What it means
CG 20 38 is the ISO form titled Additional Insured, Owners, Lessees or Contractors, Automatic Status for Other Parties When Required in Written Construction Agreement. It is a blanket form, so parties do not need to be named individually.
It differs from CG 20 33, the more basic automatic status form, because it can also reach parties beyond the one you contract with directly, such as the project owner or a contractor above your client, when your written agreement requires them to be included.
The coverage applies to your ongoing operations and is subject to conditions in the form, including a written agreement in place before the injury or damage occurs. Contracts that also require completed operations protection need separate wording for that.
An example
Pinecrest Drywall works for Summit General Contractors on a medical office project. The subcontract requires Pinecrest to cover Summit, the property owner and the construction manager as additional insureds. Pinecrest’s policy includes CG 20 38, so the parties named in that written requirement qualify without separate scheduling.
Names in this example are fictional.
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What is the difference between CG 20 33 and CG 20 38?
Both are blanket forms for construction work. CG 20 33 generally covers the party you contract with directly. CG 20 38 can also reach other parties your written contract requires you to include, such as the owner or a contractor higher in the chain. That wider reach is why many subcontracts ask for CG 20 38 or its equivalent.
Does CG 20 38 require a written contract?
Yes. Automatic status depends on a written construction agreement that requires the additional insured coverage, and the agreement generally needs to be in place before the injury or damage occurs. Verbal promises or unsigned purchase orders may not qualify, which is why contractors are encouraged to sign subcontracts before work begins.
General information only. It is not legal or insurance advice. Only issued policy documents and endorsements describe actual coverage.