Additional insured vs. certificate holder

Certificate holder

The certificate holder box, at the bottom of the certificate, names who the certificate was issued to. Usually that's you, the company hiring the vendor. Being listed there means you were given proof that the vendor had the coverage shown on the issue date.

It doesn't extend any coverage to you. If a claim arises from the vendor's work, being the holder alone doesn't make you an insured under their policy.

Additional insured

An additional insured is a person or company added to the vendor's policy, usually the general liability policy, through an endorsement. Many service contracts require the hiring company to be named as additional insured for the vendor's work.

How to tell which one a certificate shows

1. Find the ADDL INSD column next to each policy in the coverage table. A mark (usually "X" or "Y") on the general liability row means the certificate indicates additional insured status for that policy.
2. Read the description of operations box. Agents often name the additional insured there and reference the endorsement form.
3. If your contract requires it, many companies also ask for a copy of the endorsement itself. The checkbox summarizes it; the endorsement is what actually changes the policy.

What to do when the box isn't marked

Ask the vendor to have their insurance agent issue a corrected certificate, and the endorsement if needed. Agents handle these requests all the time and can usually turn them around within a day.

You can see whether the box is marked on any certificate with the free certificate checker, or read our walkthrough of every box on a certificate.

This guide explains what certificates show. It isn't insurance or legal advice; ask your broker or attorney what to require.