Insurance glossary · How policies work
endorsement.
An endorsement is a written change to a policy that adds, removes or changes coverage, like adding an additional insured or a new vehicle.
What does an endorsement do to an insurance policy?
It changes the policy. An endorsement can add coverage, remove it, change a limit, add a person or vehicle, or rewrite a definition. The policy is the base form plus every endorsement attached to it, and the endorsements win where they conflict with the base form.
Where do I find the endorsements on my policy?
On the forms schedule, usually near the declarations page, which lists every form and endorsement by number and title. The endorsements themselves follow, each with its form number at the bottom.
What do the form numbers on endorsements mean?
They identify the exact wording. Standard forms from industry bureaus use numbers like CG 20 10 for an additional insured endorsement, followed by an edition date. Insurers also write their own forms with their own numbers. Two endorsements with similar titles can say quite different things, so the number and edition matter.
Can an endorsement be added in the middle of the policy term?
Yes. Most changes, like adding an additional insured, a vehicle or a location, can be made mid-term, and the insurer adjusts the premium from the effective date of the change. Some, like changing a policy from occurrence to claims-made, wait for renewal.
Do endorsements cost extra?
Some do, some don’t. Adding coverage or exposure usually adds premium; endorsements that limit coverage sometimes lower it. Many contractor policies include a package endorsement with common additions like blanket additional insured and waiver of subrogation. At Riza we show you what each one costs before it goes on.
What’s the difference between an endorsement and a rider?
Nothing practical. “Rider” is the older term, still common in personal and life insurance. On business policies, “endorsement” is the usual word.
Can an endorsement take coverage away?
Yes, and those are the ones worth reading first. Exclusion endorsements can remove coverage for specific work, locations or types of claims, and some narrow definitions in ways that aren’t obvious from the title. Comparing quotes means comparing endorsements, not just prices and limits.
Why does my general contractor want a copy of the endorsement?
Because the certificate only summarizes the policy. A copy of the actual endorsement shows the contractor the exact wording of what they’re getting, like whether additional insured status covers completed work, which the certificate can’t.
by trade.
- General contractorsOwners often ask for copies of your additional insured, waiver and primary endorsements, not just the certificate.
- PlumbingPlumbing policies sometimes carry exclusions for specific work, like water damage or certain repairs, added by endorsement.
- RoofingRoofing policies often carry endorsements that limit height, residential work or certain materials, which matter as much as the limits.
- ElectricalContractor package endorsements commonly bundle the additions electrical subcontracts ask for.
where you’ll see it.
- Forms scheduleThe list of every form attached to your policy, by number and edition date.
- Certificate requests“Provide copies of the additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements.”
- Policy changesA change endorsement issued mid-term when you add a vehicle, location or additional insured.
read the forms, not just the price.
When Riza compares quotes, we compare the endorsements on each one, including the ones that take coverage away, so the cheapest option doesn’t quietly drop something your contracts require.
Get a quoterelated terms.
Coverage it touches: General liability