Free Additional Insured Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Additional Insured

Filling out the Additional Insured form is a key step in modifying your commercial general liability insurance policy. It is crucial to approach this process with precision to ensure accurate coverage for the additional insured. Following the correct steps not only streamlines the inclusion of another party into your insurance coverage but also safeguards against potential disputes arising from insufficiently detailed entries. Careful attention to detail can avert complications in the event of a claim, ensuring that coverage aligns with the shared risk agreement between the involved parties.

1. Start by locating the POLICY NUMBER at the top of the form. Insert your policy number to ensure the endorsement is properly attached to your existing policy.
2. Under the SCHEDULE section, write the full legal name of the person(s) or organization(s) you are adding as an additional insured. Ensure accuracy to prevent any issues with policy coverage.
3. Provide the Location And Description Of Completed Operations in the designated area. This description should include all relevant details about where and what the completed operations entail, matching the scope of work that the additional insured was involved with or responsible for.
4. If the form mentions that certain required information will be found in the Declarations, review your policy’s Declarations page. Transfer any pertinent information from there to the form, ensuring consistency in details across documents.
5. Review Section A, which outlines the amendment regarding who is considered an insured under this endorsement. Keep in mind that the coverage extension to the additional insured is subject to legal restrictions and the specifics of any contract or agreement that necessitates this endorsement.
6. Understand the implications of Section B, especially if coverage is mandated by a contract or agreement. Note that the maximum payout on behalf of the additional insured cannot exceed the lesser of the amount mandated by the contract or the limits set forth in your policy’s Declarations.
7. Double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness. Any discrepancies can affect the validity of the additional insured’s coverage.
8. Sign and date the form, if required. This action finalizes the endorsement process, subjecting it to review by your insurance provider.
9. Submit the completed form to your insurance company, following their guidelines for submission, whether that be through mail, email, or another specified method.

Once submitted, your insurance provider will process the endorsement. They may reach out for further information or clarification. It’s important to respond promptly to any such requests to avoid delays in the endorsement’s approval. After processing, you’ll receive confirmation that the additional insured has been added to your policy, along with any updated policy documents reflecting this change. This concludes the steps for adding an additional insured, securing the extended coverage as per your contractual agreements and safeguarding all parties involved.

What is an "Additional Insured" on a commercial general liability policy?

An "Additional Insured" refers to a person or organization that is not initially named as an insured on the policy but is added to the policy through an endorsement. This endorsement extends certain coverages to these additional insureds, providing them protection under the policy. For example, if a contractor is working for a business, that business may be added as an additional insured on the contractor's policy, protecting the business against liability claims arising from the contractor's work.

How does the "Additional Insured – Owners, Lessees or Contractors – Completed Operations" endorsement work?

This endorsement modifies the commercial general liability coverage to include certain people or organizations as additional insureds. It specifically extends coverage to them for liability arising out of "your work" for those additional insureds when it involves products-completed operations. This means if a claim is made against the additional insured for bodily injury or property damage caused by the work done by the policyholder, the policyholder's insurance may cover it. However, coverage is only provided to the extent permitted by law and to the extent required by any contract or agreement.

What are the limitations of coverage for an Additional Insured under this endorsement?

The coverage for an Additional Insured under this endorsement has two main limitations. First, the insurance protection is only applicable to the extent allowed by law. Second, if a contract or agreement requires the coverage, the extent of the coverage will not exceed what is required by that contract or agreement. Moreover, the insurance amount that may be paid on behalf of the additional insured cannot exceed the minimum required by the contract or the limits shown in the policy, whichever is less. The endorsement will not increase the policy's overall limits of insurance.

Where can I find the names of Additional Insureds and details about the completed operations?

The names of Additional Insured persons or organizations and the details about the completed operations covered under this endorsement are specified in the Schedule of the endorsement. If this information is not provided in the endorsement itself, it will be detailed in the Declarations section of the policy. This information is crucial as it defines who is covered and for what specific operations or products.

Does this endorsement affect the policy's Limits of Insurance?

No, this endorsement does not increase the policy's overall Limits of Insurance. If coverage provided to the additional insured is required by a contract or agreement, the most that will be paid on behalf of the additional insured is the amount required by the contract/agreement or the amount available under the applicable Limits of Insurance shown in the Declarations, whichever is less. This ensures that adding an additional insured does not affect the coverage available to the primary insured under the policy.

