CGL - Commercial General Liability
A Commercial General Liability policy (CGL) is a comprehensive insurance product that companies buy to protect themselves in case of losses such as fire, water damage, acts of nature, bodily injury, damage to property or criminal activity. Purchasing this policy is the first step businesses take to protect their assets. This safety net is critical in a society in which the number of lawsuits and the value of judgment awards have increased over the years.
What's Covered
A general liability insurance policy protects a company and its employees from many types of incidents. This insurance covers bodily injury, property damage, product-completed liability, contractual liability, employer injuries, and damages from fire, lightning and explosion. Medical payments for personal injury, coverage for advertising injury and legal defense costs fits under the umbrella of a general liability insurance policy. General liability is usually bundled with other types of insurance. Companies can opt to purchase this insurance as a standalone policy.
Benefits
By having a general liability package, companies can relax knowing that they can conduct business without having to worry unduly if an allegation is brought against them. If a claim is filed against an insured business, their insurance company will conduct a thorough investigation to eliminate any claims that are proven to be unjust. Legal fees, including court costs, are covered under the policy. If the business is found liable and the incident is covered under the policy, their insurance company would pay the award amount up to the coverage limit purchased by the insured.
Considerations
When considering business insurance coverage, one should also assess the following:
- The coverage limits of the policy that will mitigate exposures related to your business
- Coverage should be customized to your unique business needs
- Additional policies or endorsements may be required to cover specific business activities and needs
When a business purchases liability coverage, an insurance company determines several factors before issuing a premium offer. These factors may include risk, the history of claim filings by the company, the industry in which it conducts business and the size of the workforce. The premium amount is also affected by the amount of coverage a business is seeking. The payment of premiums is the company's requirement for coverage.
Warning
Not having comprehensive coverage, like commercial liability insurance, leaves a company unprotected if an incident like an accident or injury occurs. It is wise to research the sufficient amount of coverage for the industry to gauge how much coverage is needed to avoid paying with funds from the company. With the amount awarded in lawsuits skyrocketing in recent years, a judgment against you can be catastrophic to your business
A CGL policy can cover both property and business liability coverage and extends coverage for loss to:
- customers' property
- property in transit
- inventory increases for peak sales periods
- business income
- computer equipment
- signs
It can also extend coverage to meet the requirements of local ordinances or laws regarding the demolition or restoration of damaged buildings.
Consider the many property and liability coverage options available to you including:
- Hired and non-owned autos
- Physical damage to hired autos
- Equipment breakdown
- Earthquake
- Spoilage
- Water backup of sewers, drains or sumps
- Employee benefits liability
- Employment practices liability insurance
- Professional liability
- Worldwide coverage for computers temporarily off premises
- Umbrella liability