CG 20 39: Automatic Completed Operations Additional Insured Status

CG 20 39 automatically grants completed-operations additional insured status to a person or organization for whom you performed operations when your written construction agreement with that party requires it. The explanation below concerns the 12 19 edition and its direct-party completed-work trigger.^[2]

How does CG 20 39 work?

The additional insured is the party for whom you completed operations and with whom you agreed in writing to provide status. The grant applies to qualifying bodily injury or property damage caused, at least in part, by your work for that party and included in the products-completed operations hazard.

Montana's public Insurance Requirements in Contracts manual reproduces CG 20 39 12 19 and identifies the written agreement, completed-work causation, legality, coverage-breadth, professional-services, and limit provisions.^[1]

For example, a subcontractor's signed agreement with a general contractor may require completed-operations status for the general contractor. CG 20 39 can respond automatically to that direct requirement without scheduling the general contractor by name, subject to the exact wording.

How does it differ from CG 20 33 and CG 20 40?

CG 20 33 uses the same direct-contract concept for ongoing operations. CG 20 39 addresses completed operations, so a contract requiring both phases may need both forms.

CG 20 40 can reach other upstream parties required by the same written construction agreement even when your business did not sign directly with them. CG 20 39 does not provide that other-parties mechanism. The Alliant manual expressly pairs CG 20 39 with CG 20 33 and CG 20 40 with CG 20 38.^[1]

What limitations should you check?

Coverage applies only to the extent permitted by law and cannot be broader than the written agreement requires. The maximum payable for the additional insured is the lesser of the contract-required amount and the applicable policy limit. The endorsement does not increase limits.

It also excludes specified architectural, engineering, and surveying professional services. Confirm the agreement date, legal name of the direct party, required duration after completion, policy term, and any upstream parties. Obtain the actual endorsement rather than relying on a certificate description.

This guide is for educational purposes and summarizes standard ISO policy concepts in original language. Form numbers and titles are used only for identification. Menlo Insurance Services is not affiliated with or approved by Insurance Services Office, Inc. Your policy, contract, and attached endorsements control. Talk to a licensed broker about your project.