Certificate holder vs additional insured: what a GC needs on a COI
Being named as the certificate holder on a sub's ACORD 25 does not mean you are covered. Additional insured status is what lets you claim on the sub's policy. Here is the difference and what to check on the form. This is general information, not insurance or legal advice.
The short answer
The certificate holder receives the COI. An additional insured is protected by the policy. A GC usually needs to be both, and only the second one gives you coverage.
What to check on the ACORD 25
Certificate Holder box (bottom left)
Names who the certificate was issued to. It should be your company's exact legal name and address. Being listed here gives you a copy of the COI and, at most, a notice-of-cancellation courtesy. It gives you no coverage.
ADDL INSD column
Each policy row has an ADDL INSD box. A Y means the agent says an additional insured endorsement applies on that policy. Check it on GL, and on auto and umbrella if your contract requires it.
Description of Operations
Look for wording that names your company (and the owner, if required) as additional insured, ideally tied to the project or to a written contract.
Endorsement copy
Additional insured status comes from an endorsement on the policy (for example CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 for ongoing and completed operations). Many GCs ask for the endorsement pages along with the COI.
Name match
The holder name, the additional insured wording, and the subcontract should all name the same legal entity. A mismatch is a common reason for a denied claim.
Common holder and additional insured gaps
- You are the certificate holder but ADDL INSD is blank
- ADDL INSD is Y on GL but missing on auto or umbrella when the contract requires it
- Holder name is a parent company or misspelled, not your legal entity
- Additional insured wording names the sub's other client
- Owner missing when the contract requires owner as additional insured
- Ongoing operations covered but no completed operations endorsement
How GateCOI enforces your requirements
Enter your requirements once per project. Subs email their ACORD 25 to verify@gatecoi.com — no login. GateCOI checks each certificate, tells the sub exactly what is missing, chases the broker, warns before expirations, and gives your bookkeeper a Cleared for Payment list before check runs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the certificate holder an additional insured?+
No. The certificate holder is just who the COI was issued to. Additional insured status has to come from an endorsement on the sub's policy, usually shown as a Y in the ADDL INSD column and wording in Description of Operations.
What does being the certificate holder actually give a GC?+
Proof that the sub had the listed policies on the date the COI was issued, and sometimes notice if a policy is canceled. It does not let you make a claim on the sub's policy.
Do I need to be both certificate holder and additional insured?+
Most subcontracts require both: you are the holder so the COI is issued to you, and you are an additional insured so the sub's GL covers you for claims from their work. Check what your contract says.
Is a Y in the ADDL INSD box enough?+
It is a good first check, but the ACORD 25 is information only and does not change the policy. Many GCs also ask for the additional insured endorsement itself.
Can GateCOI check certificate holder and additional insured on COIs?+
Yes. You set the holder name and additional insured requirements per project. Subs email ACORD 25 PDFs to verify@gatecoi.com; GateCOI checks the holder box, the ADDL INSD column and the wording, replies pass/fail with what is missing, chases the broker, and keeps a Cleared for Payment list. It costs $59/mo flat. It is a document check, not insurance advice.
Set your rules once. Let GateCOI check every COI.
$59/mo flat · unlimited projects & certificates · subs only email the PDF