What is the difference between a named insured and an additional insured on a general liability policy?

Answer 1

Attorneys will often say there is no difference, when it comes to extending coverage for legal liability. However, depending the specific additional form used there might be substanial differences in the portion of the general liabilty policy that is extended to the named insured versus the additional insured. For instance, older additional insured forms (CG 2010 11/85) extended coverage to the additional insured for "Products/Completed Operations". New forms use wording such as "ongoing operations of the named insured" that limit coverage to the additional insured to the "Premise/Operations" portion of the CGL form. In addition, an additional insured generally has no right to: * Request policy endorsements or cancellation * Receive copies of the policy contract, other than the a/i form and a certificate of insurance The purpose of an additional insured is to protect the rights of another party that might become legally liable for the actions of the named insured. For instance, a landlord might become entangled in a lawsuit caused by the actions of his tenant. By naming the landlord as additional insured, the named insured extends coverage, especially defense costs, to the landlord. The tenant's insurance company would have to defend both the named insured and the additional insured. Additional insured's are a common and increasingly important part of liability insurance. It is important you make sure your agent is aware of the specific nature of the relationship you have with the additional insured, to ensure the proper additonal insured form is provided. I generally like to review my clients contracts - including leases - to make sure the policy and a/i form are compliant.