As Their Interests May Appear (ATIMA) — a phrase added to insurance policies and endorsements to add others as
insureds. The use of the ATIMA or similar phrases was clearly embraced by fire
underwriters, particularly with regard to mortgage endorsements, as a way of
matching coverage to the financial interest of a specified entity or person and
avoiding violations of the policy condition relating to sole property
ownership. The phrase "ATIMA" continues to surface today in builders
risk policies, reinforced in part due to the language in standardized contracts
commonly used for construction work. For instance, the American Institute of
Architects General Conditions A201 requires the property insurance to include
the interests of the owner, contractor, subcontractors, and sub-subcontractors
in the project. The phrase is arguably unnecessary in builders risk policies as
it can lead to unintended consequences and unnecessary litigation.