An endorsement amends the standard policy form. It may add an insured, schedule a location, raise or lower a limit, add an exclusion, or replace a definition. Every endorsement should be listed on the declarations page schedule.

Where an endorsement conflicts with the base form, the endorsement governs, because it reflects the parties' more specific and later agreement.

Alternative Names:

Rider, Policy Endorsement

Why it Matters?

Coverage positions are frequently won or lost on an endorsement that neither side read carefully. Additional insured endorsements determine whether an upstream party gets a defense, and manuscript exclusions added by endorsement can eliminate coverage for the exact exposure at issue. Any coverage opinion prepared without the full endorsement set is provisional at best.

Frequently asked questions

Does an endorsement override the main policy language?

Does an endorsement override the main policy language?

Generally yes. Where the two conflict, the endorsement controls as the more specific and later expression of the parties' agreement.

How do I know which endorsements apply?

How do I know which endorsements apply?

The declarations page lists the endorsement form numbers and edition dates. Request the complete certified policy rather than a summary, since summaries routinely omit endorsements.