet may cover the immediate administrative need. The administrator still assigns a reviewer for unclear additional insured wording rather than assuming the zero-dollar subscription provides a coverage opinion.
Later the portfolio grows to 90 vendors. Before migrating, the team checks paid allowances, document export, setup effort and review responsibilities. The original free price is no longer the entire decision.
Where Certy fits
Certy has no permanent free tracking tier. You can use the ACORD 25 checker, manual COI checker and templates before evaluating a paid tracking plan. For a structured comparison, use the software evaluation checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Does Certy offer a free tracking plan?
No. Certy offers free public tools and templates, while ongoing tracking is on paid plans. Check the pricing page for current allowances.
Does free certificate extraction mean full insurance compliance review?
No. Check the plan’s actual scope. Extracting dates and limits, evaluating contract criteria, reviewing endorsements and interpreting coverage are different tasks.