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The Additional Insured form is a crucial component in the realm of commercial general liability insurance, particularly for businesses that engage in contracting or subcontracting work. This endorsement, identified as CG 20 37 04 13, modifies the existing insurance policy to extend coverage to additional parties, such as owners, lessees, or contractors, for completed operations. It specifies the names of those additional insureds and outlines the locations and descriptions of the completed operations that fall under this coverage. The endorsement clarifies that the additional insureds are protected against liability for bodily injury or property damage that arises from the work performed for them. However, it also sets boundaries, stating that the coverage is only as extensive as required by law or as stipulated in any relevant contracts. Importantly, the limits of insurance for these additional insureds cannot exceed what is mandated by the contract or the limits outlined in the policy's declarations. This ensures that while additional parties are covered, the primary insured's obligations and liabilities remain clear and manageable.

Additional Insured Example

POLICY NUMBER:

COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY

 

CG 20 37 04 13

THIS ENDORSEMENT CHANGES THE POLICY. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.

ADDITIONAL INSURED – OWNERS, LESSEES OR CONTRACTORS – COMPLETED OPERATIONS

This endorsement modifies insurance provided under the following:

COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY COVERAGE PART

PRODUCTS/COMPLETED OPERATIONS LIABILITY COVERAGE PART

SCHEDULE

Name Of Additional Insured Person(s)

Or Organization(s)

Location And Description Of Completed Operations

Information required to complete this Schedule, if not shown above, will be shown in the Declarations.

A.Section II – Who Is An Insured is amended to include as an additional insured the person(s) or organization(s) shown in the Schedule, but only with respect to liability for "bodily injury" or "property damage" caused, in whole or in part, by "your work" at the location designated and described in the Schedule of this endorsement performed for that additional insured and included in the "products-completed operations hazard".

However:

1.The insurance afforded to such additional insured only applies to the extent permitted by law; and

2.If coverage provided to the additional insured is required by a contract or agreement, the insurance afforded to such additional insured will not be broader than that which you are required by the contract or agreement to provide for such additional insured.

B. With respect to the insurance afforded to these additional insureds, the following is added to

Section III – Limits Of Insurance:

If coverage provided to the additional insured is required by a contract or agreement, the most we will pay on behalf of the additional insured is the amount of insurance:

1.Required by the contract or agreement; or

2.Available under the applicable Limits of Insurance shown in the Declarations;

whichever is less.

This endorsement shall not increase the applicable Limits of Insurance shown in the Declarations.

CG 20 37 04 13

© Insurance Services Office, Inc., 2012

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File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Definition The Additional Insured form, specifically CG 20 37 04 13, adds coverage for other parties, such as owners or contractors, under a primary policyholder's general liability insurance.
Coverage Scope This endorsement covers liability for bodily injury or property damage resulting from the named insured's work, specifically in completed operations.
Schedule Requirement The form requires a schedule that identifies the additional insured parties and the specific operations covered.
Legal Limitations Coverage is limited to the extent permitted by law, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Contractual Limitations If a contract mandates coverage for the additional insured, the insurance provided cannot exceed what is required by that contract.
Limits of Insurance The maximum amount payable on behalf of the additional insured is the lesser of the contract requirement or the available limits in the policy declarations.
Exclusion of Increased Limits This endorsement does not increase the overall limits of insurance stated in the policy declarations.
State-Specific Forms Some states may have specific forms or requirements for additional insured endorsements, governed by local insurance laws.
Importance in Contracts Including additional insured provisions in contracts can protect parties from liability arising from completed operations.
Review Requirement Policyholders should carefully review the endorsement to ensure it meets their contractual obligations and coverage needs.

Guide to Using Additional Insured

Filling out the Additional Insured form is a straightforward process. It requires specific information to ensure that all parties are accurately represented and covered under the insurance policy. Follow these steps carefully to complete the form correctly.

  1. Locate the POLICY NUMBER section at the top of the form and enter the relevant policy number.
  2. Identify the NAME OF ADDITIONAL INSURED PERSON(S) OR ORGANIZATION(S) section. Write the full name of the individual or organization you wish to add as an additional insured.
  3. In the LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF COMPLETED OPERATIONS section, provide a detailed description of the location and the nature of the completed operations related to the additional insured.
  4. Review the information you have entered to ensure accuracy. Double-check the spelling of names and the details of the operations.
  5. Sign and date the form in the designated area to validate the information provided.
  6. Submit the completed form to the appropriate party, such as your insurance agent or the additional insured, as required.

