Additional insured
A person or organization granted limited liability coverage under someone else’s policy—common on certificates for contractors.
Plain definition
An additional insured endorsement extends certain liability coverages to a third party—often a landlord, general contractor, or venue—when your work or premises creates exposure for them. Coverage is narrow: it responds to liability arising from your operations, not their own negligence, and only as written in the endorsement.
Why it matters
Contracts frequently require you to add landlords or clients as additional insureds before work starts. Missing endorsements can breach contracts and leave you paying defense costs out of pocket.
Example
A client requires additional insured status on your general liability policy for a job site. You request the endorsement and provide a certificate of insurance showing the client’s name.
Common misunderstanding
Additional insured is not automatic because someone is listed on a certificate request form—you must endorse the policy and pay any applicable charge.
Policy language always controls. This is educational content, not advice. See our disclaimer.