Additional insured endorsement: what it is and why your GC asks for one
Explained simply
Your insurance is like an umbrella with your name on it. An additional insured endorsement lets the GC stand under it too, but only for trouble that comes from your work. A certificate just shows the umbrella. The endorsement is what makes room for them.
Your GC sent a subcontract that says "name us as additional insured." Here is what that means, what it does for them, and what it takes on your side before you start the job.
How a GC gets added to your policy
- Read the subcontractFind who must be added and what wording they want.
- Check your policyBlanket endorsement, or does each GC need its own?
- Endorsement goes on the policyThis is what actually gives the GC coverage.
- Certificate goes to the GCIt shows the additional insured status in writing.
The details · tap to open
What an additional insured is
A party added to your policy for claims from your work.
An additional insured is a person or company added to your general liability policy by an endorsement, a written change to the policy. Once added, they can get protection under your policy when they are pulled into a claim because of your work.
Picture a homeowner who trips over materials your crew left out and sues everyone on the job: you, the GC and the property owner. If the GC is an additional insured on your policy, your policy can respond for the GC on that claim, within the terms of the endorsement.
It is not the same as being on a certificate. A certificate holder only gets proof that you are insured. An additional insured gets coverage. See the certificate of insurance guide for how the two show up on paper.
Why GCs and owners ask for it
So claims from your work land on your policy, not theirs.
When something goes wrong on a job site, the injured person often names every company they can find. The GC did not do your work, but they still get sued. Asking to be additional insured is how a GC makes sure claims that come from your work are handled by your policy first, not theirs.
That is why the request shows up in most subcontracts. Property owners, management companies and some commercial clients ask for the same thing. Some contracts want the owner and the GC both added. Read the insurance section of your contract line by line: it says who must be added and how.
- It is about your work. Additional insured coverage is usually limited to claims arising from your work, not everything that happens on the job.
- It shares your limits. The GC draws from the same policy limits you have. It does not add a second pot of money.
- No endorsement, no coverage. Writing "additional insured" on a certificate without the endorsement on the policy does not give the GC anything.
Blanket vs per-project endorsements
Blanket covers anyone your contract requires; per-project names each one.
There are two common ways an additional insured endorsement is written. Which one your policy has changes how much paperwork every new job takes.
- Blanket additional insured. The endorsement covers anyone you are required to add by a written contract. If you sign a new subcontract that requires it, that GC is generally included without a new endorsement, as long as the contract was signed before the work. If you work for many GCs, this is usually the easier way.
- Scheduled or per-project. Each GC or owner is named on the endorsement by name. A new GC means a new endorsement before you start.
Not every policy includes a blanket endorsement. If your GCs require it, check for it in the quote before you choose. The contract has to be in writing, so a handshake job usually does not trigger a blanket endorsement.
Ongoing and completed operations
Many GCs want coverage to continue after your job ends.
Additional insured status can cover two different time periods:
- Ongoing operations. Claims from work while you are still on the job.
- Completed operations. Claims that show up after your work is finished, such as a leak or a crack months later.
Many GCs require both, because many construction claims surface after the job is done. Some contracts say how long completed operations status must last after the project ends. If your policy only covers ongoing operations for additional insureds, you may not meet a contract that asks for completed operations. Read both before you sign.
Some trades get extra attention here, including roofing and concrete, where problems often show up long after the crew leaves.
Wording that usually comes with it
Primary and non-contributory, plus a waiver of subrogation.
An additional insured request rarely comes alone. Subcontracts often add these two terms right next to it:
| Term | What it means in plain words |
|---|---|
| Primary and non-contributory | Your policy pays first for claims from your work, and the GC's own insurance is not asked to share the cost. |
| Waiver of subrogation | After your insurer pays a claim, it gives up the right to go after the GC to get that money back. |
Each one is usually its own endorsement. When a contract asks for all three, make sure the policy can provide all three. Your own subcontractors are a separate question: many policies expect your subs to carry their own GL and name you as additional insured. See what general liability does not cover.
Getting additional insured status through Aster
Compare what each quote includes, then our agents send the certificate.
- Enter your CSLB license number and answer about a minute of questions.
- Quotes from multiple A-rated programs arrive one by one, with limits, deductible and what each one includes and excludes. Look for the additional insured terms your GCs ask for.
- Tap "Submit for approval" on the one that fits. A licensed agent handles it and emails you the final quote to sign. Nothing is bound until you sign.
- Once you are covered, our agents send the certificate to your GC.
Got a new GC later? Call or text a licensed agent at (877) 940-4313 with the GC's legal name, address and the insurance wording from the contract. The quotes are for $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate, the limits GCs usually ask for. More on price in what drives your GL price, or find your trade on insurance by trade.
Common questions
What is an additional insured endorsement?
It is a written change to your general liability policy that adds another party, usually the GC or owner, so your policy can respond for them on claims arising from your work.
Why does my general contractor want to be an additional insured?
When someone gets hurt or property is damaged because of your work, the GC often gets sued too. As an additional insured, the GC can be protected under your policy for that claim.
Is a certificate holder the same as an additional insured?
No. A certificate holder only receives proof that you have insurance. An additional insured is added to your policy by endorsement and can get coverage for claims from your work.
What is a blanket additional insured endorsement?
It covers anyone you are required to add by a written contract, so you do not need a new endorsement for every GC. Not every policy includes it, so check before you sign a contract that requires it.
Does adding an additional insured raise my limits?
No. The additional insured shares the limits of your policy. It does not add a second set of limits.
How do I add my GC as an additional insured?
The endorsement has to be on your policy, then a certificate showing it goes to the GC. With Aster, once you are covered, our agents send the certificate. For a new GC later, call or text (877) 940-4313.
General information about California rules, not legal advice. Check your own licence with CSLB. Coverage is subject to the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions, and to the insurance company's approval. Some licence types are quoted by an agent instead of online. Updated 2026-10-12.