A commercial insurance policy is a starting point, not the final product. Endorsements modify the base policy to match the client's actual coverage needs — adding protection that isn't in the standard form, restricting coverage that doesn't apply, or changing key terms to satisfy contract requirements. Agents who know the most common endorsements can build better coverage programs and respond confidently to client contract requirements.
Additional insured endorsements extend GL coverage to parties outside the named insured. The most commonly requested are:
CG 20 10 — Additional insured for ongoing operations CG 20 37 — Additional insured for completed operations CG 20 33 — Additional insured (blanket) — covers any party the named insured is required by written contract to add
Many contracts require both ongoing and completed operations AI status. Agents should confirm which ISO forms the carrier uses and whether the client's contracts require a specific form.
CG 20 01 — Primary and noncontributory endorsement. This causes the policy to respond before any coverage the additional insured has. Required in most construction contracts and lease agreements that require additional insured status.
Without this endorsement, even a correctly added additional insured may find that the carrier tries to share the loss with the additional insured's own insurer — which defeats the purpose of requiring the additional insured endorsement.
Several endorsements are specific to contractors and construction accounts:
CG 22 94 / CG 22 95 — Exclusion of XCU (explosion, collapse, underground) hazards — carriers attach these to exclude high-hazard construction operations; agents should be aware when these are present
CG 24 04 — Waiver of transfer of rights (waiver of subrogation) — attached when a contract requires the insured to waive their insurer's right to recover from a third party
CG 04 35 — Blanket waiver of subrogation — a blanket form that applies to all parties the insured is required by written contract to provide a waiver for
Standard GL policies exclude most cyber-related claims, but some carriers offer endorsements that add limited cyber coverage:
Electronic data liability — covers claims for damage to third-party electronic data Personal and advertising injury endorsements — some carriers specifically include or exclude claims arising from online activity
These GL endorsements are not a substitute for a standalone cyber liability policy. They provide narrow coverage at best. Agents should never represent a GL cyber endorsement as equivalent to cyber liability insurance.
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