Get Answers on Additional Insured

What is an Additional Insured form?

An Additional Insured form is a document that extends liability coverage to other parties, such as owners, lessees, or contractors, under your commercial general liability insurance policy. This form is particularly important in situations where your work may lead to bodily injury or property damage. By including others as additional insureds, you help protect them from claims that may arise from your operations.

Who qualifies as an Additional Insured?

The individuals or organizations that can be named as additional insureds are typically specified in the endorsement schedule. These may include:

  • Owners of property where work is being performed
  • Contractors hired for specific projects
  • Lessee of property

It is crucial to ensure that the additional insureds are listed in the endorsement to guarantee coverage.

What coverage does the Additional Insured form provide?

The coverage provided by the Additional Insured form is limited to liability arising from your work at the specified location. This includes:

  1. Bodily injury
  2. Property damage

However, the coverage is only applicable to the extent permitted by law and cannot exceed what is stipulated in any contract or agreement.

Are there limits to the coverage for Additional Insureds?

Yes, there are limits to the coverage provided to additional insureds. The amount payable on behalf of the additional insured will be the lesser of:

  1. The coverage amount required by the contract or agreement
  2. The limits of insurance specified in the policy declarations

This means that the coverage will not increase the overall limits of your insurance policy.

Why is it important to include an Additional Insured form?

Including an Additional Insured form is essential for risk management. It protects both you and the additional insured from potential legal claims. By ensuring that all parties involved are adequately covered, you foster stronger business relationships and reduce the likelihood of disputes arising from incidents related to your work.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Additional Insured form can be a straightforward process, but several common mistakes can lead to complications. One significant error is failing to include the correct policy number. The policy number is essential for identifying the specific coverage being modified. Without it, there may be confusion regarding which policy the endorsement applies to.

Another mistake is not specifying the name of the additional insured accurately. This includes using incorrect spellings or abbreviations that do not match the legal name of the organization or individual. Such discrepancies can lead to disputes over coverage, as the insurer may deny claims based on incorrect information.

People often overlook the location and description of completed operations. This section must clearly describe where the work was performed and what operations were completed. Vague or incomplete descriptions can cause issues when a claim arises, as it may be unclear whether the incident is covered under the policy.

In some cases, individuals forget to review the limits of insurance applicable to the additional insured. The form specifies that coverage cannot exceed the limits outlined in the declarations or those required by contract. Failing to understand these limits can result in inadequate coverage during a claim.

Another common error is not recognizing that the insurance provided is only applicable to the extent permitted by law. This means that even if the endorsement is filled out correctly, there may be legal limitations on the coverage that could affect the additional insured’s ability to make a claim.

Some individuals mistakenly believe that the coverage provided to the additional insured is automatically broader than what is required by contract. It is crucial to understand that if a contract specifies certain coverage, the insurance offered cannot exceed that requirement. Misinterpretation of this can lead to significant gaps in protection.

Additionally, people sometimes neglect to consult the declarations page for necessary information. The declarations page contains vital details about the policy that may affect the endorsement. Ignoring this information can lead to incomplete or incorrect submissions.

Another frequent oversight is failing to include any additional information required in the schedule. If the form requires specific details that are not provided, the endorsement may be deemed invalid. Always double-check that all required fields are filled out completely.

Individuals may also misinterpret the term "your work." This term refers specifically to the work performed for the additional insured, and not all operations may fall under this definition. Misunderstanding this can lead to disputes regarding liability.

Lastly, some people do not keep a copy of the completed form for their records. Retaining a copy is important for future reference, especially if a claim arises. Without documentation, it may be challenging to prove the terms of the endorsement.

Documents used along the form

The Additional Insured form is a crucial document in many insurance transactions. It helps extend coverage to other parties involved in a contract. Alongside this form, several other documents are commonly used to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance. Below is a list of these documents with brief descriptions of each.

