Usually not. Every site we host has a free SSL certificate: HTTPS and the padlock, on your domain and its subdomains. A paid certificate encrypts exactly as the free one does. What changes is who stands behind it and what has been checked.
What a Verified SSL certificate adds
| Free | Standard | Wildcard | Extended | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covers | Your domain and its subdomains | One domain | A domain and all its subdomains | One domain |
| Checked | The domain | The domain | The domain | Your registered company |
| Warranty | – | $10,000 | $10,000 | $1.5 million |
| Price | Included | £49/yr | £149/yr | £299/yr |
When to buy one
- You want the warranty.
- Your customers or insurers expect a verified company certificate.
With Extended SSL, anyone who opens the certificate’s details sees your verified company. Browsers no longer show it in the address bar.
If you cancel later
The free certificate takes over and your site stays on HTTPS.