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Commercial General Liability Insurance
Running a business means facing potential risks every day, from customer injuries to property damage claims. Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance helps protect your business from financial losses due to third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury.
CGL insurance provides coverage for:
Bodily Injury: Covers medical expenses and legal costs if someone is injured on your business premises or due to your operations.
Property Damage: Pays for damages to someone else’s property caused by your business activities.
Personal and Advertising Injury: Protects against claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or false advertising.
Legal Defense Costs: Helps cover legal expenses if your business is sued for a covered claim.
No matter the industry, CGL insurance is a foundational policy that helps safeguard your business from unexpected liability claims that could otherwise result in significant financial loss.
Who Needs Commercial General Liability Insurance?
Every business, regardless of size or industry, can benefit from CGL insurance. Why? Every business has the potential of being sued. Some examples of businesses we’ve helped find solutions for include:
- Retail Stores (e.g., clothing boutiques, electronics stores, grocery stores)
- Restaurants and Cafés (e.g., coffee shops, sit-down restaurants, catering businesses)
- Contractors and Tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, landscapers)
- Medical and Wellness Providers (e.g., chiropractors, spas, fitness centers)
- Professional Services (e.g., consultants, marketing agencies, real estate firms)
If your business interacts with clients, owns or rents a physical space, or advertises its services, CGL insurance can help protect you from costly lawsuits.
FAQs
What Does Commercial General Liability Insurance Cover?
A standard CGL policy typically includes:
- Premises Liability: Coverage for injuries or damage that occur on your business property.
- Products and Completed Operations: Protection against claims related to your products or services after they have been sold or completed.
- Personal and Advertising Injury: Coverage for libel, slander, or copyright infringement claims.
What is not covered by Commercial General Liability Insurance?
CGL insurance does not cover:
- Professional Errors or Negligence (requires Professional Liability Insurance)
- Employee Injuries (covered by Workers’ Compensation)
- Damage to Your Own Property (covered by Commercial Property Insurance)
- Cyber Liability or Data Breaches (requires Cyber Insurance)
- Intentional or Criminal Acts (not covered)
These exclusions can often be addressed with additional policies or endorsements.
What is the difference between third-party and first-party damages in relation to a CGL policy?
A Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy primarily covers third-party damages, meaning claims made by individuals or entities outside of your business, such as customers, vendors, or the general public. For example, if a customer slips and falls in your store, your CGL policy would help cover their medical expenses and any legal costs.
First-party damages refer to losses suffered directly by your business, such as damage to your own property or equipment. These are not covered under a CGL policy and would require additional coverage, such as Commercial Property Insurance for property damage or Workers' Compensation Insurance for employee injuries.
How Much Does Commercial General Liability Insurance Cost?
The cost of CGL insurance depends on factors such as:
- The size and type of your business
- Your industry and level of risk
- Business location
- Coverage limits and deductibles
Does a CGL Cover Employee Injuries?
No, since Commercial General Liability Insurance is for third party lawsuits, it does not cover injuries sustained by your employees while on the job. Instead, businesses are required to have Workers' Compensation Insurance, which helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured employees.
Can I customize my Commercial General Liability Insurance?
Yes! Depending on your business’s needs, you can add coverage options such as:
- Cyber Liability Insurance: Protects against data breaches and cyber threats.
- Liquor Liability Insurance: Necessary for businesses serving alcohol.
- Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI): Covers claims related to wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.
Get Started Today
Protect your business from costly liability claims with the right Commercial General Liability Insurance. At McShea Insurance, we work with you to find the right CGL policy at a competitive price. Contact McShea Insurance today to speak with one of our agents and customize a policy that fits your needs.
Steps to Get Started
Request a Free Quote: Contact us to discuss your business’s general liability insurance needs and get a personalized quote.
Review Your Risks: Work with our agents to identify potential risks and tailor a policy that fits your operations.
Stay Protected: Secure comprehensive coverage that shields your business from unexpected liabilities.
Protect Your Business with General Liability Insurance
Don’t leave your business exposed to financial risks. Contact McShea Insurance today to explore customized liability coverage options.