Even if you’re the best driver in the world and take all the necessary precautions, you can’t avoid the unknowns as a result of just being “in business”. When you are running any business, there are situations where you could be found liable. General Liability is that coverage which “closes gaps” and provides cover in the general operation of your business.
What Is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability Insurance is coverage that protects you and your company against damages that take place during operations that do not directly involve the truck while in motion. Are you wondering why you even need this insurance if it isn’t related to your trucks? After all, that is your business.
Here’s why – while you and your employees are handling day-to-day operations, any occurrence that leads to Property Damage or Bodily Injury, can be a problem without this coverage. Unfortunately, even frivolous cases are expensive to defend, and your General Liability policy will take care of those defense costs-one of the primary purposes of carrying this very affordable and relatively low-cost coverage. Today, the number of frivolous lawsuits are on the rise and require a defense, unfortunately.
What Does General Liability Insurance cover?
General Liability Insurance covers many different types of damage and injury with most businesses having varying degrees of risk and exposure. However, some of the common facets covered are outlined below.
Injuries & Medical Bills
If someone slips and falls on your property, they could blame you for the injuries sustained and ask for damages. If you own a business, that entity will be named in the lawsuit. Even if it’s a minor injury, some people can be very litigious, and in addition to the direct damages or bodily injury expense, you would also have to pay for an attorney just to provide basic defense . That is avoided by buying General Liability insurance.
Additionally, if someone is on your property, and you have to defend yourself, the injuries sustained would be covered by General Liability insurance if found liable, but in either case, the policy will pay the costs to defend you.
Wrongful Deliveries
Erroneous delivery of products, including liquids. An example would be unloading the wrong grade of fuel into the tanks at a gasoline station or delivery of products damaged in shipment that causes damages after delivery. When the driver delivers the product, then leaves, the Auto Liability portion of the policy no longer covers the claim.
Equipment Accidents
If you use cranes, forklifts, or a Hi-Lo in unloading and these are not attached to the truck, Bodily Injury and Property Damage are only covered with General Liability coverage.
This policy will respond for you in these examples, while the Auto Liability portion of your Truckers policy would not:
Injuries to customers or others on your premises for “business purposes” even if it occurs at your home office. If they are there for a business purpose, your Homeowners policy will not respond
Salespeople on your premises for any reason
Libel and slander charges. Writing or saying something injurious. For example, remarks made about an employee during a credit reference check or during verification of employment
The trucker performs a repair on vehicles not owned by or leased to the trucker. Repairs are defective causing loss or damage.
Sells an extra tire or parts to another party
Use of self-defense to protect person or property, causing bodily injury to another
Guard Dog, of any size, used to protect business property attacks someone
Furnishing alcohol at a holiday party or after a safety meeting, employee drives under the influence and causes Bodily Injury or Property Damage
Contractual Liability – Leases, Key Stop (access to fuel farm forgetting to re-lock), intermodal, etc.
Driver rents a motel room, goes to sleep while smoking, causing fire damage
Trucker needs Certificates of Insurance for shippers – cannot get into loading areas without GL coverage
What Are the Next Steps?
To get General Liability Insurance, go to our GLI information page to check out exactly what we offer, and what our plans cover. If you’re interested in our services, you can contact us and get a quote, free of charge. Make the smart decision and take steps to protect your business today!