General Liability Insurance for Businesses and Contractors in Northern California
One claim can financially cripple a business that isn’t properly covered. General Liability Insurance — also known as CGL or Commercial General Liability — is the foundation of any solid commercial insurance plan. At Oakview Insurance Services, we represent a wide range of highly rated carriers and help businesses throughout Yuba City and Northern California find the right coverage at a competitive rate.
What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?
Running a business is inherently risky, but General Liability Insurance protects against many known and unknown risks. Simply put, CGL protects you, your business, and your employees from claims involving bodily injury or property damage arising from your business operations. These policies cover the costs of out-of-court settlements, litigation, and court-awarded judgments. Often, CGL is paired with BPP (Business Personal Property) coverage in a BOP (Business Owners Policy).
Here are a few things you can expect General Liability Insurance to cover:
- Bodily injuries
- Property damage
- Personal injury, like libel or slander
- Advertising injury
- Copyright infringement
- Reputational harm
What General Liability Insurance Does Not Cover
General Liability Insurance provides essential protection, but it does not cover every type of claim. To ensure comprehensive coverage, additional policies may be needed for specific risks. Here are some exclusions and the types of insurance needed to cover those gaps:
- Commercial Auto Accidents: Damages from auto accidents caused by you or your employees while driving for work are not covered. A Commercial Auto Insurance policy is necessary. For businesses without company-owned vehicles, Hired and Non-Owned Auto Insurance provides coverage. Many states mandate specific types and amounts of auto insurance coverage, such as bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
- Employee Injuries or Illnesses: Injuries or illnesses suffered by employees due to their work are not covered. Workers’ Compensation Insurance is required to provide benefits for employees recovering from work-related injuries or illnesses, including medical bills and ongoing care expenses.
- Damage to Business Property: General Liability Insurance does not protect your own business property. A Commercial Property Insurance policy is needed to cover owned or rented buildings and business equipment.
- Professional Errors or Mistakes: Claims related to errors or mistakes in professional services provided to clients are not covered. Professional Liability Insurance (or Errors and Omissions Insurance) is necessary to cover legal costs if a client sues for damages due to faulty services or advice.
- Excessive Claims: Claims that exceed the liability limits of your General Liability Insurance policy are not covered. A Commercial Umbrella Insurance policy can extend the coverage limits of your liability policies to cover expensive claims.
- Intentional Wrongdoing or Illegal Acts: Any illegal acts or intentional wrongdoing by you or your employees that lead to your business being held legally responsible are not covered.
What’s Involved with Getting CGL Insurance?
Getting a General Liability quote is straightforward. Underwriters will typically ask about your type of business, annual revenue, number of employees, and the nature of your work. Contractors may also need to show proof of subcontractor coverage. Most companies require a certificate of insurance before you can begin work on a job site, so having active coverage in place is essential. Our team will walk you through the process and make it as simple as possible.
Proudly serving businesses in Yuba City, Marysville, Chico, Woodland, Colusa, and throughout Northern California.
How to Get Started on Your Yuba City General Liability Insurance Quote
To get started on your quote, call our office or click over to our Quotes page. Either way, we’ll make the process simple!