What is Commercial General Liability (CGL)?
Commercial general liability (CGL) is the foundation of business protection, covering third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising or reputational claims that come with doing business.
Who needs it
- Contractors, trades & small businesses
- Owners needing a COI today to win a job
- Growing companies adding crews or trucks
Building the future, safely.
What general liability really covers
Commercial general liability — CGL — is the policy most people mean when they say "business insurance." It protects your business against the everyday risks of dealing with the public: a customer trips in your shop, you accidentally damage a client's property on a job, or someone claims your advertising hurt their reputation. It's the coverage clients, landlords, and general contractors ask to see before they'll work with you, and it's built from a few key pieces.
Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability
The heart of the policy. It pays when your business causes injury to someone or damages their property — think a customer slipping on a wet floor, or your crew cracking a homeowner's tile while working. It covers the resulting claims and your legal defense.
Products & Completed Operations
Covers harm caused by a product you sold or work you already finished. For a contractor, that's a claim that surfaces after the job is done; for a retailer, it's a product that injures a customer after the sale.
Personal & Advertising Injury
Protects against non-physical harms like libel, slander, copyright infringement in your ads, or invasion of privacy — the kinds of claims that can come from marketing your business.
Medical Payments
Pays smaller medical bills when someone is hurt on your premises, regardless of fault. It's a goodwill coverage that can settle minor incidents before they turn into lawsuits.
Premises & Operations
Covers injuries and damage that happen at your place of business or while you're performing your work out in the field — the bread-and-butter exposures of running day to day.
Who needs it
- Contractors & tradespeople (often required to bid jobs)
- Retail shops, salons & storefronts with foot traffic
- Restaurants, cafes & service businesses
- Consultants, cleaners & mobile service providers
- Anyone leasing commercial space (landlords require it)
- Businesses that need to name clients as additional insureds
What affects your premium
- Your industry and the risks that come with it
- Annual revenue and payroll
- Square footage and location of your premises
- Coverage limits and deductibles you choose
- Claims and loss history
- Whether you need additional-insured endorsements
- Subcontractors you hire and how they're insured
Why an independent agent for general liability
CGL is where carrier appetite and pricing swing hard by industry. A roofer, a hair stylist, and a software consultant are three completely different risks, and the carrier that's a bargain for one can be a poor fit for another. Because BNW Services is independent, Billy Whited can place your CGL with standard markets when your business is a clean fit — and reach into specialty markets when it isn't — instead of forcing you into one company's rate. Need a certificate with a specific additional insured to win a job? Call 573-594-5148 and we'll shop it and turn the paperwork around fast.
Commercial General Liability (CGL) FAQ
Is general liability required by law?
It's rarely required by the state itself, but it's very often required by contracts — clients, general contractors, and landlords routinely require it before they'll hire or lease to you. Many businesses find they can't operate without it in practice.
What's the difference between general liability and professional liability?
General liability covers physical harm — bodily injury and property damage. Professional liability (errors & omissions) covers financial harm from your advice or services. Many businesses need both; we can quote them together.
Does general liability cover my own tools or building?
No — CGL covers harm to others, not your own property. Your building, equipment, and inventory are covered by commercial property insurance, which we can bundle in a BOP.
What is an 'additional insured' and why do clients ask for it?
It's an endorsement that extends your liability coverage to a client or general contractor for claims arising out of your work. Many contracts require it, and we can add it to your certificate.
Does it cover my employees if they get hurt?
No — employee injuries are handled by workers compensation, not general liability. If you have employees, you'll almost certainly need both.
How much coverage do I need?
It depends on your industry, your contracts, and your exposure. Many contracts specify a required limit (a $1M/$2M structure is common). We'll match your limits to what your clients require and what your risk warrants.
Can I get a certificate of insurance the same day?
Usually yes, once you're bound. If a client needs proof before you start, call 573-594-5148 and we'll get the COI out quickly.
I run a home-based or one-person business — do I still need it?
Often yes. If you interact with clients, visit their property, or sell a product, the same liability exposures apply. Coverage for small and solo operations is very affordable to quote.
Get Commercial General Liability (CGL) today
Quote, buy, or book a quick consult — whatever's easiest for you.