FEDERALDistrict Court, S.D. New York
2014

Endurance American Specialty Insurance v. Century Surety Co.

46 F. Supp. 3d 398District Court, S.D. New York • Decided 2014Enforced

HOLDING

Hayden, a roofing subcontractor, was added as an additional insured on Century Surety's policy through an indemnification agreement with Pinnacle. When Hayden faced a lawsuit, both Endurance and Century had insurance policies that could cover it. The court ruled that Hayden qualifies as an additional insured under Century's policy and that an employer liability exclusion doesn't block coverage because it only applies to the named insured (Pinnacle), not additional insureds. Both policies must share the cost of defense and indemnification equally.

KEY FINDINGS

Broad Indemnification

Get written confirmation you're added as an additional insured on your general contractor's or project owner's insurance policy—don't assume it's automatic.

Insurance Requirements

Employer liability exclusions in insurance policies typically only protect the named insured, not additional insureds, so you may still have coverage even if the named insured doesn't.

Flow-Down

When multiple insurance policies cover the same claim, courts often split the cost equally between them rather than making one policy pay first—budget accordingly.

FULL COURT OPINION