You may think that general liability insurance only applies to large corporations, but it can be just as important to businesses that are starting out or those that have only a few employees. In fact, protecting your company from general liability related to things like slips and falls, as well as your actions as an employer is essential if you want to protect your business from legal challenges and preserve its future value. Here’s what you need to know about getting general liability insurance in New York.
1: What is General Liability Insurance?
General liability insurance is one of four major property-casualty categories under which a business owner can get coverage. It protects against claims arising from bodily injury or property damage (including lawsuits). General liability policies typically include protection for: Property Damage. This covers any damage your business may cause to someone else’s property during normal operations, such as vehicle accidents and faulty products. A new building that you constructed might also be covered by a policy if there were problems with it and someone was injured on your site.
General Liability Fire/Water Damage: If your company accidentally causes a fire or floods another person’s home, general liability will cover losses related to these incidents. Bodily Injury Claims. Workers Compensation Work Injury: If one of your employees suffers an injury while working on behalf of your company, general liability would provide compensation if your employee filed a claim related to his or her injuries at work, regardless of fault Workers compensation
General Liability only carries $500,000/$1 Million Coverage’s? Most general liability policies cover up to $500,000 per occurrence/$1 million for each year
General Liability only carries $500,000/$1 Million Coverage’s? Most general liability policies cover up to $500,000 per occurrence/$1 million for each yearGeneral Liability only carries $500,000/$1 Million Coverage’s? Most general liability policies cover up to $500,000 per occurrence/$1 million for each year
2: Why Should I Get It?
If you own a business, whether it’s a multi-national corporation or a freelance gig, it’s essential to protect yourself and your business with general liability insurance New York. This type of policy will help protect you from legal costs and potential damages if someone is injured on your property or if something is damaged during one of your events. Your business may also require workers’ compensation coverage, which pays for lost wages and medical expenses for employees who have been hurt on the job. There are other types of insurance, such as professional liability insurance, that can be combined with a general liability policy or purchased separately.
Contact an agent to discuss how many policies you’ll need to adequately cover your business from all angles. General liability insurance isn’t cheap, but it’s necessary for any business owner. A quote could cost between $300 and $1,000 depending on factors like location and claims history; however, some companies offer discounts for businesses with multiple policies (e.g., home and auto) or pay above-average claims. You should also keep in mind that many state governments require certain businesses to carry general liability policies before issuing permits or licenses. An experienced agent will explain all your options so you know exactly what you’re getting into when buying these important—but pricey—policies. You may think general liability insurance is just extra money down the drain, but it could save you money down the road if problems arise that leave your bottom line vulnerable.
3: What Does General Liability Cover?
You might know that your business is required to carry general liability insurance, but do you know what it covers? If you’re like most business owners, you might not even realize that general liability coverage protects against many different kinds of accidents. The truth is that you can rest easy knowing that your business has one of the strongest financial protections out there. General liability insurance will cover any physical injuries or damages to property caused by your company—but it also goes far beyond those two things.
For example, if someone slips and falls on ice outside your store (an all-too-common occurrence), then general liability coverage will help pay for their medical bills and offer them financial support until they’re able to return to work.
General liability insurance will also protect you from claims arising from copyright infringement and other intellectual property laws as well as libel and slander allegations. Again, these are just a few examples of how general liability insurance covers so much more than people think! What else should I consider when shopping for general liability insurance in New York? Because insurers set rates differently across state lines, it’s important to understand all your options before making a final decision about which policy works best for your business.
4: How Much Does General Liability Cost?
General liability insurance is, as its name suggests, an insurance policy that covers your business for all types of damages and losses resulting from claims or lawsuits. If someone slips on your sidewalk, you’re covered. If a customer gets food poisoning at one of your restaurants, you’re covered. It’s usually part of a business owner’s commercial general liability insurance (CGL), which is pretty much required if you run any kind of business that involves serving customers or working with third parties who could file a claim against you later on. How much does general liability cost? Most experts will say that getting some sort of coverage is more important than how much it costs.
