The Additional Insured Endorsement, Explained
An additional insured endorsement is what actually adds your venue or company to someone else's liability policy. Here's what it does and how it differs from a certificate.
What the endorsement actually does
When a venue or general contractor asks to be an additional insured, the coverage is granted by an additional insured endorsement— a modification to the named insured's liability policy that extends certain protections to the other party. Without the endorsement, the certificate's "additional insured" line is just words.
Endorsement vs. certificate
The certificate of insurance is a summary that saysyou're an additional insured. The endorsement is the actual policy language that makesyou one. That's why the certificate alone can be misleading — see certificate holder vs. additional insured.
Common endorsement types (contractors)
- Ongoing operations — covers you while the work is being performed.
- Completed operations — extends coverage after the job is finished.
- Blanket additional insured — automatically adds parties the insured is contractually required to add.
What to ask for
Require a certificate that names you as additional insured, and for higher-risk work, request a copy of the endorsement itself. If you set your requirements once and route everyone through a venue or contractor custom link, the correct additional-insured status is applied on every policy automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is an additional insured endorsement?
It's a change (endorsement) to a liability policy that adds another party — such as a venue, landlord, or general contractor — as an insured for claims arising from the named insured's work or event. It's what actually provides the protection behind an 'additional insured' request.
Is the endorsement the same as the certificate?
No. The certificate of insurance is proof; the endorsement is the policy change that grants the coverage. A certificate can list you as additional insured, but the endorsement on the underlying policy is what makes it real.
Do I need a copy of the endorsement?
For higher-risk relationships, many venues and general contractors ask for a copy of the additional insured endorsement in addition to the certificate, to confirm the coverage actually exists.