Additional insured endorsements are a common part of business contracts—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Without a clear understanding, businesses can run into unexpected liability, coverage gaps, or even disputes when a claim arises.
At Carolina Property Insurance, we regularly help clients navigate these requirements—especially here in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and the surrounding areas, where business relationships and contracts can get complex. Understanding how these endorsements work can make a big difference in protecting your business.
What Is an Additional Insured Endorsement?
An additional insured endorsement is a change to a liability insurance policy that extends limited protection to a third party.
In simple terms, it allows one business to be covered under another business’s liability policy—but only under specific circumstances tied to the named insured’s work, services, or operations.
You’ll typically see these endorsements required in agreements such as:
- Landlord and tenant relationships
- Property management and vendor contracts
- Construction projects between owners and contractors
- General contractor and subcontractor agreements
- Vendors providing on-site services or event support
In each case, the goal is to provide protection for claims arising from one party’s work—not for unrelated actions.
Why Businesses Use Additional Insured Endorsements
These endorsements are designed to help manage shared risk.
For example, a property owner may require a contractor to add them as an additional insured before starting work. If the contractor’s work causes damage or injury, the owner may seek coverage under the contractor’s policy.
The same principle applies to vendors, tenants, and subcontractors—when one party’s work could create exposure for another, this endorsement helps provide a layer of shared protection.
How This Coverage Works in Real Situations
When properly in place, an additional insured may request coverage under the named insured’s liability policy if a claim is directly tied to that party’s work.
Here are a few common examples:
- A subcontractor performs faulty work that leads to property damage. The general contractor is pulled into the claim and looks to the subcontractor’s policy.
- A tenant’s business operations result in an injury on the property. The landlord may rely on the tenant’s liability coverage.
- A vendor damages property while performing services, and the hiring business is named in the claim. Coverage may apply under the vendor’s policy.
The key takeaway: coverage applies only when the claim stems from the named insured’s work—not from the additional insured’s independent actions.
What Additional Insured Endorsements Do Not Cover
It’s important to understand what these endorsements don’t do.
They do not:
- Provide the same level of coverage as a named insured
- Cover every claim involving the additional insured
- Replace the need for your own liability insurance
- Protect against your own independent negligence
- Automatically satisfy all contract requirements
Because coverage is limited, every business should still carry its own liability insurance to protect against its own risks.
Why Certificates of Insurance Can Be Misleading
Certificates of insurance (COIs) are often used to show proof of coverage—but they don’t actually create or change coverage. Even if a certificate mentions additional insured status, the endorsement must be properly issued and included in the policy.
In short: the policy—and the endorsement wording—controls the coverage, not the certificate.
Why Contract Review Matters
Additional insured endorsements may seem routine, but the details matter.
Before signing any lease, vendor agreement, or construction contract, it’s important to review:
- What coverage the contract requires
- Whether your current policy meets those requirements
- Whether endorsements need to be added or adjusted
Taking a little time upfront can help prevent costly surprises later.
A Smart Way to Manage Shared Risk
Additional insured endorsements are a valuable tool for managing risk when businesses work together—but they’re not a complete solution on their own. Understanding how they work—and where their limitations are—can help you make better decisions and avoid unexpected financial exposure.
Let’s Make Sure You’re Set Up Correctly
If your business operates in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, or the surrounding areas and you’re unsure whether your coverage meets contract requirements, we’re here to help.
We’re happy to review your policies, walk through your contracts, and make sure you have the right protection in place—so you can move forward with confidence.
Feel free to reach out anytime—we’re here to support you and your business.
Backyard Fun & Liability: Is Your Home Properly Protected This Summer?
Summer on the Grand Strand means cookouts, pool parties, and making memories with family and friends. Whether you have a swimming pool, trampoline, playset, or other backyard attractions, these features can add plenty of fun—but they can also increase your liability risk as a homeowner.
At Carolina Property Insurance, we encourage homeowners across Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and surrounding coastal communities to understand how their homeowners insurance responds when accidents happen on their property.
How Liability Coverage Protects Homeowners
Most homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage, which may help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, or settlement costs if someone is injured on your property and you’re found legally responsible.
