Start with how the operation works
Contractors need responsive protection that follows their people and equipment from the office to each active job site. For general liability, general liability planning starts with how customers, vendors, tenants, and the public interact with the operation.
Operating details to document
- Trade, revenue, payroll, and project mix
- Largest project, territory, and subcontracted percentage
- Contracts, certificates, equipment, and vehicle schedules
Coverage details to review
- Premises and ongoing operations liability
- Products and completed operations where applicable
- Contractual requirements and additional insured obligations
- Defense costs, occurrence limits, aggregates, and deductibles
Prepare the Operation Before a Claim
A useful review goes beyond selecting a policy name. It connects current information to eligibility, policy structure, and the consequences of a significant loss.
- Keep policy and emergency contact information accessible
- Preserve photographs, contracts, inventories, receipts, and incident records
- Know who reports the claim and protects property from further damage
Job-site injury and property damage
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Tools and mobile equipment loss
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Contractual and completed-operations claims
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Premises and ongoing operations liability
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Products and completed operations where applicable
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Contractual requirements and additional insured obligations
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Defense costs, occurrence limits, aggregates, and deductibles
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Information to have ready
- Trade, revenue, payroll, and project mix
- Largest project, territory, and subcontracted percentage
- Contracts, certificates, equipment, and vehicle schedules
- Annual revenue and a clear description of operations
- Customer-facing activities and off-premises work
- Contracts, leases, and certificate requirements
- Currently valued loss history when available
Questions for the coverage review
Do contracts require endorsements or higher limits?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
How is subcontracted work controlled and documented?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Which completed operations could produce a severe claim?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Do all disclosed activities fit the policy classification?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Which contracts require special limits or endorsements?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Who should use this contractors general liability guide?
Business owners and insurance buyers can use it to prepare for a focused review of claims readiness. It is educational guidance, not a quote or a substitute for policy terms.
What information should a contractors account gather first?
Start with trade, revenue, payroll, and project mix, largest project, territory, and subcontracted percentage, contracts, certificates, equipment, and vehicle schedules, plus currently valued loss information when available.
Coverage descriptions are general. Eligibility, availability, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and policy terms vary by risk and market. Review actual policy documents with an appropriate insurance professional.