Commercial general liability (CGL) responds to third-party claims — a customer who slips in your store, a subcontractor who damages a client’s property, a competitor who alleges your marketing infringed on theirs. It pays for defense costs as well as settlements and judgments.
We write general liability for businesses from a single-owner startup to large operations, package it with property in a business owners policy where that saves money, and issue certificates of insurance the same business day.
What business general liability can include
- Bodily injury & property damageInjuries to customers or visitors and damage to others’ property arising from your premises or operations.
- Products & completed operationsClaims that arise after your work is finished or your product has left your hands.
- Personal & advertising injuryLibel, slander, copyright infringement in advertising, and similar claims.
- Medical paymentsMinor injury expenses for visitors, paid regardless of fault to avoid litigation.
- Damage to rented premisesFire and other damage to space you lease from others.
- Additional insured & waiver endorsementsThe contract-required endorsements landlords and general contractors ask for.
Who this is for
- Retail stores, restaurants and service businesses with a physical location
- Contractors and trades who need certificates for job sites
- Consultants, agencies and home-based businesses
- Manufacturers and distributors with product exposure
- Any business signing a lease or client contract that requires liability coverage
Common questions
Is general liability required by law?
Not by Illinois statute, but it is required by nearly every commercial lease, client contract and general contractor agreement — and it is the coverage that protects your business from its most common lawsuits.
What limits should I carry?
Most contracts ask for $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate. Larger clients and higher-risk operations often require more, which we place through a commercial umbrella.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once your policy is bound, certificates are usually issued the same business day.
Does general liability cover my employees’ injuries?
No — that is workers compensation. General liability covers third parties, not your staff.