A P&S endorsement adds coverage for property damage caused by a specific person or entity you name

A P&S endorsement — short for "Permission and Supervision" or sometimes "Principal and Subordinate" depending on the insurer — is a written addition to your homeowners or commercial property insurance policy that extends coverage to someone who would not normally be covered under the standard policy. Instead of your insurance company denying a claim because the person involved was not listed as an insured party, the endorsement names them and defines the scope of coverage they receive.

The most common use is for a family member, employee, or contractor who lives on your property or regularly uses it. Without the endorsement, if that person causes damage — say, a house guest accidentally starts a fire, or a live-in caregiver breaks a window — your insurer could refuse to pay because the person was not a named insured or listed occupant. The P&S endorsement prevents that denial by explicitly bringing them under the policy's protection.

This is different from straightforward adding someone as a named insured on the policy itself. An endorsement is faster, often cheaper, and can be temporary or limited in scope. You do not have to go through full underwriting again; your insurer straightforward attaches the endorsement to your existing policy.

Key Takeaways

  • A P&S endorsement names a specific person and extends your insurance coverage to them, preventing claim denials based on who caused the damage.
  • Common uses include live-in family members, employees, contractors, or caregivers who are not already listed on your policy.
  • The endorsement is faster and usually cheaper than adding someone as a full named insured, and it can be limited to specific activities or time periods.
  • You must request the endorsement from your insurance company in writing, and the person being added may need to provide basic information like their name and relationship to you.
  • The endorsement does not cover intentional damage, criminal acts, or liability claims — it covers property damage only under the terms of your existing policy.

When you need a P&S endorsement

You typically need a P&S endorsement when someone regularly uses your property but is not already a named insured. This includes adult children who have moved back home, elderly parents living with you, full-time caregivers, household employees like nannies or housekeepers, or contractors who work on your property regularly.

The key question is whether the person is a regular occupant or user. A one-time visitor does not need an endorsement. But if someone lives there, works there regularly, or has keys and unsupervised access, your insurer may require an endorsement — or you may want one to avoid a claim denial later.

Some policies automatically cover household members without an endorsement, so check your policy documents first. Others require you to list everyone age 18 or older who lives in the home. If your policy is unclear, call your agent and ask whether the person is already covered; if not, request the endorsement in writing.

How to request a P&S endorsement

Contact your insurance agent or company directly and ask for a P&S endorsement. You will need to provide the person's full name, date of birth, relationship to you, and how often they use the property. Some insurers ask for a brief description of their activities on the property — for example, "lives in home" or "works as a contractor on weekends."

The insurer may ask whether the person has their own insurance, whether they have had claims in the past, or whether they have a criminal history. This is standard underwriting; they are assessing risk before agreeing to cover them. Be honest in your answers — misrepresenting facts can void the endorsement later.

Once approved, the endorsement is issued as a formal document that attaches to your policy. It will state the person's name, the effective date, any limits on coverage, and the premium increase (if any). Keep this document with your policy papers. If the person moves out or no longer needs coverage, you can request that the endorsement be removed.

What a P&S endorsement covers and does not cover

The endorsement extends your existing homeowners or commercial property policy to the named person. This means they are covered for the same perils your policy covers — fire, theft, weather damage, and so on — if they cause damage while using the property. If a live-in caregiver accidentally breaks a window, or a contractor's equipment damages your roof, the endorsement allows you to file a claim without the insurer denying it because the person was not listed.

However, the endorsement does not cover intentional damage, criminal acts, or gross negligence. If the person deliberately sets a fire or steals from you, the endorsement will not help. It also does not cover liability claims — if the person injures someone else on your property, that is a separate liability issue. And it does not extend coverage to property the person owns; it only covers damage to your property.

The endorsement also does not override policy exclusions. If your policy excludes water damage, for example, the endorsement will not suddenly cover water damage caused by the named person. The endorsement straightforward says, "This person is now covered under the same terms as the named insured."

Cost and duration of a P&S endorsement

The cost of a P&S endorsement varies by insurer and by the person being added. Some companies charge a flat fee of $25 to $75 per year. Others charge a small percentage increase to your premium — typically 2 to 5 percent. A few do not charge anything if the person is a family member or household occupant.

Ask your agent for a quote before requesting the endorsement. The cost should be minimal compared to adding someone as a full named insured, which can increase your premium by 10 to 20 percent or more.

The endorsement remains in effect until you request it be removed or until your policy renews. Some endorsements are temporary — you can request one for a specific time period, such as six months while a contractor works on your home. When the endorsement expires or is removed, the person is no longer covered under your policy.

P&S endorsement versus named insured

Adding someone as a named insured means they have the same coverage and rights as you do under the policy. They can file claims, make changes to the policy, and receive payouts directly. A P&S endorsement is narrower: it extends coverage to them, but they typically cannot make policy changes or file claims on their own — you do.

Named insured status is appropriate for spouses or long-term partners who share ownership of the property. A P&S endorsement is better for temporary residents, employees, or people who live with you but do not own the property. The endorsement is also faster to set up and usually costs less.

If you are unsure which is appropriate, ask your agent. They can explain what your policy requires and what makes sense for your situation.

What happens if you do not get a P&S endorsement

If someone regularly uses your property and causes damage, but they are not listed on your policy or covered by an endorsement, your insurer may deny the claim. The denial will cite the fact that the person was not an insured party, and therefore the damage is not covered.

This can leave you personally liable for the damage. If a live-in family member causes a fire and the insurer denies the claim, you will have to pay for repairs out of pocket. If a contractor you hired damages your property and is not covered by an endorsement, you may have to pursue a claim against the contractor's own insurance — which can be slow and uncertain.

Getting a P&S endorsement is inexpensive insurance against this scenario. It takes a few minutes to request and costs very little, but it can save you thousands in denied claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a P&S endorsement cover someone who rents a room in my house?

It depends on your policy and insurer. Some policies automatically cover household members; others do not. If the person is a paying tenant rather than a family member, your insurer may require a separate rental endorsement or may decline to cover them at all. Ask your agent whether a P&S endorsement is appropriate or whether you need a different type of coverage.

Can I get a P&S endorsement for someone who does not live with me?

Typically, no. A P&S endorsement is for people who live on your property or use it regularly. If someone visits occasionally, they are usually covered under your policy's standard guest coverage. If they work on your property regularly — such as a weekly housekeeper — ask your agent whether an endorsement is needed.

What if the person covered by the endorsement causes damage on purpose?

The endorsement will not cover intentional damage. Insurance does not cover criminal acts or deliberate harm. If you suspect intentional damage, report it to your insurer and to police; your insurer will investigate before deciding whether to pay.

Do I need a P&S endorsement if someone is already covered under their own homeowners policy?

Their own policy covers their own property, not yours. If they cause damage to your home, your policy is the one that pays. A P&S endorsement ensures your insurer will not deny the claim based on who caused the damage. You should still request one.

Can I remove a P&S endorsement if the person moves out?

Yes. Contact your agent and request that the endorsement be removed. This will eliminate any premium increase associated with it. The removal is effective on the date you request it or on a future date you specify.