Commercial General Liability
Whether you run a home-based business, a large corporation or something in between, our commercial insurance specialists work with you and our insurer partners to find the best coverage for your unique needs in Ontario.
Insurance for Ontario businesses
Because Business Doesn't Always Go According to Plan.
Running a business in Ontario means dealing with customers, employees, contractors, suppliers, job sites and the occasional surprise. A customer slips and gets hurt. You accidentally damage a client's property. A product causes damage. Suddenly, a routine day becomes a very expensive problem.
Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is designed to protect your business from claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and certain personal or advertising injuries arising from your operations. It's the "What If?" Coverage.
You may never need to make a liability claim, and that's the idea. But when something goes wrong, legal fees, settlements, and repair costs can add up quickly. Every business faces different risks, so your coverage should be built around what you actually do, where you operate, and who you work with.
You focus on running your business. We'll help protect you from the things you can't see coming.
What is included in a typical general liability policy?
Depending on the kind of business you run, there are lots of options for coverage. Here are a few essentials:
Third party injury or damage
Covers your business if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your operations. From a customer slipping on your floor to accidentally damaging someone else’s property, a CGL helps protect your business from the resulting claim.
Medical expenses
Helps cover reasonable medical expenses when someone is accidentally injured on your premises or because of your operations. It can provide a quick solution for minor injuries without necessarily turning into a larger liability claim.
Personal injury
Protects your business against certain non-physical injuries, such as libel, slander, or wrongful eviction. Because sometimes words can cause just as much trouble as a wet floor.
Tenant legal liability
If you rent your business space and accidentally damage it, this coverage can help pay for the damage. Think of it as protection for those unfortunate “we may have broken the building” moments.
Other options to consider
Business contents
Inventory, furniture, computers, supplies and anything else you keep on your business premises can be covered for damage and theft.
Product liability
Covers product defects and improper labeling leading to injuries or property damage. Includes court-awarded damages, legal fees and more.
Professional liability
If you’re a consultant, doctor, counselor or have a business that provides advice to clients, there’s coverage for mistakes or negligence.
Business interruption
Can provide income while you rebuild or recover from a break-in, fire or weather damage or any insured event that hurts revenues.
Cyber coverage
Every company is vulnerable to hackers, malware, data breaches and other electronic mishaps. Cyber coverage helps your business recover.
Commercial Auto
Insurance for your company cars. It also covers business use of personal vehicles. Fleet policies are available for companies with five or more vehicles.
Frequently asked questions about commercial general liability (CGL)
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Even a small business can face a big liability claim. If a customer slips on your property, you accidentally damage someone else's property, or your work causes an injury, a CGL can provide important protection for your business.
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It can, particularly when your work results in third-party bodily injury or property damage. However, a CGL isn't designed to cover every type of professional mistake or poor workmanship, so the nature of your business matters.
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Not automatically in every situation. Your responsibilities can depend on how your policy is written and the work being performed. It's important to discuss your use of subcontractors with your broker and make sure they carry appropriate insurance of their own.
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Absolutely. Many landlords, municipalities, general contractors and commercial clients require proof of liability insurance before they'll allow you to work with them. They may also request specific liability limits or additional insured status.
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A Certificate of Insurance is essentially proof that your business has insurance in place. It summarizes important policy information, such as your insurer, coverage and liability limit, and can be provided to a client, landlord or contractor when requested. Talk to your broker if this has been requested. We can get that document to you promptly.
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That's one of the primary purposes of a CGL. If a third party alleges that your business caused their bodily injury, the policy may respond to covered claims, including legal defense costs and damages you may become legally responsible for.
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Don't panic, and don't admit liability or agree to pay anything before speaking with your insurer or broker. Report the incident as soon as possible and provide any relevant information. Your insurer can then determine how the claim should be handled.
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Visit our claims page for additional details.