Business Insurance Solutions

General Liability

While general liability insurance is not a legal requirement in Pennsylvania for all businesses, it’s highly recommended for most business owners to have it. Additionally, some contracts, leases, and industries may mandate it. Make sure to check with your insurance agent and review any applicable contracts to determine if you need to carry GLI coverage.

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What is a General Liability Insurance Policy?

General Liability Business Insurance Policies protect businesses from financial losses due to claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury caused by the business’s operations, products, or services. It is important because it safeguards the business from costly legal expenses, settlements, or judgments.

When is General Liability Insurance required?

In Pennsylvania, general liability insurance isn’t legally required for all businesses but is often needed for contracts, licenses, or permits, especially in industries like construction or healthcare. It’s highly recommended to protect against a number of financial risks.

Who might need General Liability Insurance?

  • Contractors and Construction Companies
  • Retailers and Restaurants
  • Professional Service Providers
  • Manufacturers and Distributors
  • Health and Wellness Businesses
  • Freelancers and Small Business Owners
Construction Site Workers in risky environment
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General Liability Insurance Coverage

When is General Liability Insurance recommended?

In Pennsylvania, there are no state laws that require businesses to carry general liability insurance (GLI) specifically. However, certain situations may make it necessary or advisable for businesses to have it.

  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: While general liability is not required by state law, Pennsylvania does require businesses with employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover employee injuries on the job. This is separate from general liability insurance but is a legal requirement for most employers.
  • Professional Licenses: Certain industries in Pennsylvania (such as healthcare, law, or construction) may require business owners to carry specific types of insurance, including general liability as part of professional or regulatory standards.
  • Leases: If you’re renting commercial space, your landlord may require general liability insurance as part of your lease agreement. The landlord may ask for proof of coverage to protect their property in case of accidents or damages that occur on the premises.
  • Contracts and Clients: Many clients, customers, or business partners may also require that you carry general liability insurance before entering into contracts or doing business with them. This is common in industries like construction, consulting, or service-based businesses.
  • Even though not mandated by law, general liability insurance is crucial for businesses to protect against claims of property damage, bodily injury, or personal injury (such as defamation or slander). Without GLI, businesses are financially exposed to lawsuits that could result in costly legal fees, settlements, or damages.
  • Slip and fall accidents: If a customer or visitor is injured on your premises, GLI can cover the medical bills and legal fees associated with the incident.
  • Property damage: If your business causes damage to someone else’s property, such as during the course of work or service, GLI can cover the cost of repairs.
  • Advertising injury: If your business is sued for things like copyright infringement or slander as part of your advertising or marketing activities, general liability insurance can provide coverage.
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General Liability Coverages

When is General Liability HIGHLY recommended?

In Pennsylvania, while general liability insurance (GLI) is not legally required for most businesses, there are specific situations where it is necessary or strongly recommended. This includes industry-specific requirements, contractual obligations, and the need for other forms of coverage like workers’ compensation or auto liability insurance. Review each section below on how to protect your business from potential claims like bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.

  • For Employers: Pennsylvania law requires that businesses with employees carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage is intended to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. While this is not the same as general liability insurance, it is a legal requirement for most businesses that have employees.
  • If you have one or more employees, you are required to obtain this coverage, regardless of whether you carry general liability insurance.

Learn more about Workers’ Compensation Coverage

  • Regulated Professions: Some industries and professions in Pennsylvania may require specific types of liability insurance as a condition of licensure or professional standards. For example:
    • Healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, dentists, and nurses) may need medical malpractice insurance in addition to general liability insurance.
    • Construction contractors and trade professionals may need specific liability insurance for construction activities or general operations.
  • Contractual Requirements: Even if general liability insurance is not required by law, businesses often need it due to contractual obligations. Clients, customers, or landlords may request proof of general liability insurance to ensure that they are protected in case of property damage, injury, or other issues caused by your business.

