What Is Business Liability / Commercial General Liability Insurance?

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is one of the most essential protections any business can carry. Every day, your company faces risks—whether you’re meeting with clients, working on a jobsite, or operating at your place of business. A CGL policy helps safeguard your assets when unexpected accidents or claims arise.

What Commercial General Liability Covers

A CGL policy is often the foundation of a business insurance program. It provides protection against four primary types of liability claims:

• Bodily Injury
  Coverage for injuries sustained by others due to your business operations.

• Property Damage
  Protection if you or your employees accidentally damage someone else’s property.

• Personal Injury
  Includes offenses such as libel, slander, or copyright infringement in your advertisements.

• Advertising Injury
  Covers claims related to your business’s advertising activities.

In addition to the core coverages, CGL policies typically include:

Key Features & Benefits

• Defense Costs
  Legal defense and settlement costs covered—even if a claim is unfounded or fraudulent.

• Medical Payments
  Helps pay medical expenses if someone is injured on your premises.

• Premises & Operations Liability
  Protects you against injuries or damages that occur at your business location or as a result of your work.

• Tenant’s Liability
  Coverage for damage you may cause to a rented space due to fire or other covered losses.

• Automatic Additional Insured
  Automatically provides additional insured status when required under a written contract, agreement, or permit.

• Employment Practices Liability
  Limited coverage for certain employee or applicant claims, including legal defense costs (availability varies by state).

Coverage options vary by policy and state. Always review your policy documents for specific terms, exclusions, and conditions.

Contractors: We’ve Got You Covered

At Brooks Commercial Insurance Services, we work with contractors across California every day. We understand the unique risks of the trades and offer programs designed specifically for your industry—many with low minimum premiums and flexible financing options.

Whether you’re just getting started or managing a growing operation, we help you secure the right protection so you can stay compliant, win more jobs, and keep your business moving forward.