How Can General Liability Insurance Protect Your Business?

Business owners take many risks to ensure their company’s success, but some risks are not worth it. One of the risks you should avoid is banking on never having an accident occur on your property and betting on NOT needing an insurance policy to cover the said accident. 

An unfortunate accident can result in a costly lawsuit that can threaten the survival of your business. This is why it is important to protect your business with general liability insurance. This type of insurance policy is designed to protect your business from financial loss due to claims of property damage, bodily injury, or other incidents that may occur during the course of your business operations.

Today we are going to dive into all the details surrounding a general liability insurance policy so that you can grasp how one can dramatically protect your business from financial loss in the event of a disastrous incident such as a consumer injury. We will also discuss where and how you can obtain a premium policy for your company. 

The Definition of General Liability Insurance

The purpose of general liability insurance is to protect a business from claims by its customers and clients resulting in bodily injury and property damage. Generally, general liability insurance is referred to as business or commercial general liability insurance.

 In simple terms, general liability insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with legal action or medical bills that arise from an injury or damage to a client or customer. It also covers legal defense costs, settlements, and court awards.

In the worst-case scenario, you might have to pay out of your business’s income or even go bankrupt without general liability insurance. It is imperative to cover your business and all of its assets with a quality policy before an accident or accident incident occurs.

What a General Liability Policy Covers

Although the exact coverage depends on your insurance policy and what you opt to pay for, typically, general liability insurance in Florida will cover these five main categories:

• Bodily Injury

• Property Damage

• Medical Expenses

• Personal or Advertisement Injury

• Products or Complete Operations

General liability insurance is not required for business in the state of Florida. Regardless, choosing to opt for a policy is a wise idea and can save your business from an immense amount of monetary strain. 

Accidents happen, and if you do not have a policy BEFORE they occur, it will be too late, and you will not be able to get any coverage. What this means is that any lawsuits or liabilities filed against your company post-accident will have to be paid for directly from your company’s pockets. 

What a General Liability Policy Does NOT Cover

There are limitations to the coverage of general liability insurance, even though it can provide significant protection for businesses. It is important to note that general liability insurance does not cover all types of incidents or claims. 

Here are some examples of what General Liability Insurance typically does not cover:

• Intentional acts: General liability insurance does not cover damages or injuries that result from intentional acts, such as assault, battery, or false imprisonment. Other types of insurance, such as employment practices liability insurance, may cover these types of incidents.
• Employee injuries: A general liability policy typically does not cover injuries to employees. Workers’ Compensation Insurance is designed to provide coverage for employee injuries or illnesses that occur during their employment.
• Auto accidents: You should not expect your general liability insurance to cover accidents that occur while driving a company vehicle. However, commercial auto insurance is required to cover these types of incidents.

Understanding what is and is not covered under your policy can help you get the most out of your insurance policies. Talking directly to a professional insurance agent can help you narrow down what will and will not be protected under your policy. An insurance agent can also help you purchase the correct policy for all of your concerns regarding your business and the potential damage that comes with ownership. 

Examples of When You May Need to File a Claim

Real life examples can help you as a business owner understand what a general liability policy can protect you from. Therefore, we have created a list of examples to help you make a more informed decision about whether or not you need to get a policy for your company. 

Here are a few scenarios of when you may need to file a claim:

Scenario #1: There is an incident in which a customer slips and falls in your store, resulting in injuries requiring medical care. As a result of the incident, your general liability insurance can help cover the customer’s medical expenses and legal fees.

Scenario #2: While working, an employee accidentally damages a customer’s property. However, you are lucky because your insurance policy can repair or replace damaged property.

Scenario #3: Imagine a competitor accuses your business of false advertising or copyright infringement. Well in a case such as that one, your policy can help cover legal fees and any damages awarded if you are found to be at fault.

Scenario #4: As a result of your business operations, you accidentally damage a neighbor’s property. The cost of repairs or replacement of damaged property can be covered by your general liability policy, keeping you from paying the 3rd party out of your pocket.

The examples listed above are just 4 of many incidents and accidents that may occur while owning a business. Since we live in a world of unpredictability, it is best to remain protected at all times by purchasing a General Liability insurance policy. 

The Benefits of Having a General Liability Policy

Your business can benefit greatly from general insurance by protecting it against financial loss resulting from claims of property damage, bodily injury, or other incidents. Not to mention that knowing you have general liability insurance can give you and your customers peace of mind. This is because it shows that you are taking steps to protect your business and those who do business with you.

Another benefit is that in the event of a lawsuit, general liability insurance can help cover legal fees and other expenses associated with defending your business, which can be a high cost if you have to pay out of pocket.

Additionally, having insurance can help set your business apart from your competitors since it indicates that you are serious about risk management and are committed to protecting your customers and business.

We said it once (or maybe twice), but we will keep saying it, a general liability policy is an extremely valuable coverage for businesses to have, as it can provide a wide range of benefits and help protect against a variety of potential risks and claims.

How and Where to Obtain a Policy for Your Company

To obtain General Liability Insurance for your company, you have two main choices. Option one is to work with an independent insurance agent who can help you assess your coverage needs and obtain quotes from multiple insurance carriers. Additionally, obtaining quotes from various insurance carriers and helping you choose the policy that best suits your business requirements and budget are just a few of the things we can do for you.

Another option is to work directly with an insurance carrier that offers general liability insurance. Whichever you choose is most appropriate for your company, remember to shop around for the best rate and coverage.

Del Toro Insurance is a great place to begin the process of obtaining a general liability insurance policy. Our reputable insurance team provides a range of insurance products to individuals and businesses, including general liability insurance. 

Choosing to work with an experienced and reputable insurance agency like Del Toro Insurance will ensure you’ll be able to sleep easy knowing that your business is well protected against potential risks and losses.

The Main Take-Aways

The bottom line is that general liability insurance is a crucial coverage that every business owner should consider. As well as protecting your business from financial loss can also provide several benefits, such as peace of mind, legal defense, and competitive advantage.

Whether you choose to work with an independent insurance agent or directly with an insurance carrier, it’s essential to make sure you have the right coverage in place to protect your business. 

You can obtain the best coverage for your business requirements and budget by working with Del Toro Insurance, an insurance agency with years of experience and resources. If you are interested in obtaining general liability insurance through Del Toro Insurance, please contact us directly by phone, email, or via our website.

So, don’t wait until it’s too late, you can help ensure your business’s long-term success and stability by protecting it with general liability insurance. Get a free quote today and learn more about how you can be protecting your business from unforeseen accidents.

Stay Protected. Get insured. Choose Del Toro!