Last reviewed: September 22, 2026
A certificate holder just receives a copy of your certificate of insurance, it's a mailing designation, nothing more. Being named an additional insured is a contractual status that actually extends part of your coverage to that party. Confusing the two is the most common reason a certificate of insurance gets rejected.
Whoever is listed here gets a copy of the certificate showing your coverage exists. It doesn't grant them any rights under your policy or any coverage of their own.
This status actually extends specific parts of your coverage, usually general liability, to protect that party against claims arising from your work. It requires an endorsement added to your policy, a real change to the policy itself, not just a note on a document.
A GC or property owner named as certificate holder just wants proof your policy exists. Being named additional insured means they're also protected if your work causes a claim against them. Read your contract carefully, it often requires both, and requires the additional insured status be primary and non-contributory.
Does adding an additional insured cost extra? Sometimes a small fee, depending on the carrier and how broad the endorsement is.
Can I be listed as certificate holder and additional insured at the same time? Yes, and many contracts require exactly that, one party can hold both designations.
Send me what your contract requires and I'll make sure the endorsement actually matches it.
— Aaron