Additional insured endorsements, explained for contractors

Why does it matter?

If a claim arises from a sub’s work, additional insured status can give you access to their coverage so your own policy is not first in line. Whether and how it responds depends on the endorsement wording and, in some states, on anti-indemnity laws.

What to request

• The additional insured endorsement form number and edition date from the policy.
• Confirmation of ongoing and completed operations coverage if your contract requires both.
• Evidence that the endorsement names you or applies by blanket wording.

Common problems

• The box is ticked but the policy has no endorsement.
• The endorsement covers ongoing operations only.
• The wording is narrower than your contract requires.

Not legal or insurance advice. Confirm anything contract-specific with your broker or attorney.

What this means on a real job

Say a sub’s worker is hurt and sues both the sub and you. If you are an additional insured, the sub’s insurer may defend you too. If you are only a certificate holder, you get a copy of the paper and nothing more. That difference is why contractors ask for the endorsement, not just the certificate.

Before the job starts, ask the sub’s agent for the endorsement form. Check that it covers you for finished work as well as work in progress, if your contract says so. See blanket additional insured.

Form numbers to look for

Many policies use standard forms from the insurance industry’s rating group (ISO). Agents often know these by number:

Insurers can use their own equivalent forms and form dates, so a different number is not automatically a problem. Ask the agent to confirm in writing that your contract’s requirements are met. Your broker can compare the wording.