4 Steps to Ensure Better Coverage of Additional Insured Endorsement

COI Management | January 7, 2020

Most companies require their contractors or vendors to name themselves as an additional insured endorsement on their Commercial General Liability Policy (CGL).

However, to verify this information, many companies will simply:

• Collect the Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• Confirm the amounts
• Ensure the additional insured box is checked or that their name as additional insured is in the description box of the ACORD form

On the surface, this may sound like a sufficient process. However, in many cases, this practice is not good enough to ensure coverage.

So what needs to be done in order to adequately ensure coverage?

In this article, we will answer:

• Why many additional insured practices don’t meet COI requirements
• How a blanket additional insured endorsement might unintentionally invalidate coverage
• How to better ensure coverage on a contractual agreement in 4 easy steps

Certificate of Insurance Misrepresentation  

In 2015, the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) performed a study on a sample of COIs to evaluate the effectiveness of insurance certificate representation and reported coverage.

The results were shocking!

At face value, 100% of the certificates met the client’s requirements. However, when the actual policy was reviewed, only 10% of the certificates met insurance coverage requirements. 

But why did only 10% of the samples meet COI requirements?

The reason is simple: blanket endorsements.

Blanket Additional Insured Endorsement: What to Look For

Generally speaking, blanket endorsements provide adequate protection for companies. Not to mention, they are also affordable options for contractors who work with several parties that may require an additional insured status. 

In cases like these, the blanket additional insured endorsement or policy itself is not the problem. But rather, an issue with a contractor agreement – or, in some cases, the complete lack of a simple contractor agreement – may ultimately invalidate the coverage. 

In other words, your contract might unintentionally invalidate your coverage. 

That being said, blanket endorsements require a valid contract between the contractor and any parties that may require an additional insured status. 

But what does an additional insured endorsement look like? Look no further. Keep reading to learn how to ensure adequate coverage with a valid contractor agreement.

4 Tips on How to Ensure Coverage on a Contract 

While onboarding a new service contractor, follow these 4 simple steps to ensure your contract doesn’t unintentionally invalidate your coverage.

1. Make a Written Agreement

First things first, always be sure you have a written agreement with your contractor that requires you to be an additional insured on the CGL policy.

Note: it is also important to review agreements with contractors who may be on a legacy contract. 

2. Place Agreement Under Company Name

Next, make sure the agreement is under the company’s official name and not their dba. 

An extra tip is to ensure the name on the agreement matches the one on the contractor’s W9. Why? Because more likely than not, the W9 has been verified through the IRS. 

3. Authorize the Agreement

After placing the agreement under company name, authorize the agreement with an official, authorized signature. 

Why is this important?

Many agreements have been invalidated simply because the individual who signed was not an authorized signer of the company. 

In the case of a sole proprietor, he/she must sign themselves. On the other hand, in the case of signing with another corporation or business entity, check the Secretary of State website for a list of officers and ensure it is one of them who sign the agreement. 

4. Proof Additional Insured Parties

If there are any other parties that you require to be listed as an additional insured on the certificate, create a direct contract between them and the contractor as well. 

This will keep everyone organized and well-informed. 

By following these 4 simple steps, your company can go a long way to ensure that you are not the one that has to pay a claim when a contractor makes a mistake or causes unforeseen damage.

Ensure Your Company’s Coverage with PlusOne Solutions

Founded in 2005, PlusOne Solutions is a Nationally Accredited Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) that specializes in helping organizations with large networks of independent contractors mitigate risks through:

• Document management
• Insurance
• Background screening
• Drug testing
• Compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and EEOC guidelines
• License management
• Badging/credentialing

For more information on how best to manage your contractor insurance requirements or to learn more about our Insurance Management Services, please contact us. 

Contents are provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Users are reminded to seek legal counsel concerning their obligations and use of PlusOne Solutions services.

About PlusOne Solutions

PlusOne Solutions has been an industry leader in the risk management field by specializing in compliance programs that meet the complex challenges of geographically dispersed contractors, vendors, and employee networks. PlusOne Solutions protects companies from possible financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with contractor and vendor relationships while creating safer work environments.