Guides / COI basics

What the Description of Operations Box on a COI Should Say (and What It Can't Do)

By SubCover HQ · Updated Nov 3, 2026 · 3 min read

The large box near the bottom of an ACORD 25, labeled Description of Operations / Locations / Vehicles, is where most certificate requests turn into back-and-forth with an agent. Knowing what belongs there, and what it can't do, saves a lot of corrections.

What the box is for

It gives the agent room to describe the job and reference the policy provisions that apply to the certificate holder. Common contents:

• The project name and address, or the property, unit, or service the certificate relates to.
• A note that the certificate holder (and any other named parties) are additional insureds on specific policies, when required by written contract.
• References to waiver of subrogation and primary and noncontributory wording, when the policy provides them.
• The endorsement form numbers, such as a CG 20 10 and CG 20 37, or a blanket endorsement.
• Extra parties to be named, such as the property owner, lender, or management company.

If there isn't enough room, the agent can attach an ACORD 101 Additional Remarks Schedule.

Sample wording to send the agent

You can give the agent the wording you want to see. For example:

Re: 123 Main Street Renovation. ABC Builders LLC and 123 Main Street Owner LLC are included as additional insureds on the general liability, auto, and umbrella policies on a primary and noncontributory basis, and a waiver of subrogation applies to general liability, auto, and workers' compensation, where required by written contract.

Adapt it to what your contract actually requires. Our COI request letter and email templates include space for this.

What the box can't do

The ACORD 25 itself says the certificate doesn't amend, extend, or alter the coverage provided by the policies. So words in the description box don't create coverage. "Certificate holder is additional insured" means something only if the policy has an endorsement that makes it true. That's why many contractors ask for a copy of the endorsement, not just the wording. See additional insured endorsements explained.

Red flags

• The box says you're additional insured, but the ADDL INSD column is blank on that policy line.
• It references a different project, address, or certificate holder, which suggests an old certificate was reused.
• Vague wording like "coverage as required" with no policies or endorsements named.
• Language that claims to change limits, add coverage, or guarantee cancellation notice. Agents generally can't make those changes on a certificate.

Key takeaways

Ask for the project, the parties, and the endorsements you require, and make sure the checkboxes and endorsements back up the wording. Try our free COI Reader to pull the description box and checkboxes from a certificate PDF. SubCover HQ checks this box against your requirements on every certificate, for $99/month.

Frequently asked questions

Does wording in the description box make me an additional insured?

No. The certificate doesn't amend the policy. You're additional insured only if the policy has an endorsement that covers you.

What should the description of operations box say?

Typically the project or property, the parties to be named, and references to additional insured, waiver of subrogation, and primary and noncontributory endorsements your contract requires.

What if the wording doesn't fit?

The agent can attach an ACORD 101 Additional Remarks Schedule.

Should I ask for the endorsement too?

Many contractors do, especially for additional insured status, because the endorsement is what actually provides the coverage.

This guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your insurance professional and attorney determine what you should require.