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Per Project Aggregate (CG 25 03) Explained: Why It Matters on a Sub's COI

By SubCover HQ · Updated Nov 1, 2026 · 3 min read

Most commercial general liability policies have two caps: a limit for each occurrence, and a general aggregate that caps the total paid for covered claims during the policy period. For a subcontractor working many jobs at once, that single aggregate is shared across every project. The per project aggregate endorsement changes that, and it's a common requirement in subcontracts.

The problem with a single aggregate

Say a sub carries $1,000,000 per occurrence and a $2,000,000 general aggregate, and works on twenty projects this year. If claims on other jobs use up most of that aggregate, there may be little left when something goes wrong on yours. You have no visibility into those other claims, and the certificate won't show how much of the aggregate is left.

What CG 25 03 does

The ISO endorsement CG 25 03, titled Designated Construction Project(s) General Aggregate Limit, makes the general aggregate apply separately to each designated construction project. Many insurers use their own forms that do the same thing, sometimes on a blanket basis that applies to all of the insured's projects. Its sibling, CG 25 04, does the same for designated locations, which matters more for property owners and businesses with several premises.

Two things to keep in mind:

• The each occurrence limit doesn't change. A per project aggregate gives each job its own aggregate, not a higher per-claim limit.
• The products-completed operations aggregate is generally handled separately and isn't made per project by this endorsement. Check your contract's completed operations requirements on their own.

How to spot it on an ACORD 25

In the general liability section, look for the line "GEN'L AGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER" with checkboxes for POLICY, PROJECT, and LOC. If your contract requires a per project aggregate, PROJECT should be checked. As with other endorsements, the checkbox is a signal, not proof. For larger jobs, ask the agent for a copy of the endorsement. Our ACORD 25 guide walks through the rest of the form.

Who asks for it

• General contractors ask subs for it so a busy sub's other jobs can't drain the coverage available on theirs.
• Owners and developers often require it of the GC, and the GC passes it down.
• Property managers may ask large vendors for a per location aggregate (CG 25 04 or similar) when the vendor serves many properties.

When a sub doesn't have it

If the certificate shows the aggregate applies per policy and your contract requires per project, treat it as a deficiency and ask the agent whether the endorsement can be added. Some subs can add it at renewal or mid-term, sometimes for a modest charge. If not, an umbrella or excess policy may help close the gap. Decide with your broker what's acceptable, and write down any exception.

Key takeaways

A per project aggregate keeps a sub's other jobs from using up the coverage available on yours. Check the PROJECT box on the ACORD 25, ask for the endorsement on bigger jobs, and flag certificates that don't match your contract. SubCover HQ checks the aggregate basis on every certificate against your requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Does a per project aggregate raise the per-occurrence limit?

No. Each occurrence stays the same. The endorsement makes the general aggregate apply separately to each designated project, so other jobs can't use up the aggregate available on yours.

How can I tell from the certificate?

On the ACORD 25, the general liability section has a 'GEN'L AGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER' line with POLICY, PROJECT, and LOC boxes. PROJECT should be checked if your contract requires a per project aggregate. Ask for the endorsement copy on larger jobs.

What's the difference between CG 25 03 and CG 25 04?

CG 25 03 applies the aggregate per designated construction project. CG 25 04 applies it per designated location, which fits businesses and vendors serving several premises.

What if the sub's insurer won't add it?

Talk with your broker. An umbrella or excess policy may help, or you may accept the gap for a lower-risk job with a documented sign-off.

This guide is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Policy forms vary by insurer; your contracts, insurance professional, and attorney determine what you should require.