General Liability

Protect Your Business with General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance in Texas, often referred to simply as “commercial general liability” or “CGL” insurance, is a type of business insurance that provides protection against a wide range of liability risks. This insurance is designed to help businesses in Texas cover the costs associated with legal claims, lawsuits, and financial damages arising from third-party bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury claims. Here are key aspects of general liability insurance in Texas:

1. Coverage for Bodily Injury and Property Damage: General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage claims that occur on your business premises or as a result of your business operations. For example, if a customer slips and falls in your store, sustaining injuries, your general liability insurance can help cover medical expenses and legal costs if the injured party files a lawsuit.

2. Coverage for Personal and Advertising Injury: This insurance also provides coverage for personal and advertising injury claims, which may include allegations of defamation, slander, copyright infringement, or other similar offenses related to your advertising or business activities.

3. Legal Defense Costs: General liability insurance in Texas covers the legal defense costs associated with covered claims, including attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments if your business is found liable.

4. Products and Completed Operations Coverage: If your business manufactures, distributes, or sells products, general liability insurance typically includes coverage for claims related to bodily injury or property damage caused by those products. It also covers claims arising from completed work or services.

5. Medical Payments: This coverage can help pay for medical expenses incurred by someone who is injured on your business premises or as a result of your operations, regardless of fault. It is intended to resolve minor injuries quickly without the need for a lawsuit.

6. Additional Insureds: You can often add other parties, such as landlords or contractors, as “additional insureds” on your policy to extend liability coverage to them for claims related to your business activities.

7. Coverage Limits and Deductibles: General liability insurance policies have coverage limits, which represent the maximum amount the insurer will pay for covered claims. You’ll also need to choose a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage applies.

8. Industry-Specific Coverage: Depending on your business type and industry, you may need additional specialized liability coverage. For example, professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, is often required for professionals like attorneys, doctors, and consultants.

9. Texas Regulations: Texas businesses may need to comply with state-specific regulations related to liability insurance. It’s important to understand and adhere to any such requirements.

General liability insurance is a fundamental component of a comprehensive risk management strategy for businesses in Texas. It helps protect your business’s financial interests by covering the costs associated with legal claims and lawsuits. The specific coverage needs and policy terms can vary based on your business’s size, industry, and unique risks, so it’s advisable to work with an insurance professional to tailor your coverage to your specific needs.