Additional Insured

What is an additional insured?

An additional insured is a person or entity added to your liability insurance policy who gains protection under your coverage. Clients often require being named as additional insured on your policy before hiring you. If someone sues over your work and names the client too, your insurance helps defend and cover the client. This transfers some risk from the client to your insurance carrier.

How additional insured status works

Your insurance company issues an endorsement adding the party to your policy. Their coverage is typically limited to liability arising from your work or operations. They cannot file claims for their own unrelated activities. The endorsement may be automatic for contract requirements or may require specific approval. Your certificate of insurance will show additional insured status when requested.

Managing additional insured requests

Review contracts carefully for additional insured requirements. Request the specific language your client needs. Contact your insurance agent early since endorsements may take time or require additional premium. Some policies include blanket additional insured coverage for anyone required by contract. Confirm the endorsement is in place before starting work. Keep records of all additional insured endorsements issued.