What is an additional insured?

Why it matters

Without additional insured status, a GC sued because of a subcontractor's mistake would usually have to rely on its own policy, then try to recover costs through the indemnity clause in the subcontract. With it, the subcontractor's insurer is typically asked to respond directly. That protects the GC's loss history and premiums.

Who usually asks for it

• General contractors, from every subcontractor.
• Property owners and managers, from vendors working on their buildings.
• Landlords, from tenants.
• Project owners and lenders, from the GC and often from key subcontractors.

How additional insured status is granted

Status comes from an endorsement on the policy, not from the certificate. Common ISO forms include CG 20 10 (ongoing operations), CG 20 37 (completed operations) and blanket versions that cover anyone the insured agreed in a written contract to add.

A blanket endorsement is common and perfectly acceptable, but its wording matters — many require a written contract signed before the loss. Make sure your subcontract actually requires additional insured status.

How to verify it

• Check the ADDL INSD column on the ACORD 25 shows Y for the general liability line (and auto or umbrella, if your contract requires it).
• Ask for the endorsement page and confirm the form number and edition date.
• Confirm it covers both ongoing and completed operations if your contract requires both.
• If it's a scheduled (named) endorsement, confirm your exact legal name is on the schedule.

Terms that usually travel together

Contracts that require additional insured status often also require a waiver of subrogation and primary and non-contributory wording. Together, these three put the subcontractor's insurance first in line for claims caused by its work.

This is general information, not legal advice. Your contract language and your broker should be the final word.