Additional Insured — Owners, Lessees or Contractors — Automatic Status For Other Parties When Required In Written Construction Agreement
Automatic AI status including completed operations — the bundled equivalent of CG 20 33 + CG 20 37.
What it actually does
CG 20 38 is the automatic-status form that includes both ongoing-operations and completed-operations coverage. It's effectively CG 20 33 + CG 20 37 in one endorsement: any party with whom the named insured has a written construction agreement is automatically an additional insured for both work in progress and work after completion.
A distinguishing feature of CG 20 38 is that it also extends automatic AI status to any "other person or organization" the named insured is required to add as an additional insured under that same contract (for example, the owner above the GC) — which is why it's often required on tiered construction projects.
This is the gold-standard endorsement for AI status in construction — one form, contract-driven, both timing windows covered. Like other automatic forms, it requires a written executed subcontract specifying AI status, and the same "lower of" limits cap applies.
Verification checklist
- 01Verify a signed written subcontract requires AI status.
- 02Confirm the endorsement is the 04 13 or later edition (earlier editions had narrower triggers).
- 03Check the 'lower of' limit cap against subcontract requirements.
- 04Confirm the subcontract was signed before any loss event for automatic status to apply.
Common mistakes
- ·Treating CG 20 38 as covering all parties broadly — it only covers parties with written contracts requiring AI status.
- ·Missing that the policy edition matters; older versions had different language.
- ·Assuming higher AI limits than the policy actually carries (the lower-of cap).
Frequently asked questions
Does CG 20 38 replace CG 20 10 and CG 20 37?
Effectively yes for automatic-status purposes — CG 20 38 bundles ongoing and completed operations and is triggered by the written contract, so a separate scheduled CG 20 10 + CG 20 37 pair isn't needed.
What's the difference between CG 20 33 and CG 20 38?
Both are automatic, contract-triggered forms. CG 20 33 is ongoing operations only; CG 20 38 adds completed operations and also covers upstream parties the contract requires.
Do I still need a written contract for CG 20 38 to apply?
Yes. Automatic status only triggers when there's a signed written construction agreement requiring you to be added as an additional insured, in force before the loss.
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This page explains CG 20 38 in plain English for COI verification. It is informational only and is not legal or insurance advice — confirm the actual endorsement language and have your counsel or insurance agent review your specific requirements.