Certy
Start tracking

Additional insured vs certificate holder

Being named on a certificate of insurance isn’t the same as being covered by it. Answer four questions about the COI in front of you to see which one you are.

Free · No signup · Runs in your browser

  1. 01

    Is your company named in the Certificate Holder box?

    Bottom-left box of an ACORD 25.

  2. 02

    Is “Y” marked in the ADDL INSD column on the general liability row?

    The narrow column to the left of the policy number.

  3. 03

    Do you have the additional insured endorsement itself?

    A page from the policy, e.g. ISO CG 20 10 or a blanket “additional insured by written contract” endorsement.

  4. 04

    Does it cover completed operations, not just ongoing work?

    e.g. ISO CG 20 37, or wording that includes “your work” after completion.

Answer all four questions to see your result (0/4).

Certificate holder: you received the paperwork

The certificate holder box names who the certificate was issued to — usually the GC, property manager or owner who asked for proof of insurance. It confirms the policies existed on the day the certificate was issued. It does not give the holder any rights under the policy.

Additional insured: check the policy terms

An additional insured is added to the sub’s policy by an endorsement. If you’re sued because of the sub’s work, their insurer may defend and pay on your behalf, subject to the endorsement’s terms. That’s why nearly every subcontract requires it.

Side by side

Certificate holderAdditional insured
Where it appearsCertificate holder boxPolicy endorsement (indicated by ADDL INSD on the COI)
Coverage under the sub’s policyNoneYes, per the endorsement
How you get itAsk for a certificateRequire it in the subcontract; the sub’s agent adds it
What to keep on fileThe certificateThe certificate and the endorsement

Ongoing vs completed operations

Additional insured endorsements can cover ongoing operations (while the work is being done — e.g. ISO CG 20 10) and completed operations (after the work is finished — e.g. ISO CG 20 37). Defects and injuries often show up after a project closes, so many contracts require both.

Related: see what a waiver of subrogation adds on top of additional insured status, or check a full certificate against your requirements.

FAQ

Common questions.

  1. 01

    What is the difference between an additional insured and a certificate holder?

    A certificate holder is simply who the certificate of insurance was issued to — it gives no coverage. An additional insured is added to the policy by endorsement and can use that policy’s coverage (typically defense and indemnity) for claims arising from the named insured’s work.

  2. 02

    Can you be a certificate holder and an additional insured at the same time?

    Yes, and that’s the usual goal for a GC or property owner: the certificate is issued to you (holder), and the policy names you as additional insured by endorsement.

  3. 03

    Does the ADDL INSD box on an ACORD 25 make me an additional insured?

    Not by itself. The box shows the agent’s understanding, but the certificate states that it doesn’t amend or extend coverage. Additional insured status comes from an endorsement on the policy.

  4. 04

    What is a blanket additional insured endorsement?

    An endorsement that automatically adds anyone the insured has agreed in a written contract to add, without listing them by name. It’s common for contractors, but it only works if your subcontract actually requires it.

  5. 05

    What does a certificate holder get?

    A copy of the certificate, and in some cases notice if a policy is cancelled — but the standard ACORD 25 language only says notice will be delivered per the policy provisions. It does not give you any coverage.

More free tools

Free ACORD 25 checker

Upload a COI — AI reads it and tells you if it meets your requirements.

Waiver of subrogation explainer

Toggle the waiver on and off and watch who pays when a sub’s worker gets hurt.

Certificate of insurance sample (ACORD 25)

Click any box on an annotated sample certificate to learn what to check.

Stop checking certificates by hand.

Certy reads every COI your subs send, checks it against your requirements and chases renewals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try Certy

These free tools are general information, not legal or insurance advice. Requirements and rules vary by contract, carrier and state — confirm with your broker or attorney.