General Liability Insurance
COIs, additional insureds, and policy endorsements
Certificates of insurance (COIs) prove you have coverage, while endorsements modify your policy to meet specific requirements. Most business contracts require both.
A Certificate of Insurance is a document that summarizes your coverage limits and policy dates. It's used to prove coverage to clients, landlords, and partners. Unlike endorsements, a COI doesn't change your policy—it just documents what you have.
Understanding Certificates & Endorsements
Standard Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A one-page summary showing your coverage types, limits, policy numbers, and effective dates. The most common document requested by clients and vendors.
Additional Insured Endorsement
Adds another party (like a client or landlord) to your policy as an insured. They gain coverage for claims arising from your work.
Waiver of Subrogation
Your insurer waives the right to sue the other party to recover claim payments. Often required alongside additional insured status.
Primary and Non-Contributory Endorsement
Makes your policy respond first (primary) without seeking contribution from the additional insured's own policies.
Common Endorsements
Blanket Additional Insured
Automatically adds any party you're contractually required to add as an additional insured, without needing individual endorsements.
Per-Project Aggregate
Provides a separate aggregate limit for each project, preventing one project's claims from exhausting coverage for others.
Hired and Non-Owned Auto
Extends GL to cover liability from employees using personal or rented vehicles for business purposes.
Need help with your general liability insurance?
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