CGL Endorsements Contractors Need to Know: What They Are and Why They Matter

As a contractor in New Jersey, you’ve probably had a GC, project manager, or property owner ask for things like a “waiver of subrogation” or to be named as an “additional insured” on your liability policy. If you’re not sure what these mean—or why they matter—you’re not alone.

These CGL endorsements are not just legal jargon. They’re often required in contracts and can have a big impact on both your coverage and your relationships with clients. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones you should understand—and why we make sure our clients have them when needed.

1. Additional Insured Endorsement

This endorsement extends your liability coverage to another party—usually a general contractor or property owner—for claims arising out of your work. If something goes wrong on a job site, they want to be protected under your policy too. We ensure you have the right additional insured wording (ongoing vs. completed ops) to meet contract requirements and avoid claim issues.

2. Primary & Non-Contributory Endorsement

This endorsement clarifies that your insurance will respond first in the event of a claim, and it won’t seek contribution from the additional insured’s own insurance. Many GCs now require this language to protect their policies and reduce claim complications. We help you add this to your CGL when required—so you stay compliant and get paid on time.

3. Waiver of Subrogation

A waiver of subrogation prevents your insurance company from going after another party (like the GC or project owner) to recover claim costs. Without it, your client could be pulled into a lawsuit even if they did nothing wrong. This is another common contractual requirement, especially in commercial construction, and we make sure it’s included when needed.

4. Per Project Aggregate Limit

Without this endorsement, your liability policy has one total aggregate limit shared across all jobs. The per project aggregate endorsement gives each project its own limit, which is often required on larger or higher-risk jobs. We include this endorsement to ensure you meet contract demands without jeopardizing coverage for other jobs.

5. Completed Operations Coverage for Additional Insureds

Some endorsements only provide coverage for ongoing operations. But many contracts require that the additional insured be covered even after the job is complete. This extension ensures that if a claim arises after work is done (like water damage or structural failure), your client is still protected under your policy.

6. Blanket Endorsements (Where Available)

Instead of listing each additional insured or waiver individually, blanket endorsements provide automatic coverage for parties you’re required to include under a contract. This saves time, simplifies compliance, and reduces the risk of missing someone by mistake.

Final Thoughts: Having the right endorsements on your CGL policy can be the difference between getting the job—or getting stuck with legal or financial exposure. At our agency, we work directly with contractors to review contracts, provide the required endorsements, and ensure every policy meets the real-world needs of your business. Don’t leave it up to chance—reach out today for a quick policy review and contract support.