While liability coverage can provide valuable protection, it’s important to remember that insurance companies expect homeowners to maintain a reasonably safe property. Failing to address known hazards could affect how a claim is handled.
What Is an “Attractive Nuisance”?
Certain backyard features naturally attract children and may increase the risk of accidents. In insurance and legal circles, these are often referred to as attractive nuisances.
Common examples include:
✅ Swimming pools
✅ Trampolines
✅ Playgrounds and swing sets
✅ Treehouses
Because children may be drawn to these features, homeowners often have a greater responsibility to secure them and prevent unauthorized access.
Backyard Features May Have Special Insurance Requirements
Not all insurance companies view pools, trampolines, and playsets the same way. Some carriers may require specific safety measures, while others may limit or exclude coverage altogether.
Swimming Pools
Many insurance companies require:
Trampolines
Some carriers require:
Others may exclude trampoline-related claims entirely.
Playsets & Playground Equipment
Regular maintenance is key. Loose bolts, damaged swings, and worn components can create unnecessary hazards and potential liability issues.
Tips for a Safer Backyard
A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of injuries:
✔ Install proper fencing and safety barriers
✔ Inspect outdoor equipment regularly
✔ Repair damaged equipment promptly
✔ Post pool rules and safety reminders
✔ Always supervise children around pools and trampolines
✔ Keep walkways and play areas free of hazards
Taking proactive steps not only protects your family and guests—it may also help support your position if an accident leads to a claim.
Don’t Forget About Liability Limits
Many homeowners are surprised to learn how quickly medical and legal costs can add up after a serious accident. That’s why it’s important to review your liability limits regularly and determine whether additional protection, such as an umbrella policy, may be appropriate for your situation.
Enjoy Summer with Confidence
Your backyard should be a place for relaxation and family fun—not worry. By understanding your homeowners insurance coverage and taking the right safety precautions, you can enjoy your outdoor space with greater peace of mind.
At Carolina Property Insurance, we’re here to help you review your homeowners insurance, liability coverage, umbrella policies, flood insurance, and more. Our local team can help you find coverage that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
📞 Ready for a homeowners insurance review? Contact Carolina Property Insurance today and let us help ensure your family, home, and finances are protected all summer long. 🌴🏡☀️
Does Auto Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver?
One of the most common questions we hear at Carolina Property Insurance is: “If I lend my car to someone, will my insurance cover them?” The answer is usually yes—but there are important exceptions every driver should understand.
Knowing how auto insurance applies when someone else is behind the wheel can help you avoid costly surprises and make informed decisions about who drives your vehicle.
In Most Cases, Insurance Follows the Vehicle
Generally, auto insurance is attached to the vehicle, not the person driving it. If you allow a friend or family member to borrow your car and they’re involved in an accident, your policy is typically the first line of coverage.
This means your liability coverage may help pay for injuries or property damage caused by the accident, up to your policy limits.
If damages exceed those limits, the driver’s insurance policy may provide additional coverage. That’s why having adequate liability protection is so important.
When Coverage May Not Apply
While insurance often follows the vehicle, there are situations where coverage could be limited or denied:
Permission Matters
Most policies extend coverage to drivers who have your permission to use the vehicle. If someone takes your car without permission, coverage may be affected or denied.
Excluded Drivers
Some policies specifically exclude certain drivers. If an excluded driver gets behind the wheel and causes an accident, the insurance company may not cover the claim.
Household Drivers Should Be Listed
If someone in your household regularly drives your vehicle, they should be listed on your policy. Failing to disclose regular drivers could create issues if a claim occurs.
Business or Ride-Share Use
Using your personal vehicle for business purposes, food delivery, or ride-sharing services may require additional coverage. Standard personal auto policies don’t always cover these activities.
Before Lending Your Vehicle
Before handing over your keys, consider:
✅ Does the person have a valid driver’s license?
✅ Do they have a safe driving history?
✅ Are your liability limits sufficient?
✅ Does your policy have any driver restrictions?
A quick review now can prevent major headaches later.
