Endorsement

A document that changes, adds to or removes part of the standard terms of an insurance policy.

Plain-language definition. A real policy, endorsement and provincial law can use more specific wording than a glossary summary.

UpdatedAugust 31, 2026

ByCanada Rate Lab Editorial Team

SourcesIBC + primary sources

MethodologySource-led research

TERM SNAPSHOT

TermEndorsement

ContextCanadian insurance

Source typeIndustry glossary

Policy wordingControls claim

What does Endorsement mean?

A document that changes, adds to or removes part of the standard terms of an insurance policy.

An endorsement can materially change coverage. It is not merely an informational attachment, so the exact wording should be read with the base policy.

EXAMPLE

Endorsement in practice

Ontario's OPCF 49 is an endorsement that allows an insured person to opt out of DCPD coverage under specified conditions.

Related Canada Rate Lab guides

Quote vs Policy DCPD & OPCF 49 Ontario Coverage Guides

Browse the glossary A–Z →

Coverage

The protection provided by an insurance policy for specified property, people, liabilities, events or expenses, subject to limits, exclusions, deductibles and conditions.

Exclusion

A policy provision that removes or restricts coverage for specified causes of loss, property, activities, circumstances or persons.

Additional Insured

A person or organization added to another party's liability policy for specified protection arising from the named insured's operations, subject to the endorsement and policy wording.

Primary reference

Insurance Bureau of Canada — Insurance Glossary Canada Rate Lab — Sources & Data