Filling out the Additional Insured form, particularly the POLICY NUMBER: COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY CG 20 37 04 13, involves nuanced details that, if overlooked, can result in significant consequences. One common mistake occurs when individuals inaccurately identify the "Name Of Additional Insured Person(s) Or Organization(s)". This field must match the legal name of the entity exactly as it is recognized legally to ensure proper coverage. Any discrepancy between the name on the policy and the legal name can cause confusion and potentially leave a party without the intended coverage.

Another key area often misinterpreted is the "Location And Description Of Completed Operations". Incorrect or incomplete descriptions in this section can lead to ambiguity regarding the scope of the coverage. Precise detailing of the locations and operations ensures clarity for all parties involved, specifying the exact nature of the insured work and minimizing potential disputes about the applicability of coverage for specific incidents.

Moreover, many overlook the stipulation that "the insurance afforded to such additional insured only applies to the extent permitted by law". It's essential to understand the legal constraints within the jurisdiction of the contract. Ignorance of legal limitations can lead to assumptions of coverage that are not valid, leaving gaps in protection.

Additionally, failure to note that if "coverage provided to the additional insured is required by a contract or agreement, the insurance afforded.. will not be broader than that which you are required by the contract or agreement to provide" can lead to misunderstandings about the breadth of coverage. Parties often assume that by adding someone as an additional insured, they automatically receive the fullest extent of coverage available under the policy. However, the actual coverage is often tied strictly to the requirements outlined in a contract or agreement.

A crucial detail that gets overlooked is related to the limits of insurance; specifically, that "the most we will pay on behalf of the additional insured is the amount of insurance required by the contract or agreement; or available under the applicable Limits of Insurance shown in the Declarations; whichever is less". This misunderstanding can lead to unrealistic expectations about the financial extent of coverage, potentially leaving the additional insured underprotected in the case of a claim. Acknowledging this limitation helps in planning adequate risk management strategies.

Last but not least, the significance of the provision that "This endorsement shall not increase the applicable Limits of Insurance shown in the Declarations" is often underestimated. This means adding an additional insured does not extend the aggregate amount of available coverage. Parties sometimes mistakenly believe that each additional insured gets the full amount of coverage independently, whereas the limit is shared among all insured parties, potentially diluting the coverage for each.

When businesses engage in relationships that require sharing liabilities or responsibilities, it's common to use an Additional Insured form, like the one described above, to extend certain coverages from one party's insurance policy to another. However, this form isn't the only document that plays a crucial role in managing risk and ensuring all parties are adequately protected. There are several other forms and documents often utilized in conjunction with the Additional Insured form to create a comprehensive risk management strategy. Let's take a look at some of these key documents.

• Certificate of Insurance (COI): This document serves as proof that an insurance policy exists. It provides the policy's basic details, such as effective dates, types of coverage, and limits, but does not confer any rights to the holder. A COI is typically requested to verify that proper insurance coverage is in place before entering into contracts or agreements.
• Waiver of Subrogation: A waiver of subrogation is an agreement wherein an insured waives the right of their insurance carrier to seek compensation for losses paid from a third party that may have contributed to the loss. This is often used in conjunction with additional insured status to further limit potential financial recovery actions between parties.
• Indemnity Agreement (Hold Harmless Agreement): This legal document requires one party to compensate another for the harms and losses sustained. It's commonly used in contracts to shift the potential cost of risks from one party to another, working hand-in-hand with additional insured provisions to manage and mitigate liability risks.
• Endorsement Schedule: This outlines any amendments or additions to the original insurance policy, specifying changes to coverage, terms, or conditions. It is critical to ensure that the additional insured status and other modifications are properly documented and attached to the policy.
• Policy Declarations Page: Often referred to as the "Dec Page," this part of an insurance policy outlines the specifics of the coverage provided, including the insured's name, policy number, coverage types, limits, and premiums. It gives a summary of what is included in the policy and can be used to confirm that the additional insured endorsement is part of the overall insurance package.

Successfully managing business relationships and associated risks requires careful documentation and attention to detail. The forms and documents outlined above, used alongside the Additional Insured form, are essential tools in crafting a protective barrier against potential liabilities. Understanding and utilizing these documents effectively can save businesses from unforeseen financial burdens and strengthen partnerships by clearly defining insurance protections and obligations.