We’re Here to Help
At Carolina Property Insurance, we help drivers across Murrells Inlet, Georgetown County, Horry County, and the Grand Strand understand their coverage and make confident insurance decisions.
Whether you need auto, home, flood, condo, renters, boat, motorcycle, umbrella, or business insurance, our local team can help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
📞 Have questions about your auto policy or wondering if you have the right coverage? Contact Carolina Property Insurance today for a policy review or free quote. We’re here to help protect what matters most.
SC Safe Home Grant Program Portal July 13, 2026
SC Department of Insurance Announces Reopening of the
SC Safe Home Grant Program Portal July 13, 2026
Columbia, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) is pleased to announce that the SC Safe Home Grant Program will reopen its application portal on Monday, July 13, 2026.
SC Safe Home provides matching and non-matching mitigation grants, typically between $4,000 and $7,500, to help eligible coastal homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes and high-wind events. Qualifying improvements include roof retrofits, opening protection, and structural reinforcements. These upgrades are proven to reduce storm damage and may also lower a homeowner’s insurance premiums.
The program serves owner-occupied, single-family homes and is designed to improve resilience rather than fund general home repairs or new construction. Grant eligibility is based on household income and other qualifying factors.
“Building a more resilient South Carolina is central to our mission,” said Michael Wise, Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance. “This year, we are better prepared than ever to help homeowners make meaningful improvements that reduce the impact of severe weather.”
The SC Safe Home Program continues its collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the FORTIFIED ROOF Program. This partnership allows qualifying roof projects to earn dual designations, which may unlock additional savings and options for homeowners.
The online application portal will open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Homeowners are encouraged to review program guidelines, gather required documents, and familiarize themselves with the application process in advance. Homeowners can sign up for updates and announcements through the SC Safe Home website. For more information, visit SCSafeHome.com.
Submitted by SC DOI
Back-to-School Insurance Checklist for College Students
✅ Protect valuable belongings
✅ Ensure proper liability protection
✅ Take advantage of available discounts
✅ Gain peace of mind while your student is away
The things that matter to you, matter to us!
What Additional Insured Endorsements Really Mean for Businesses
Cyber Insurance for Modern Businesses
Essential Insurance Questions Small Business Owners Ask
Top 5 Insurance Mistakes Business Owners Make
And How to Avoid Them
Running a business comes with enough challenges — insurance shouldn’t be one of them. Yet many business owners unknowingly expose themselves to financial risk simply because they misunderstand their coverage or overlook key protections. The good news is that most insurance mistakes are completely avoidable with the right guidance.
Below are the top five insurance mistakes business owners make, why they matter, and how to protect your business from costly surprises.
1. Underestimating the Value of Their Assets
Many business owners choose coverage limits based on price rather than actual exposure. The result? Policies that fall short when disaster strikes.
Why it’s a problem: If your building, equipment, or inventory is undervalued, your policy may not pay enough to fully rebuild or replace what you’ve lost.
How to avoid it:
2. Not Carrying Enough Liability Protection
General liability is essential, but it’s often not enough on its own — especially for businesses with customer traffic, employees, or higher‑risk operations.
Why it’s a problem: A single lawsuit can exceed basic liability limits, leaving the business responsible for the remaining costs.
How to avoid it:
3. Misunderstanding Workers’ Compensation Requirements
Many business owners assume Workers’ Compensation only applies to large companies or high‑risk industries. That’s a costly misconception.
Why it’s a problem: Most states require Workers’ Comp as soon as you hire even one employee. Failing to carry it can lead to fines, lawsuits, and uncovered medical expenses.
How to avoid it:
4. Letting Policies Auto‑Renew Without Review
Life gets busy, and insurance renewals often get pushed aside. But businesses evolve — and your coverage should evolve with it.
Why it’s a problem: Auto‑renewing without review can leave you underinsured, overpaying, or missing out on new coverage options.
How to avoid it:
5. Not Protecting Against Cyber Risks
Cyberattacks are no longer a big‑business problem. Small and mid‑sized businesses are now prime targets — and many don’t carry cyber insurance.
