Real Estate Tip – Certificate of Insurance: Are you sure you want to be an Additional Insured?

Certificate of Insurance: Are you sure you want to be an Additional Insured?

Do you understand the Additional Insured Endorsement listed on your Certificate of Insurance? Every policy is different, so to ensure your interests are protected:

• Request that you be listed as a Named Insured (perhaps with a right but no obligation to pay premiums) or, if that option is not available,

• Confirm that the policy’s definition of Insured includes you; or, if that is not the case,

• Ask that you be named as an Additional Insured and read the proposed Additional Insured Endorsement to be certain it contains the coverage you seek.

Additional Named Insured is a misnomer, so if the term appears, take particular care to read the endorsement. Insist that you’re listed as a Named Insured or correctly identified as an Additional Insured to match an endorsement that meets your needs. Negotiate endorsements with your insurance agent and experienced counsel at the same time to get the most beneficial coverage.

Today’s real estate tip is brought to you by Rick Smith, a member of Bernstein Shur’s Real Estate Practice Group. Stay tuned for more useful tips for real estate professionals.

For more information on certificates of insurance or how to be properly covered, contact Rick at rsmith@bernsteinshur.com or 603 623-8700 ext. 8829 or 207 774-1200.