The Certificate of Insurance form is closely related to the Additional Insured form. Both serve as proof of insurance coverage but focus on different aspects. While the Additional Insured form modifies a policy to include coverage for other parties, the Certificate of Insurance provides a snapshot of the current policy details and coverages without altering them. Essentially, one adds coverage, and the other simply verifies existing coverage.

Indemnity Agreements often go hand-in-hand with Additional Insured forms. These agreements typically require one party to compensate the other for certain types of loss or damage. Similarly, the Additional Insured form extends a policy's protection to other parties, effectively covering them under the same policy. Both aim to allocate responsibilities for risks among parties involved in a business deal or project.

A Waiver of Subrogation is another document similar to the Additional Insured form. This waiver prevents an insurance company from seeking reimbursement from a third party after paying a loss. Adding someone as an additional insured can have a somewhat similar effect by providing them coverage, thus potentially eliminating the need for subrogation. Both documents serve to streamline financial recovery processes after a loss and clarify who bears financial responsibility.

The Named Insured Endorsement closely relates to the Additional Insured form, as both involve modifications to who is protected under an insurance policy. While the Additional Insured form adds parties who benefit from the policy's coverage, the Named Insured Endorsement could change the identity or add entities as primary insureds on the policy. Each of these forms adjusts the scope of coverage to better align with the policyholder’s needs.

The Endorsement for Additional Locations operates similarly to the Additional Insured form by modifying an existing insurance policy to broaden its coverage. However, instead of adding more people or organizations under the policy’s protection, it extends coverage to new locations. This ensures that properties or operations at different sites are adequately covered, much like how additional insureds are covered for liabilities linked to the policyholder's activities.

An Umbrella Policy is a broader form of coverage that can encompass elements similar to those found in an Additional Insured form. Umbrella policies provide extra liability coverage above the limits of underlying policies. Including an additional insured under an umbrella policy can further protect them from claims that exceed the primary policy’s limits, enhancing the safety net that both documents aim to provide.

The Exclusion of Named Insured form is somewhat of a counterpart to the Additional Insured form. Instead of adding coverage for more parties, it specifically excludes certain insureds from coverage under the policy. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where the risks associated with certain parties do not align with the insurer’s or the policyholder's preferences. Both forms fine-tune the policy to better match the policyholder's requirements and risk management strategies.

A Loss Payee Endorsement is akin to the Additional Insured form as it involves adding parties to an insurance policy. This endorsement is common in property insurance and ensures that the party added, typically a lender or lessor, gets compensated first in case of a claim. Similar to how additional insureds are granted coverage rights, loss payees are assured of their financial interest in the insured property.

The Minimum Premium Endorsement, while primarily dealing with the cost aspect of an insurance policy, shares the character of policy modification with the Additional Insured form. It sets a floor on the premium of a policy, regardless of other adjustments. Thus, although it addresses policy pricing rather than coverage scope, it underscores the flexibility of insurance contracts in accommodating specific needs, much like adding an additional insured.

When filling out the Additional Insured form, specifically the endorsement CG 20 37 04 13, it is essential to proceed with care and precision to ensure that coverage is properly extended to additional insureds as intended. Here are some do's and don'ts to follow for a smoother process:

• Do thoroughly read the entire form before filling it out, to understand the scope of the endorsement and how it modifies the policy.
• Do accurately list the name(s) of the additional insured person(s) or organization(s) in the Schedule section, as this ensures they are properly covered.
• Do provide a detailed location and description of completed operations for which the additional insureds require coverage, ensuring this information is clear and precise.
• Do check if the coverage level for the additional insured is dictated by a contract or agreement, and ensure that the coverage provided does not exceed what is required.
• Do verify local laws and regulations to confirm that the extension of coverage to the additional insured is allowed, as insurance regulations can vary significantly by jurisdiction.
• Don't neglect to review the Declarations section if information required to complete the Schedule is not shown, as this section contains crucial policy details.
• Don't assume that adding an additional insured automatically increases the Limits of Insurance; understand that the coverage amount is subject to the terms stated in the endorsement.
• Don't overlook the details regarding the insurance affordability and limitations that apply to the additional insureds, especially the part concerning products-completed operations hazard.
• Don't forget to check if the added coverage for the additional insured is subject to any restrictions or amendments in Section III – Limits Of Insurance, to avoid any surprises in the coverage extent.
• Don't fill out the form in haste. Take your time to ensure that all information is correctly entered and that the form is fully compliant with both the policy requirements and contractual obligations.

