Tenants in Ontario often hear about an "additional insured" endorsement and a certificate of insurance when renting a unit where a landlord requires proof of liability coverage. These are related but different documents. A certificate of insurance summarizes an insurance policy, while an additional insured endorsement changes the policy to extend some liability protection to another person or entity named on it.
As a renter, you should know when a landlord may request to be named, how to ask your insurer for the correct form, what limits and exclusions mean for your coverage, and how to keep a record of the request. This guide explains what an additional insured certificate of insurance means in Ontario, what to check, how to request the documents, and where to get help if questions or disputes arise.
What an additional insured and certificate of insurance mean for tenants
A certificate of insurance is a document from an insurer that summarizes an insurance policy's coverages, limits, and named insureds. It is a summary document and is not the full policy. A certificate can help show the insurer name, policy details, coverage dates, liability limits, and any information included about endorsements.
An "additional insured" endorsement is a change to an insurance policy that extends some liability protection to another person or entity named on the policy. For tenants, this usually matters when a landlord or property manager asks to be named so they can claim against the tenant's liability coverage if something goes wrong. The exact protection depends on the endorsement wording and the policy.
Common situations where landlords ask to be named
- When tenants run a business from a rental unit and the landlord wants added protection.
- When a tenant's activities might increase risk to shared property, such as communal laundry rooms or storage areas.
- When a landlord requires proof of up-to-date liability insurance in a lease or move-in agreement.
A landlord's request may refer to a certificate of insurance, an additional insured endorsement, or both. Ask the landlord to identify exactly what document and wording is requested. Then provide that request to your insurer so the insurer can confirm what can be issued and what protection is included.
What to check on a certificate of insurance
When you receive a certificate or endorsement request, look for the named insured, the insurer name, the policy number, effective and expiry dates, liability limits, and any endorsements or exclusions. Check whether the landlord is listed as an "additional insured" and whether the endorsement covers the types of claims the landlord intends to protect against.
Compare the document with the landlord's written request. If the request asks for a particular endorsement or wording, ask your insurer to confirm whether the certificate includes it or whether a separate endorsement is required. Do not rely on the certificate alone to understand the full policy because it summarizes the policy rather than replacing it.
How to ask your insurer and document the process
Contact your insurance provider and request a certificate of insurance showing the requested endorsement. Use plain language: ask for a "certificate of insurance" and an "additional insured endorsement." Ask the insurer to send the certificate directly to you and, if required by the landlord, to the landlord as well. Keep a dated copy of all correspondence.
- Call your insurer and make the request in writing so you have a record of the date and details.
- Ask for the exact endorsement name and wording to confirm what protections are added.
- Ask whether adding the endorsement changes the cost of your insurance or requires an extra premium.
- Save the certificate, endorsement, and any insurer replies as proof in case of future disputes.
If the insurer needs more information, provide the landlord's written request and identify the landlord or property manager to be listed. Before agreeing to the request, confirm the effective date, expiry date, liability limits, exclusions, and the exact scope of the endorsement with the insurer.
When you should get help or dispute a request
If you believe a landlord's request is unreasonable, such as asking for coverage that far exceeds typical tenant liability or demanding you pay for the landlord's property insurance, raise the issue in writing and ask for clarification. Ask the landlord to explain the required document, endorsement, limits, and dates.
If the landlord insists and you cannot reach an agreement, you can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for guidance or to file an application about rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.[1][2] Keep the lease or move-in agreement, the landlord's request, your insurer's response, the certificate, and the endorsement together.
For practical tenant information about responsibilities after signing a lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. For details on landlord and tenant duties that affect insurance requests, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
If you are also looking for available rentals or want to compare typical lease requirements in your area, consider Houseme - your rental solution in Canada as a place to view listings and local lease examples.
FAQ
- What is an additional insured certificate of insurance?
- A certificate of insurance summarizes an insurance policy. An additional insured endorsement is a change to the policy that extends some liability protection to another person or entity named on it. The certificate and endorsement are related, but they are not the same document.
- Can a landlord require me to add them as additional insured?
- Landlords can ask to be named, but tenants should confirm with their insurer what that endorsement covers and whether the insurer will add the endorsement without charging an extra premium.
- What should I check on a certificate of insurance?
- Confirm the insurer name, policy number, policy dates, liability limits, the exact wording of any endorsements, and whether the landlord is listed as an additional insured. Remember that a certificate is a summary and not the full policy. Keep a copy for your records.
- Does a certificate of insurance replace the full policy?
- No. A certificate is a summary document and not the full policy. Ask your insurer for the endorsement wording and confirmation of the coverage that applies.
- What if my insurer refuses to add the landlord as additional insured?
- If an insurer refuses, ask for a written explanation, provide it to the landlord, and try to negotiate an alternative such as a certificate showing adequate liability limits; if the dispute continues, consider contacting the Landlord and Tenant Board.[3]
How-To
- Ask your landlord for the requested certificate, endorsement, wording, liability limits, and coverage dates in writing.
- Call your insurer and request a certificate of insurance and an additional insured endorsement; ask for the policy number and exact endorsement wording.
- Get the certificate and endorsement in writing and send a copy to your landlord by email so there is a dated record of delivery.
- Save all documents and correspondence in a folder, digital and/or paper, including the certificate, endorsement, landlord's request, and any insurer replies.
- If you disagree with a landlord's request and cannot resolve it, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for guidance and consider filing an application if needed.
Help and Support / Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Tribunals Ontario
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 Ontario e-Laws
- Landlord and Tenant Board Forms and Guides
