What procurement teams ask for on CGL certificates

When you’re bidding or signing a contract, counterparties often require specific Commercial General Liability (CGL) endorsements. This micro‑guide explains the four most common asks and how to request them from your Summit broker. For CGL fundamentals, see Commercial General Liability (CGL).

Fast definitions

Additional Insured: Extends your CGL to cover the other party for liability arising out of your ongoing operations or completed work.
Waiver of Subrogation: Your insurer agrees not to pursue recovery against the counterparty after paying a covered claim.
Primary and Non‑Contributory (PNC): Your CGL responds first without seeking contribution from the counterparty’s insurance, where contractually required.
Per‑Project Aggregate: Sets a separate aggregate limit for each project, preventing one project’s claims from eroding limits available to others.

One‑page table: what to provide and where it sits

Requirement	What it means in practice	Where it appears	Typical request wording	What to ask your broker
Additional Insured	Counterparty is insured under your CGL for liability arising from your work	Policy endorsement; referenced on Certificate of Insurance (COI)	“Owner/GC to be added as Additional Insured for Ongoing and Completed Operations.”	“Please issue an Additional Insured endorsement naming [Legal Name and Address], incl. ongoing and completed ops, for [Project/Contract].”
Waiver of Subrogation	Your insurer won’t recover from the counterparty after a covered payment	Policy endorsement; sometimes blanket when required by written contract	“Waiver of Subrogation in favour of Owner.”	“Please add/confirm Waiver of Subrogation in favour of [Legal Name] as required by contract for [Project].”
Primary & Non‑Contributory	Your CGL responds on a primary basis without contribution from the counterparty’s policy	Policy endorsement; sometimes included with Additional Insured wording	“Coverage to be Primary and Non‑Contributory.”	“Please endorse CGL to be Primary & Non‑Contributory to [Legal Name] for [Project/Contract].”
Per‑Project Aggregate	Separate aggregate limit applies to each project	Policy endorsement (aggregate limits section)	“CGL to include a Per‑Project Aggregate.”	“Please confirm/endorse a Per‑Project Aggregate on the CGL and note it on the COI.”

Note: Exact endorsement titles and form numbers vary by insurer. Your Summit broker will match the contract’s language as closely as available market forms allow.

Copy‑paste contract clause (client‑friendly)

Use this sample when you need to propose clear, reasonable CGL language. Always verify limits with your broker.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) with limits not less than CAD $[per occurrence limit] and CAD $[general aggregate]. Coverage shall:
(a) name [Owner/Counterparty Legal Name] as Additional Insured with respect to liability arising out of the Contractor’s ongoing operations and completed operations;
(b) include a Waiver of Subrogation in favour of [Owner/Counterparty Legal Name];
(c) apply on a Primary and Non‑Contributory basis with respect to insurance carried by [Owner/Counterparty Legal Name]; and
(d) include a Per‑Project Aggregate. Certificates and endorsements evidencing these requirements shall be provided prior to mobilization and upon renewal.

How to request these from Summit (certificate workflow)

Send the contract or insurance exhibit, the exact legal name(s) and address(es) to be shown, and the project name/location.
Confirm required limits, effective dates, and whether completed operations coverage must extend past project completion (common in construction).
Tell us if the contract requires specific wording on the COI; we’ll ensure the language aligns with what the insurer will issue on endorsements.
We’ll place or amend endorsements as needed, issue the Certificate of Insurance, and deliver endorsements if the counterparty requests them.
If multiple projects are active, ask us to confirm the CGL includes a per‑project aggregate so each project retains its own aggregate limit.

Common pitfalls to avoid

A certificate alone does not grant rights; required endorsements must be on the policy. Ask for the endorsement forms if the counterparty insists on proof.
“Blanket when required by written contract” endorsements are widely accepted but still must be triggered by a signed contract. Keep a fully executed copy.
Primary & Non‑Contributory and Waiver of Subrogation apply to liability coverage; they don’t change property or builder’s risk terms unless separately endorsed.
Make sure Additional Insured extends to completed operations if your work continues to pose risk after completion (e.g., construction, installation, manufacturing).
Verify who needs to be insured: owner, general contractor, property manager, lender, or all of the above—using correct legal names.

This page is general guidance. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and insurer approval. Work with your Summit broker to align exact wording to the market forms available for your account.

CGL Contract Requirements: Common Asks for Certificates and Endorsements