What an additional insured is
An additional insured is a person or organization added to a liability policy, usually by endorsement, who is not the named insured. California Insurance Code section 381(a) requires a policy to specify the parties between whom the contract is made. The named insured is that party. An additional insured is someone the endorsement adds, and only for the claims and the work the endorsement describes.
The ACORD 25 certificate has an additional-insured box on each coverage row. Our ACORD 25 page, reading the 2025/12 form, says that if the certificate holder is an additional insured, the policies must already carry that provision or be endorsed, and that a statement on the certificate does not confer the right in place of the endorsement. Checking the box reports a status. It does not create one.
A general contractor, a landlord, or a property manager often asks to be listed. The request belongs on the general liability policy. It is not a promise that a claim will be paid. Read who is added, for which job, and whether primary and noncontributory wording is on the form. The longer note is what an additional insured is. This page is only the definition.
Questions
What is an additional insured?
A person or organization added to a liability policy by endorsement who is not the named insured. Insurance Code section 381(a) requires the policy to name the parties to the contract. The endorsement, not a certificate, is what adds someone.
Does checking the ACORD 25 box make someone an additional insured?
No. The 2025/12 form says the policies must already have additional-insured provisions or be endorsed. A statement on the certificate does not confer that right in place of the endorsement.
Where is the longer explanation?
On the article what an additional insured is. This glossary page stays short so it does not repeat that article. General liability is the product page for the policy the request usually names.
Sources
- California Insurance Code section 381 (checked October 13, 2026). A policy shall specify the parties between whom the contract is made.
- Insurance City, ACORD 25 (2025/12) field note (checked October 13, 2026). Additional-insured checkbox: the policy or an endorsement must already provide the status. The certificate does not confer it.
Related: Glossary · Named insured · Certificate of insurance · Additional insured article · Esta página en español.