Even though it is not mandated by state law for most businesses, general liability insurance is critical for protecting your business from various types of claims, including:

    • Bodily Injury: If someone is injured on your business premises or due to your business operations, GLI can cover medical costs and legal expenses.
    • Property Damage: If your business damages someone else’s property while conducting business, GLI can cover repair costs or replacements.
    • Advertising Injury: GLI can protect your business from lawsuits alleging things like copyright infringement or slander related to advertising or marketing.

Learn more about General Liability Business Coverage

  • Auto Liability Insurance: If your business uses vehicles for operations, Pennsylvania law requires that business vehicles be covered by auto liability insurance. This is a separate requirement from general liability insurance but is essential for business owners using cars or trucks.

Types of Business Policies

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Business Owners Policy (BOP)

A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a comprehensive insurance package designed to protect small to medium-sized businesses from various risks. In Pennsylvania, business owners often choose a BOP as a cost-effective way to secure multiple coverages under one policy.

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Commercial Auto Insurance

As a Commercial Truck Insurance Provider, we offer coverage for Auto Haulers, Agricultural, Construction, Fleets, Fuel Haulers, Hazmat Carriers, Last-Mile and Mid-Mile Carriers, Long-Haul Truckers, Short-Haul Trucks, Towing Companies, and even new trucking companies.

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General Liability

General liability insurance is not a legal requirement in Pennsylvania, but it’s highly recommended for most businesses, and in some cases, contracts, leases, and industries may mandate it. Check with your insurance agent and review any applicable contracts.

Learn more

Types of Business Coverages

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General Liability

General liability insurance is not a legal requirement in Pennsylvania, but it’s highly recommended for most businesses, and in some cases, contracts, leases, and industries may mandate it. Check with your insurance agent and review any applicable contracts.

Learn more

Business Interruption Coverage

Running a business comes with its share of challenges, but when unforeseen events disrupt your operations, the financial impact can be overwhelming. Business Interruption Coverage ensures that your company can recover with confidence.

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Property Insurance Coverage

Business owners invest in physical assets, like buildings, equipment, and inventory, but when unexpected events cause damage or loss, the financial consequences can be significant. Property Insurance Coverage ensures those assets are protected.

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Customers Reviews

The guys over at CNS Insurance have the best prices compared to everyone else. Thank you guys.
Robert NievesOwner
Great insurance company! They are friendly and work with you in anyway and they get you on the road within hours.
Gustavo MendozaOwner
While shopping for insurance, Kiel was friendly & knowledgeable every step of the way in choosing a commercial insurance policy for my freight company. His communication was stellar and getting set up was easy as pie. Rates were awesome and competitive. Holly processes all of our COI requests and answers our questions in a very timely fashion. She is always helpful, prompt and attentive. We appreciate this in our industry more than words can describe because it’s so fast pace, having someone who can get you what you need expeditiously really matters. We are very pleased!
Marie AllenOwner
Miss Holly is an amazing account manager .. I just wanna say thank you for your help for the last 4yrs you guys been there for me .. I can name everybody from account to insurance and tax everyone they are very helpful team .. if you own a trucking company I will recommend CNS Insurance.
Truck AmarOwner
I was in a desperate time in my business and I really needed a breakthrough to continued to make money. Tony along with the team not only got me a great price to get my insurance they fought for me as if it was there own business. You do not find real people like that anymore and I will always remember the effort they put in to make sure I succeeded. If you want someone to get the job done these are the people you need guaranteed.
Kevin AntoineOwner
Excellent place, excellent staff, excellent communication, These guys help you out immediately when you call them. I work with Holly Turner númerouse of times and she”s been helpful and does everything immediately, I recommend CNS Insurance to anyone who needs help with insurance.
Myrian BedoyaOwner
Only started doing business with them six weeks ago but looking forward for us to have a great long term relationship. Thanks for all you do.
Miguel McKenzieOwner

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