TradeGuardAdditional insured endorsement forms, explained
The additional-insured checkbox on a certificate is not coverage; it's a claim about coverage. The endorsement is the actual policy document that grants it. Ask for the endorsement (CG 20 10, CG 20 37, or a blanket endorsement), not just the certificate.
The certificate is not the coverage
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a snapshot that summarizes a policy; it explicitly says it confers no rights. The line that reads “additional insured: yes” is a representation, not a grant of coverage. What actually makes you an additional insured is an endorsement attached to the policy. If you never see the endorsement, you're trusting a checkbox.
The common forms
CG 20 10 adds an additional insured for ongoing operations. CG 20 37 adds them for completed operations. A blanket additional insured endorsement automatically extends status to any party the named insured is required by written contract to add. That's convenient, but you should still confirm your subcontract actually triggers it. Manuscript (custom) endorsements exist too and should be read carefully, because the wording controls the coverage.
Edition dates and scope
The edition date of an endorsement can change what it covers: for example, later editions of CG 20 10 narrowed coverage in ways that matter. “Additional insured” without the specific form and edition is an incomplete answer. Require the endorsement, keep it on file with the certificate, and confirm the details with your broker.
When a subcontractor uploads a certificate, TradeGuard reads it and records whether you're listed as an additional insured, and the exact name shown. Set “require additional insured” on a trade, and any sub whose COI doesn't include it is flagged automatically, so a missing endorsement doesn't slip onto your site unnoticed.
TradeGuard tracks additional-insured status, the named party, and your endorsement notes in one place. It doesn't replace reading the actual endorsement form; always confirm the specific form and edition with your broker.
This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Endorsement forms, editions, and coverage vary; confirm requirements with your broker and the terms of your subcontract.
FAQ
Is the additional-insured box on a COI enough?+
No. The certificate summarizes the policy and confers no coverage by itself. The endorsement attached to the policy is what grants additional-insured status; always ask for it.
What is a blanket additional insured endorsement?+
An endorsement that automatically adds anyone the named insured is required by written contract to add as additional insured, without naming each party. Confirm your subcontract triggers it.
Stop trusting the checkbox
TradeGuard reads every subcontractor's certificate, records whether you're listed as additional insured, and flags the ones that aren't, before they're on your job site.
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