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What is General Liability Insurance?
Lots of businesses in Massachusetts are exposed to a variety of common potential risks regardless of the work that they do. General liability insurance helps protect businesses from some of the common risks that they face.
General liability insurance is one of the most commonly needed types of insurance. It’s offered by many insurance companies and purchased by many businesses.
What Businesses in Massachusetts Need General Liability Policies?
Most businesses in Massachusetts can benefit from having general liability coverage in place. The vast majority of businesses that own or lease commercial space should consider getting a policy, and those that don’t have official space may still be interested in some of the protections that a policy offers.
Additionally, many government and nonprofit organizations ought to also consider getting general liability coverage. These organizations frequently face some of the same common risks that for-profit businesses face and general liability helps protect against.
What Coverages Do General Liability Policies Make Available?
General liability policies normally offer three primary protections, with each protection governed by its own terms and conditions. The three primary protections are:
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Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, which usually covers common accidents that result in third-party injuries
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Property Damage Liability Coverage, which usually covers certain incidents that result in damage to others’ property
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Personal Advertising Injury Liability Coverage, which usually covers defamation and false advertising lawsuits
In addition to these three coverages, some general liability policies offer other coverages as standard or optional protections. For example, a little product liability coverage might be included in a policy as a standard protection.
(When a policy offers additional coverages, the amount of coverage provided might not be sufficient for all businesses. An insurance agent who’s familiar with general liability and other insurance policies can help determine whether the coverage provided is enough or another insurance policy is needed.)
Do General Liability Policies Cover Employee Injuries?
General liability policies typically don’t cover employee injuries. Instead, work-related injuries normally fall under the domain of workers compensation insurance.
Most insurance agents who assist with general liability policies can also help businesses find workers compensation policies.
What Are Comprehensive General Liability Policies?
“Comprehensive general liability” is a dated term for what’s now referred to simply as “general liability.” The shift in terminology was made to more accurately reflect what these policies offer. They offer general liability protections, but not truly comprehensive protections. That’s why there are many other insurance policies.
Are General Liability Policies Available Through Package Policies?
Because general liability policies are so widely used, there are multiple ways that businesses can purchase them. Depending on a business’ situation, general liability coverage can be obtained through a stand-alone general liability policy, a business owners policy or a commercial package policy. For businesses that need multiple insurance coverages, one of the two package policies frequently is most cost-efficient.
(Business owners policies tend to be basic package policies, and commercial package policies frequently offer more specialized coverage options.)
How Long Does Purchasing a General Liability Policy Take?
Once a single general liability policy has been selected, the act of purchasing that policy is fairly straightforward. Once in a while, though, insurance companies have questions that delay the process slightly. Working with an experienced insurance agent can help ensure the process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible even if questions do arise during the purchasing phase.
How Can Businesses in Massachusetts Get General Liability Insurance?
For help finding general liability insurance that’ll protect your Massachusetts business well, contact the independent insurance agents at Roger Keith & Sons Insurance. Our agents can show you policy options from multiple insurance companies since they’re independent, and they have the expertise needed to help you choose the best policy based on your business’ particular situation.
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