Adhering to these guidelines will help in successfully adding additional insureds onto a Commercial General Liability policy via the CG 20 37 04 13 endorsement, thereby ensuring proper risk management and liability coverage in accordance with the terms of agreements and applicable laws.

Understanding the Additional Insured endorsement, specifically the CG 20 37 04 13 form, is crucial for parties involved in contracts requiring commercial general liability coverage. This form extends coverage to other entities not automatically covered under the initial policy. However, several misconceptions surround this endorsement, leading to confusion and potentially incorrect coverage expectations.

Misconception 1: Additional Insureds are covered for all types of liability.

This endorsement specifically covers additional insureds for liability stemming from "bodily injury" or "property damage" caused by the work performed for the additional insured and included in the "products-completed operations hazard." It does not extend coverage to all types of liabilities or incidents unrelated to the described operations.

Misconception 2: Coverage for Additional Insureds is unlimited.

The coverage for additional insureds under this endorsement is subject to limits. It clearly states that the most the insurer will pay on behalf of the additional insured is the lesser of the amount required by the contract or agreement or the limits of insurance shown in the Declarations of the policy. It's crucial to note that this endorsement does not increase the policy's overall limits of insurance.

Misconception 3: The Additional Insured endorsement provides broader coverage than the primary insured.

Contrary to this belief, the insurance afforded to additional insureds will not be broader than that required by the contract or agreement. The coverage scope is specifically tied to the work performed for the additional insured that is included in the "products-completed operations hazard."

Misconception 4: Additional Insured status provides immediate coverage for all past and future operations.

This specific endorsement covers liability for work performed for the additional insured and completed before the policy's inception. It does not automatically cover all past operations or guarantee future operations coverage unless those operations are related to the scope defined in the endorsement. Each situation must be evaluated based on the endorsement's terms and the operations described.

Misconception 5: Obtaining an Additional Insured status is always optional.

In many contracts, particularly in construction or leasing agreements, securing an Additional Insured status on another party's policy is a requirement, not an option. This requirement aims to protect parties working closely together from liabilities arising out of one another's actions. Failure to secure such status when required can lead to significant financial and legal consequences.

Understanding these key points about the CG 20 37 04 13 Additional Insured endorsement helps clarify the scope and limitations of coverage. It's essential for parties in a contract to thoroughly review and understand the coverage provided to avoid surprises in the event of a claim.

Understanding the Additional Insured endorsement, particularly form CG 20 37 04 13, is crucial for individuals and organizations involved in commercial activities. This form extends the coverage of a Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy to include additional insureds, under specific conditions. Here are key takeaways for filling out and using this form effectively:

• The Additional Insured form, specifically CG 20 37 04 13, modifies the Commercial General Liability Coverage and Products/Completed Operations Liability Coverage by adding certain individuals or organizations as additional insureds.
• It is vital to accurately complete the Schedule section of the form, which requires the name(s) of the additional insured person(s) or organization(s), along with the location and description of the completed operations.
• Coverage for additional insureds applies only regarding liability for bodily injury or property damage caused by the policy holder's work at the specified location and is included within the "products-completed operations hazard."
• The endorsement outlines that the insurance coverage for additional insureds is subject to legal allowances and will not exceed the scope of coverage mandated by any contract or agreement requiring the addition of the insured.
• Regarding the limits of insurance, if a contract or agreement necessitates additional insured coverage, the maximum payout on behalf of the additional insured is either the requirement of the contact/agreement or the applicable limit of insurance stated in the Declarations, whichever is less. Importantly, this endorsement does not increase the policy’s overall limit of insurance.

When using the Additional Insured form, attention to detail and a clear understanding of the specified conditions are paramount. To ensure proper coverage, all involved parties should carefully review and abide by the requirements outlined in the endorsement. Additionally, keep in mind that the policy's overall limits are unaffected by the inclusion of additional insureds, which could impact the distribution of coverage following a claim.