InstantSSL - Frequently Asked Questions

What is SSL?
Secure Sockets Layer, SSL, is the standard security technology for creating an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remain private and integral. SSL is an industry standard and is used by millions of websites in the protection of their online transactions with their customers. In order to be able to generate an SSL link, a web server requires an SSL Certificate. InstantSSL is such a Certificate, and when installed, can be used to create secure links to protect transactions, passwords, personal details, etc.

Why does an InstantSSL Certificate cost considerably less than other Certification Authorities?
InstantSSL has direct access to the IdAuthority, the largest commercial directory on the web. InstantSSL can therefore expediate the validation of an application. This efficient and highly effective validation method ensures we can issue a Certificate at a greatly reduced cost as reflected through our guaranteed lowest price in the industry as well as maintain a level of validation far superior to the methods employed by other SSL providers. In particular, the validation process employed to issue an InstantSSL, BudgetSSL or PremiumSSL Certificate is considerably more than just a domain name ownership check - we firmly believe this method alone to be insufficient to maintain the level of integrity in SSL that consumers have come to expect.

Where can I find out more about the validation, issuance and management process?
As a commercial Certificate Authority, Comodo publish a Certification Practice Statement. This policy document is available here.

Will InstantSSL Certificates work correctly with my customer's browsers?
In order for your customer's browser to seamlessly use an InstantSSL Certificate, they must already trust our 'Root Certificate'. Our Root (provided by Brussels based GlobalSign) is already trusted by over 99% of all current browsers (see browser compatibility details), comprising all Internet Explorer 5.01 and above and Netscape 4.7 and above. As more and more people upgrade their browsers, our browser coverage increases. This ensures that we are fast becoming one of the most trusted Certification Authorities in the world.

What is the difference between an InstantSSL, BudgetSSL and PremiumSSL Certificate available through instantssl.com?
InstantSSL Certificates are designed to secure intranets and low cost transactions. Our BudgetSSL and PremiumSSL Certificates are designed to secure all web servers. Whilst technically the three flavours of certificate are identical, due to the nature of how we intend the $79.95 InstantSSL Certificates to be used, they carry a reduced warranty ($50 maximum warranty). This reduced warranty enable us to further reduce the cost of the certificate to you. However, BudgetSSL Certificates carry a warranty of $1000 and PremiumSSL Certificates carry a greatly increased warranty of $10,000 for your total peace of mind. For more information on warranties, please read the CA Comparison Chart.

How long does it take to process my application?
Provided we have sufficient validation information available through the IdAuthority (as described in our CPS), your InstantSSL, BudgetSSL or PremiumSSL can be issued in only minutes. If additional verification processes must be used to validate your application, the issuance process may take slightly longer. In such cases we guarantee that the Certificate is issued within 2 working days. Please contact us at: directly to expedite your Order should it be urgent.

I want an increased warranty on my InstantSSL Certificate - how can I get this?
If you require an increased warranty on your SSL Certificate, choose from the BudgetSSL or PremiumSSL Certificates option. This provides a greatly increased warranty of $1000 and $10,000 respectively.

Do you only accept payment in US$?
No, whilst we do display all prices in US$, we accept payment in in both UK£ and US$ - a conversation is performed at point of payment. We also accept all major credit cards and debit cards. Please contact us for specific details.

Why am I asked about VAT?
Comodo, the organisation behind InstantSSL, is a UK Company. We must therefore determine if we are to charge VAT (Value Added Tax) on the advertised price of the sale. Only UK companies and EU companies without a valid VAT number will be charged VAT. If you are outside of the EU be sure to choose "Outside EU" in the VAT options in the application pages to avoid being charged VAT.