What Is CG 20 10? A Contractor’s Guide to the Most Common Additional Insured Endorsement in 2026

In the construction and contracting world, few insurance terms cause more confusion and more contract headaches than CG 20 10 (often written as CG2010 or CG 20 10). If you’ve ever been asked by a general contractor, property owner, or client to “provide CG 20 10 on your COI,” this post explains exactly what it is, what it covers (and doesn’t), why it’s so frequently required, and how it impacts your business in 2026.

What Exactly Is CG 20 10?

CG 20 10 is a standard Insurance Services Office (ISO) endorsement form officially titled:
Additional Insured – Owners, Lessees or Contractors – Scheduled Person or Organization.

It attaches to your Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy and adds a specific person or organization (e.g., the project owner, general contractor, developer, or property manager) as an additional insured on your policy.

Key point: They get limited coverage under your liability insurance for certain claims related to your work on their project.

This is the most common additional insured endorsement requested in construction contracts today.

What Does CG 20 10 Actually Cover?

The current standard version (typically CG 20 10 04 13 or similar recent editions) provides the additional insured with protection for:

• Bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury caused (in whole or in part) by:
  • Your (the named insured/contractor’s) acts or omissions, or
  • The acts or omissions of anyone acting on your behalf (e.g., your subs or employees)
• This coverage applies only during the performance of your ongoing operations for that additional insured, at the designated location(s) if specified on the schedule.

In plain terms: If someone gets hurt or property is damaged while your crew is actively working on the job for them, and it’s tied to your work, the additional insured can access your policy’s defense and indemnity (up to your limits).

What CG 20 10 Does NOT Cover (Important Gaps)

• Completed operations: No coverage for claims that arise after your work is finished, the project is complete, or the area is put to its intended use (e.g., a roof leak discovered 2 years later).
  For completed ops protection, you (or the client) would need a separate endorsement like CG 20 37 (Additional Insured – Completed Operations).
• The additional insured’s own negligence in most cases (coverage is tied to your acts/omissions).
• Broader supervision or control issues unrelated to your ongoing work.
• Anything beyond what’s legally permitted or required by the contract (many versions cap it to what’s contractually mandated).

Note on older versions: The pre-1986 CG 20 10 11 85 edition was broader and sometimes included completed operations, but it’s rarely available today—most carriers issue narrower modern forms.

Why Do Clients Demand CG 20 10 So Often?

• Risk transfer: Owners and general contractors want to shift liability for incidents during your work onto your policy instead of theirs.
• Contract requirements: Almost every construction contract, bid spec, or subcontract now mandates you name them as additional insured via CG 20 10 (or equivalent).
• Certificate of Insurance (COI) proof: They require a COI showing the endorsement attached, often with wording like “primary and non-contributory” or specific limits.
• Without it: You risk bid rejection, contract termination, or being forced to work uninsured (which exposes your personal assets).

In 2026, with rising claims costs and litigation in construction, this requirement is more universal than ever—especially for trades like roofing, electrical, plumbing, or any work involving heights, hot work, or potential property damage.

How Much Does Adding CG 20 10 Cost?

Usually very little to nothing—most carriers add this endorsement at no extra premium or for a small fee (e.g., $0–$100 annually). It’s standard and expected in contractor policies.

However:

• Ensure your underlying GL limits meet the contract (often $1M/$2M minimum; some require $2M+).
• Ask for “primary and non-contributory” wording if the contract demands it (this makes your policy pay first).
• Confirm the exact edition/form number—clients sometimes insist on older/broader versions that aren’t available.

Practical Tips for Contractors in 2026

1. Review every contract — Look for the exact endorsement language required (CG 20 10 vs. CG 20 37 vs. others).
2. Work with a contractors-specialized broker — They know which carriers readily issue these without hassle.
3. Provide accurate COIs — Use ACORD 25 forms showing the additional insured and endorsement attached.
4. Pair with completed ops if needed — For long-tail risks (e.g., roofing leaks), push for CG 20 37 too.
5. Don’t assume — Even if you have “standard” GL, verify the endorsement is attached when requested.

Bottom Line

CG 20 10 is the go-to additional insured endorsement for ongoing operations coverage in construction. It’s essential for winning work and protecting clients, but it has clear limits—no completed ops, no coverage for their sole negligence. Understanding it helps you negotiate contracts smarter, avoid gaps, and keep your business compliant.

If a client is asking for CG 20 10 (or something similar), you’re in good company—it’s standard. But make sure your policy actually delivers it.

Need help adding this endorsement or getting a full contractors liability quote that includes common additional insured forms? Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your trade and state at https://contractorsliability.com/ or call (888) 766-4991.