An endorsement to a car insurance policy is an amendment that becomes part of the policy contract. It must be in writing and is accepted as a legal document that forms an integrated part of the insurance contract. The endorsement change or modify the original policy in one way or the other; it is therefore applicable to a policy that is already in use. The term rider is also used for an endorsement.

An endorsement can change the policy’s actual cover or the items covered as well as any of the terms or conditions. The insured can request the following amendments to be made to the policy: adding a new car; accepting a bigger voluntary excess; reducing or deleting an existing voluntary excess; change of address or personal details; increasing or decreasing the sum insured; change to security equipment for example installation of a tracking system; adding or deleting a nominated user; adding a spouse or child’s car; deleting a covered risk such as fire; adding sound equipment.

An endorsement may, as a consequence, change the premium payable; either an increase or a return premium. The change may also have no effect on the premium. The requested endorsement must be approved by the insurance company before they will affect the necessary endorsement.