General Liability Insurance for New York Businesses
Protection Built for Risk. Service Built for You.
If you own or operate a business, risk isn’t a possibility. It’s a constant. A single accident, allegation, or injury can threaten the future of everything you’ve built. At Refine Risk, we design general liability coverage that does more than check boxes. We build policies that protect your business with precision so you can operate with clarity and confidence.
We specialize in protecting service providers, tradespeople, retailers, property owners, consultants, medical practices, and more across Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Scarsdale, Eastchester, White Plains, New York City, and Fairfield County.
What Is General Liability Insurance (CGL)?
General Liability Insurance, often referred to as Commercial General Liability (CGL), is the foundational insurance policy for most businesses. It protects your company from the financial consequences of third-party claims for:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
- Personal or advertising injury
- Medical payments
- Legal defense and settlements
This policy doesn’t just cover what happens on your premises, it follows you to client sites, events, and even temporary locations where your business operates.
What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?
| Covered Risk | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Bodily Injury | Covers injuries to non-employees on your property or job site. |
| Third-Party Property Damage | Covers damages you or your employees cause to someone else’s property. |
| Personal & Advertising Injury | Protects against slander, libel, copyright infringement, or false advertising. |
| Medical Payments | Pays for medical treatment regardless of fault for injuries on your premises. |
| Legal Defense | Covers court costs, legal fees, settlements, and judgments. |
Why Your Business Needs CGL Coverage
Whether you’re a solo consultant or manage a growing crew, general liability is a non-negotiable part of doing business. Many contracts require proof of insurance (COI), and many clients won’t work with uninsured vendors. But more importantly, having proper coverage allows you to work without second-guessing your liability exposure.
General Liability vs. BOP (Business Owners Policy)
| Feature | General Liability (CGL) | Business Owners Policy (BOP) |
|---|---|---|
| Covers Bodily Injury/Property Damage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Includes Business Property Coverage | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Eligible for Small Businesses | ✅ Yes, all sizes | ✅ Yes, but only certain business types |
| Bundled Savings | ❌ Typically standalone | ✅ Often discounted when bundled |
| Customizable Coverage Add-ons | ✅ Extensive options (cyber, D&O, etc.) | ✅ Limited add-ons, but great baseline protection |
| Best For | Contractors, professionals, service businesses | Retail, offices, small medical practices, owner-operated shops |
ProTip: If you lease a space or sign contracts, you likely need both general liability and property protection. That’s when a BOP might be more efficient and cost-effective.
Common Claim Examples:
- A customer slips on a wet floor in your office.
- A subcontractor accidentally damages a client’s hardwood flooring.
- You’re accused of using a competitor’s advertising language or logo.
- A delivery driver trips on uneven pavement in your parking lot.
In each of these cases, a general liability policy would provide coverage for legal costs, settlements, and judgments.
Local Expertise That Sets You Apart
We know the local business climate because we live and work in it too. As a Tuckahoe-based agency, we specialize in helping business owners across Westchester County, NYC boroughs, Fairfield County, and northern New Jersey understand the nuances of coverage that align with local laws, contracts, and industry standards.
Industries We Serve
| Industry | Typical Liability Needs |
|---|---|
| Contractors & Trades | Jobsite injuries, property damage, subcontractor liability |
| Retailers & Boutiques | Customer injuries, product liability, advertising claims |
| Medical & Wellness | Patient injury claims, HIPAA-related advertising exposure |
| Professional Services | Accusations of slander, libel, misrepresentation |
| Landlords & Property Managers | Tenant injury, third-party damage, premises liability |
| Restaurants & Food Service | Slip-and-fall, allergic reactions, reputational damage |
| Real Estate Agents & Brokers | Open house injuries, signage damage, personal injury claims |
How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost?
Your premium is based on a number of variables:
| Factor | How It Affects Cost |
|---|---|
| Industry & Risk Profile | Higher-risk jobs like construction or food service cost more |
| Annual Revenue | More revenue generally increases exposure |
| Number of Employees | More employees equals more operational risk |
| Coverage Limits | Higher liability limits cost more but provide stronger protection |
| Location | Local legal climate and claims history influence rates |
| Claims History | A clean record results in more competitive pricing |
We work with you to classify your business properly and identify opportunities for savings without sacrificing protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is general liability required by law in New York?
Not always, but many licenses, leases, and contracts require it. It is also the single most important protection against unexpected lawsuits or property damage.
Q: How much general liability insurance do I need?
Most small businesses carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, but we’ll customize this based on your contracts, industry, and risk profile.
Q: What’s a certificate of insurance (COI), and how do I get one?
A COI is a document showing proof of insurance. We deliver COIs quickly for your bids, lease agreements, or client contracts.
Q: Does general liability cover employees?
No. Employee injuries are covered under workers compensation. We’ll help you set that up too.
Q: Is general liability the same as a BOP?
Not quite. A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) combines general liability and business property insurance into one package. We can walk you through both.
How to Get a General Liability Insurance Quote
Getting covered doesn’t have to be complicated. We keep it clear, calm, and proactive.
- Call our office to speak with a licensed commercial advisor.
- Use our online quote form to start your application in minutes.
- Receive tailored quotes with a side-by-side comparison of top carriers.
Why Refine Risk?
At Refine Risk, we build long-term insurance programs that protect your business and bring you peace of mind.
Our process includes:
- Accurate classification to prevent denied claims
- Proactive COI delivery to keep your projects moving
- Ongoing reviews as your business grows or changes
- Local insights on claims trends and risk management
We protect your ability to grow, win contracts, and sleep at night.