Why it’s a problem: A data breach can cost tens of thousands in recovery, legal fees, and lost business. Most general liability policies do not cover cyber incidents.
How to avoid it:
Final Thoughts
Insurance isn’t just a requirement — it’s a strategic tool that protects your business, your employees, and your financial future. By avoiding these common mistakes and partnering with a knowledgeable insurance professional, you can ensure your coverage grows with your business and keeps you protected when it matters most.
Submitted by Gina Vatell
3 Things You Should Check on Your Policy Today
Have you ever thought about what is most important in your homeowner’s insurance policy? If you want to understand your home insurance policy, it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you really need. There are three main areas of your policy to focus on for comprehensive protection for your property. Comprehensive protection in an insurance policy is when you are insured against a wide range of risks and unforeseen events, adequately.
# 1. Coverage Types
– Dwelling Coverage: Make 100% sure that your policy has the full replacement cost of your home as well as all structures on your property, even your fencing! Your agent can help you determine the cost to rebuild your home in today’s market by running a quick replacement cost estimate.
– Personal Property Coverage: Is your policy limit too low or too high? We see this a lot in today’s market, sometimes the limit is preset by companies you may be overinsured. Why pay for more than what you own? You may need a separate policy called an inland marine policy to schedule valuables such as jewelry, guns and collectibles. Never assume everything you own is covered, most policies have preset limitations on specific valuables.
– Liability Coverage: it is imperative to have enough liability protection/limits in case someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. No one likes getting sued, but it happens daily.
# 2. Deductibles
– Amounts: In coastal SC, almost every company sets a minimum amount on your wind/hail deductible and that is normally 2% of your dwelling coverage. All other peril deductibles (anything not related to wind/hail) can range from $1,000-$5,000 or a percentage of dwelling coverage. You can pick which deductible is most affordable to you. But remember, you pay those deductibles out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Choose an amount that fits your financial situation.
# 3. Exclusions and Limitations
– Specific Exclusions: In our area, flood damage is specifically excluded on property policies. Be aware of what is not covered under your policy and don’t just assume you have coverage. Read through your policy to see the exclusions.
– Coverage Limits: A lot of policies have caps on damages caused by water on older homes. See if your policy has any caps on specific types of claims, like theft or damage to personal property. This also ties back to valuables and realizing there are certain limits built into policies.
Our homes are our livelihoods. Please ensure that you understand your policy. No one thinks the unimaginable could happen to them, but we see it more than you know. In the event of a total loss, you will need the tools necessary to help yourself recover financially. Reviewing these three areas on your policy does just that!
Submitted by Mary Beth Morris
Did you know…?
Did you know that fewer than 4% of members of Congress come from an insurance background?
The numbers are similarly low in the South Carolina State Legislature. By comparison, many elected officials come from legal backgrounds, and a significant number serve on insurance and banking committees at both the state and national levels. That gap says a lot about why broader professional representation matters—especially when legislation affects so many different stakeholders.
That is exactly why The Big “I” (the Association of Independent Insurance Agents) created the Insurance Campaign Institute, held this past April in Washington, DC. I had the privilege of attending this inaugural event alongside 25 other insurance professionals from across the country. Throughout the day, we heard from and engaged with a variety of speakers, including elected officials and political consultants, who shared valuable insight into what someone like me would need to think through if I ever decided to run for public office.
What made this event especially meaningful was that it did more than simply encourage insurance professionals to get involved in the legislative process. It also provided practical guidance on how to run a successful campaign and how to contribute in a more informed and effective way to insurance regulation and public policy.
The Big “I” plans to continue this program for years to come, and I believe that is a good thing for both the industry and the public. The more insurance professionals who are willing to step up and serve, the better the chances of shaping regulatory laws that are balanced, informed, and responsive to the needs of consumers, carriers, legal professionals, and the communities they all serve.
Below is a short video created by the Big I with highlights of the event:
I have also included a link for an article that was published in IA Magazine about the 2026 Insurance Campaign Institute:
Insurance Campaign Institute Prepares Agents to Step Up for Public Office – IA Magazine
Submitted by Micah Witherspoon