Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance

Why Your Small Business Needs CGL

CGL is the foundation of small business insurance in Ontario. It protects your business from the financial burden of third-party claims.

• Bodily Injury — If a customer slips and falls on your property.
• Property Damage — If you accidentally damage a client's property while on-site.
• Advertising Injury — If your business is sued for libel, slander, or copyright infringement in advertising.

What's Covered

• Legal Defence Costs — The insurance company pays for your lawyer or paralegal, even if the claim is meritless.
• Settlements and Judgments — If your business is found liable, the policy pays up to the limit.
• Medical Expenses — Pays for immediate medical help for an injured third party.

Policy Limits and Deductibles

• Common Limits — $1 million or $2 million are standard for small businesses.
• The Deductible — The amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in.
• Exclusions — CGL does not cover your own property, employee injuries (WSIB), or professional errors (E&O).