Contracts & certificates
A certificate is not the contract, and the contract is not the policy.
Product relationships often create overlapping promises among manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers.
Four documents, four jobs
The commercial contract allocates obligations. The policy determines coverage. An endorsement changes policy terms. A certificate provides evidence but generally does not create coverage. Review the actual documents.
Additional insured versus vendor status
An additional insured endorsement and a vendors endorsement are not interchangeable. Each has eligibility requirements, exclusions and limits tied to the relationship and product.
Indemnity and defense
A promise to indemnify or defend can be broader than coverage. State law also affects enforceability. Legal counsel should review the obligation; we can help compare the insurance requirement with the policy.
Renewal controls
Track certificates and endorsements from critical suppliers, but also verify financial stability, policy dates, limits, products and named entities.
Product liability guidance