Oops… That’s a Claim
You slip on a wet floor at a coffee shop. Congrats, you’ve met this policy.
What is General Liability?
A customer trips over your extension cord.
Covered
“My landlord’s insurance will cover my business property if the building burns down.”
False – Their policy covers their building, not your stuff.
A solo graphic designer works from home, emails clients, and takes deposits online. No employees.
Cyber Liability
(Because hacked email + stolen client data = big problem)
A policy only covers “ongoing operations,” not completed work. What type of claim might NOT be covered?
What is a completed work claim?
Your employee strains their back lifting a box labeled “Definitely Not Heavy.”
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Your dog bites a client at your office.
Probably NOT covered
“Having an LLC means my personal assets are automatically protected from lawsuits.”
False – Courts love piercing the corporate veil.
A construction company hires “1099 subs” who use ladders, tools, and heavy equipment on job sites.
Workers’ Compensation?
(Because the state doesn’t care what your spreadsheet says)
A policy has a height limitation of 10 feet. What type of job becomes risky to insure?
What is roofing or multi-story construction?
Your company truck rear-ends a Tesla (because of course it did).
What is Commercial Auto?
Someone hacks your system and steals customer data.
Covered (Cyber Liability)
“My homeowner’s policy will cover my $20,000 worth of business equipment in my home office.”
False – Business property usually needs a business policy.
A growing business owns property, has vehicles, multiple employees, and signs contracts requiring $2M+ limits.
Umbrella Policy?
(Because lawsuits don’t stop at $1M)
A General Liability policy excludes “professional services.” What type of mistake would NOT be covered?
What is an error in advice or design?
A fire shuts down your business for 2 months. Bills still show up like clockwork.
What is Business Income / Loss of Income?
Your personal car crashes while delivering business supplies.
Depends… but usually NOT
“I don’t need Workers’ Comp because my employees are independent contractors… at least on paper.”
False – The state decides that, not you.
A small HVAC company finishes a job. Three months later, faulty installation causes water damage.
What coverage responds to this type of claim?
What is Completed Operations (under General Liability)?
A policy excludes subcontractor work unless certificates are on file. What happens if a sub causes a loss without proper coverage?
What is the GC being fully responsible?
Your subcontractor messes up, the client sues YOU anyway.
What is Professional Liability / E&O?
Your employee drives drunk in a company vehicle.
Covered… but your premium will cry
“If I’ve never had a claim, I probably don’t need all this coverage.”
False
(Insurance isn’t for the past — it’s for the worst day.)
A company stores customer credit card info, uses cloud software, and has employees working remotely. (2 answer question)
Cyber + EPLI?
(Hack + wrongful termination = double trouble)
A policy excludes “contractual liability.”
What type of agreement might NOT be covered?
What is a hold-harmless or indemnity agreement?