Definition
What is Additional insured?
An additional insured is a party added to another entity’s insurance policy — typically by endorsement — so that it can seek coverage under that policy for claims arising from the named insured’s work.
What it means in practice
When a contractor names the association and the building as additional insured on its general liability policy, the board can, for covered claims tied to the contractor’s work, look to the contractor’s insurer rather than only its own. This is a core mechanism for transferring construction risk to the party doing the work.
Additional-insured status is created by the policy endorsement, not by the certificate of insurance. The scope can vary (ongoing operations vs. completed operations, primary vs. excess, blanket vs. scheduled). Boards commonly ask to see the actual endorsement and confirm both the board entity and the building are named.
Key points for boards
- Ask that both the board/association and the building be named.
- Confirmation lives in the endorsement, not the certificate line.
- Check whether coverage is primary and non-contributory, and includes completed operations.
- Additional-insured status complements — it does not replace — a contractual indemnity.