Software comparison · Updated 2026

Checkmate vs illumend (formerly myCOI)

The essential differences in pricing, verification, automation, integrations, and reporting—graded section by section.

At a glance

The verdict, without the sales maze

The bottom line

Checkmate is the stronger all-around value.

Checkmate

Our pick

Free insurance and compliance-document verification with native integrations and open access

A+Overall

All 25 priorities

Price

$0

Free self-service software; Serviced and Enterprise are custom-priced

Best for

Construction and property teams that want a complete, modern compliance workflow without software fees

  • Offers the complete verification and integration platform for free
  • Covers the whole compliance file, not only certificates of insurance
  • Combines explainable findings, human authority, and safe evidence reuse
Get Started Free

illumend (formerly myCOI)

Enterprise insurance-compliance platform with AI and service expertise

A−Overall

18 of 25 assessed

Price

Custom pricing

Quote required — no free plan

Best for

Large enterprises managing thousands of vendor certificates

  • High-volume certificate processing
  • Deep construction industry expertise
  • AI paired with insurance expertise

Scorecard

Five focused comparisons

Each grade reflects the key capabilities shown in that section.

Comparison

Collection & reuse

A+

Checkmate

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 5 assessed priorities.

A+

illumend

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 4 assessed priorities.

Automated COI requests

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

No-login submission links

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Email collection

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Bulk existing-document import

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Reusable approved evidence

CheckmateYes
illumend—

Comparison

Automation

A+

Checkmate

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 5 assessed priorities.

A+

illumend

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 4 assessed priorities.

Auto-renewal reminders

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Expiration tracking

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

AI-assisted verification

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Automatic document classification and extraction

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Requirements extracted from contracts or leases

CheckmateYes
illumend—

Comparison

Verification & service

A+

Checkmate

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 5 assessed priorities.

A+

illumend

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 3 assessed priorities.

Custom requirements

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Coverage gap detection

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Primary and umbrella limit stacking

CheckmateYes
illumend—

Endorsement wording verification

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

W-9, license, bond, EMR, and OSHA 300A verification

CheckmateYes
illumend—

Comparison

Integrations & developer access

A+

Checkmate

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 5 assessed priorities.

D

illumend

Section grade

Covers 2 of the 4 assessed priorities.

Procore integration

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

QuickBooks integration

CheckmateYes
illumendNo

REST API

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Signed webhooks

CheckmateYes
illumend—

MCP access

CheckmateYes
illumendNo

Comparison

Reporting & auditability

A+

Checkmate

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 5 assessed priorities.

A+

illumend

Section grade

Complete coverage across all 3 assessed priorities.

Portfolio compliance dashboard

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Needs Attention queue

CheckmateYes
illumend—

CSV and document ZIP exports

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Audit trail

CheckmateYes
illumendYes

Review and evidence provenance

CheckmateYes
illumend—

Decision guide

Choose based on how you want to operate

Choose Checkmate

Our pick

A stronger fit when you:

  • Complete self-service software is free, including integrations and developer access
  • Verifies insurance plus W-9s, licenses, bonds, EMR, and OSHA 300A
  • Explains every gap and keeps human reviewers in authority

Choose illumend (formerly myCOI)

A stronger fit when you:

  • Handles high volume of certificates
  • Strong enterprise features
  • Good customer support

Consider first

  • Complex interface, steep learning curve
  • Expensive for smaller companies

Try the recommended option

See the complete Checkmate workflow

Collect and verify insurance, tax, licensing, bond, and safety documents in one place.

Free to use · No credit card · Setup in under 5 minutes