Glossary
Waiver of Subrogation
A waiver of subrogation request often appears in construction, warehouse, shipper, or building-access contracts.
Plain-English summary
The wording may limit an insurer's recovery rights against a specified party when the policy supports it. It should be reviewed before being promised on a certificate.
Where it shows up
Waiver wording may appear in contracts, COI instructions, endorsement schedules, and project owner insurance requirements.
Why it needs review
Some policies require a specific endorsement or prior written agreement. The effect depends on the policy form and the contract language.
Who sees this in certificate requests
- Owner-operators reading a quote
- New authorities preparing documents
- Small fleets reviewing certificates or claims
Why wording matters
- Where the term appears
- How to discuss it with an agent
- Why the definition can affect coverage
Where COI wording gets overread
What the wording does not prove
- A standalone guarantee of coverage
- A substitute for policy wording
- Legal advice about a contract
Certificate request mistakes
- Treating informal shorthand as policy language
- Assuming the same word means the same thing in every policy
Documents to compare
- Policy declarations
- Certificates
- Endorsements
- Contracts or official filing notices when relevant
Questions before issuing wording
- Where is this term defined in the policy?
- Does an endorsement change the meaning?
- Does a regulator or contract use the term differently?
Sources
- Auto Insurance Regulator National Association of Insurance Commissioners — checked 2026-05-19
- Commercial Auto Insurance Educational Insurance Information Institute — checked 2026-05-19
Questions carriers ask
Can waiver wording be typed onto a COI without policy support?
No. The policy or endorsement should support the wording before it is issued.
Found an error or outdated source? Submit a correction.