Coverage · FORM CGL
The policy that answers when someone gets hurt.
General liability covers third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury — the policy your landlord requires, your contracts reference, and your clients expect to see on your certificate.
What's Covered
What this policy responds to
- ✓Bodily injury to a third party on your premises or caused by your operations
- ✓Property damage to a client's or third party's belongings caused by your work
- ✓Advertising injury — libel, slander, or copyright claims arising from your marketing
- ✓Legal defence costs and settlements up to policy limits
- ✓Products and completed operations coverage for goods or work you've delivered
- ✓Medical payments to injured parties (regardless of fault, up to sub-limits)
Exclusions
What it typically doesn't cover
- ✗Injury to your own employees (covered under Workers' Compensation)
- ✗Damage to your own property (covered under Commercial Property)
- ✗Professional errors or omissions (covered under Professional Liability)
- ✗Intentional acts or criminal conduct
- ✗Pollution or environmental liability without endorsement
Exclusions vary by carrier and can sometimes be addressed with endorsements. Ask your advisor.
Who Needs This
Businesses that typically carry general liability
Every contractor, trade, or service business operating on client sites or in public
Retail stores and restaurants where customers visit your location
Any business that leases commercial space — most landlords require it
Businesses named on client contracts as additional insureds
Common Questions
What clients ask before they bind
How much liability coverage do I need?
Most commercial leases and client contracts require a minimum of $2M per occurrence. Businesses with higher exposure — contractors, manufacturers, food service — often carry $5M or more.
What's a certificate of insurance?
A one-page document your insurer issues to prove you carry coverage. Clients and landlords request these routinely. Cornerstone provides them same-day on request.
Does this cover my sub-contractors?
Not automatically. Subcontractors should carry their own policy and name you as an additional insured. Your advisor can build this requirement into your contract review process.
Request a Quote
Tell us what you're protecting.
Send us the details and a licensed advisor will reply within one business day with a coverage schedule built specifically for your operation.