  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): This document serves as proof of insurance coverage. It outlines the types of coverage, policy limits, and the insured parties. It is often required by clients before work begins.
  • Indemnity Agreement: This agreement specifies that one party will compensate another for certain damages or losses. It is often included in contracts to protect against liability.
  • Waiver of Subrogation: This document prevents the insurance company from pursuing a third party for damages after paying a claim. It is typically used to protect all parties involved in a contract.
  • Contractual Liability Endorsement: This endorsement modifies the insurance policy to cover liabilities assumed under a contract. It is essential for ensuring that the policy covers specific contractual obligations.
  • Additional Insured Endorsement: Similar to the Additional Insured form, this endorsement extends coverage to additional parties. It is crucial for protecting those who may not be directly involved but have a vested interest in the project.
  • General Liability Policy: This is the primary insurance policy that covers a wide range of liabilities, including bodily injury and property damage. It serves as the foundation for additional insured coverage.
  • Proof of Coverage Letter: This letter confirms that the insured has the necessary coverage in place. It is often requested by stakeholders to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Endorsement Schedule: This document lists all endorsements attached to an insurance policy. It provides clarity on what additional coverages or modifications have been made.

Understanding these documents can help ensure that all parties are adequately protected and compliant with contractual obligations. Always review and confirm that the necessary forms are in place before commencing any work.

Similar forms

The Additional Insured form serves a specific purpose in liability insurance, particularly in the context of commercial general liability policies. It is similar to several other documents that also address coverage and liability issues. Below are six documents that share similarities with the Additional Insured form:

  • Certificate of Insurance: This document provides proof of insurance coverage. Like the Additional Insured form, it identifies who is covered under a policy and can be used to demonstrate compliance with contractual requirements.
  • Endorsement: An endorsement modifies the terms of an insurance policy. Similar to the Additional Insured form, it can add or change coverage provisions, ensuring that specific parties are included in the policy.
  • Waiver of Subrogation: This document prevents the insurer from seeking recovery from a third party. It aligns with the Additional Insured form by protecting additional insured parties from liability claims that could arise from the actions of the primary insured.
  • Indemnity Agreement: This legal contract obligates one party to compensate another for certain damages or losses. Both the indemnity agreement and the Additional Insured form aim to protect specific parties in the event of a claim.
  • Liability Release Form: This document releases one party from liability for certain actions. Similar to the Additional Insured form, it establishes the limits of liability and the responsibilities of the parties involved.
  • Contractual Liability Coverage: This coverage protects against liability assumed under a contract. Like the Additional Insured form, it ensures that specific liabilities are covered as per the terms agreed upon in contracts.

Understanding these documents is crucial for parties involved in contracts requiring insurance coverage. Each serves a unique function but shares the common goal of clarifying liability and coverage responsibilities.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Additional Insured form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do provide the correct policy number. Ensure that the policy number matches the one listed on your insurance documentation.
  • Do accurately list the name of the additional insured person or organization. Double-check spelling and details to avoid any errors.
  • Don't include unrelated parties. Only list individuals or organizations that are relevant to the specific operations described in the form.
  • Don't leave sections blank. Fill in all required fields to prevent delays or issues with processing the endorsement.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that the Additional Insured form is completed correctly and efficiently.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about the Additional Insured form that can lead to confusion. Here are six common misunderstandings:

  • All parties are covered equally. Many believe that all additional insureds receive the same level of coverage. In reality, coverage may vary based on the specific terms of the contract or agreement.
  • Coverage is unlimited. Some think that the insurance provided to additional insureds has no limits. However, the coverage is limited to the lesser of what is required by the contract or what is available under the policy's limits.
  • It covers all types of claims. There is a misconception that this form covers any claim. In truth, it only applies to "bodily injury" or "property damage" resulting from the named insured's work.
  • It automatically includes all operations. People often assume that all operations are covered. The endorsement only applies to completed operations as specified in the schedule.
  • Additional insured status is permanent. Some believe that once someone is added as an additional insured, they remain covered indefinitely. This is not true; coverage is tied to the terms of the contract and can change.
  • It eliminates the need for separate insurance. Many think that adding someone as an additional insured replaces the need for their own insurance. This is incorrect; additional insured status does not substitute for individual insurance policies.

Key takeaways

Here are key takeaways about filling out and using the Additional Insured form:

  • The form is specifically for adding owners, lessees, or contractors as additional insured parties.
  • It modifies the insurance provided under the Commercial General Liability Coverage Part.
  • Fill out the schedule with the names of additional insured persons or organizations.
  • Include the location and description of the completed operations related to the additional insured.
  • The insurance covers liability for bodily injury or property damage caused by your work.
  • Coverage applies only to the extent permitted by law.
  • If required by a contract, coverage cannot exceed what the contract specifies.
  • The amount the insurer will pay is the lesser of the contract amount or the limits shown in the Declarations.
  • This endorsement does not increase the applicable limits of insurance stated in the Declarations.
  • Review the endorsement carefully to understand its implications on your coverage.