What is Commercial General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance is an affordable way to protect your business if you ever have to defend a claim against your business in court.

Business of all sizes and types should have commercial general liability insurance (sometimes called comprehensive general liability or CGL). This basic commercial insurance provides coverage for the costs associated with lawsuits placed against the company for things like; employee or public injuries, property damage caused by the business or employees, personal and advertising injuries, as well as injuries caused by the negligent action of employees.

Commercial general liability insurance is an affordable way to protect your business if you ever have to defend a claim against your business in court. With this coverage, you'll receive funds up to your policy limits to cover damages assessed by the courts to compensate third parties, and cover legal defense fees and settlement charges.

Common CGL coverage amounts

The main coverage amounts we see businesses securing are either $2 million or $5 million. Some businesses come to us looking for $1 million in commercial general liability but we find most go for $2 million once they realize the cost for both is almost always the same.

Do you have a contract requirement for CGL?

Make sure you take that into consideration but don't make that the only factor you're thinking about. Think beyond the minimum requirement. Talk to your commercial broker openly and honestly about the potential risks your business faces. Conversations about risk now can make things a lot easier down the road.

  • Kristine Beaudin
    This team has blown me away with their hard work and dedication to my portfolio. I have both personal and commercial lines, and after a few hiccups, they went to bat for us and just knocked it out of the park! Christina, Natasha and Anthony I can not thank you enough for dealing with my crazy insurance needs! I am so thrilled to be in your care for all my insurance needs! Cannot recommend enough!
    Kristine Beaudin
  • Melanie Morgan
    I cannot say enough good things about Natasha Hedin. She went above and beyond to help me with my insurance needs. She sent me all the information I needed within moments of asking. Natasha was very helpful and answered all my questions quick and concisely! She’s a great asset to your company for sure.
    Melanie Morgan
  • Tom Morris
    I dealt with Natasha for some commercial auto insurance. Unfortunately due to the nature of what I'm hauling, we weren't able to make something work out but she still pointed me in the right direction and tried to help where possible. Thanks so much!
    Tom Morris
  • Roz F
    Every individual I've had contact with at CJ Campbell has been professional and prompt in their service. I'm guessing this is the reason this family owned business has been around for decades. If you require insurance, you won't be disappointed here.
    Roz F