TradeGuardAdditional insured vs. additional named insured
An additional insured gets liability coverage only for claims arising out of the named insured's work. An additional named insured is treated almost like the policyholder: broader rights, but carriers rarely grant it and it can entangle you in the sub's policy. GCs almost always want additional insured.
Liability coverage extended to you for claims arising out of the named insured's (the sub's) work, usually via an endorsement like CG 20 10. Narrow, common, and exactly what a GC wants.
Treated much like the policyholder itself: broader coverage rights, but also shared obligations (premium, notice, potential exposure across the whole policy). Carriers grant it rarely and reluctantly.
Require additional insured status via the right endorsement. “Additional named insured” sounds stronger, but it's rarely available from a sub's carrier and can create obligations you don't want.
Why the one word matters
“Named insured” is the entity the policy is written for. Adding you as an additional *named* insured effectively drops you into that role, with the broader rights and the shared responsibilities that come with it. Adding you as an additional *insured* extends coverage to you only for liability connected to the named insured's work. For a GC managing dozens of subs, the narrower additional-insured status is both what you need and what you can actually get.
What to require from a subcontractor
Ask for additional insured status on the sub's commercial general liability policy, granted by a specific endorsement (commonly CG 20 10 for ongoing operations and CG 20 37 for completed operations), covering your company by name or via a blanket endorsement tied to your written contract. Don't ask for “additional named insured”; you'll usually get a no, and you may not want the yes.
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 additional named insured better than additional insured?+
Broader on paper, but not better for a GC. It carries shared policy obligations, is rarely granted by a subcontractor's carrier, and additional insured status via the right endorsement already gives you the protection you need for the sub's work.
Which should a general contractor require?+
Additional insured, granted by endorsement (CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 for construction), naming your company or via a blanket endorsement tied to your subcontract.
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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