Additional Insured
Someone added to another party's insurance policy for covered claims.
What it means
An additional insured is a person or company added to someone else's liability insurance policy — typically by endorsement — so it can receive coverage under that policy for claims arising from the named insured's work. In construction, owners and general contractors routinely require subcontractors to name them as additional insureds. The protection is only as good as the endorsement's wording: some forms cover ongoing operations only, while others also cover completed work.
Why it matters before you sign
A certificate of insurance alone may not prove additional-insured status — the endorsement is what grants the coverage, so ask for it and check what it actually covers.
In a contract, it looks like this
The subcontract required the electrical sub to name the owner and GC as additional insureds on its general liability policy.
This definition is a general, educational explanation — not legal advice. XOsign provides AI-assisted document tools and does not provide legal advice; consider consulting a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Requirements vary by state.
See any term explained in your own document.
Upload an agreement and XOsign walks you through every clause in plain language — before you sign, not after.