General Liability Insurance for California Employers.

Occurrence policies cover incidents that happen during the policy period, no matter when the claim is filed — so a claim filed in 2030 for an incident in 2025 is still covered if you had occurrence coverage in 2025. Claims-made policies only cover claims filed while the policy is active. Most GL policies are occurrence-based, but some specialty coverages (like professional liability) are claims-made. We make sure you know which you have and what happens if you let the policy lapse.

An additional insured is a person or organization added to your policy who gets the same liability protection you do — typically a landlord, general contractor, owner, or municipality you're working for. The most common endorsement forms are ISO CG 20 10 (covers ongoing operations) and ISO CG 20 37 (adds completed operations). Many California contracts require both with primary-and-noncontributory language. Sending the wrong endorsement looks compliant but exposes you to denial at claim time. We match the endorsement to your contract's exact requirements.

It's coverage for claims that arise after you finish a job — a deck you built collapses two years later, a hairdresser's chemical work causes a delayed reaction, food you served makes someone sick the next day. Standard GL includes completed operations, but the duration and limits vary by carrier. We confirm the term length and check that your additional-insured endorsements include completed operations where contracts demand it.

Most GL policies are audited annually based on actual revenue (or sometimes payroll). You estimate at the start of the year; the carrier reconciles to actual at the end. If you grew more than estimated, you owe additional premium. Underestimating intentionally to lower premium leads to audit shock — we estimate accurately and structure pay-as-you-go where it fits.

Products liability — claims from your product causing injury or damage — is typically included in standard GL. Product recall coverage (the cost of pulling the product from the market) is usually separate and almost always excluded. If you manufacture, distribute, or sell physical goods at any meaningful volume, ask us about recall coverage separately.

Standard GL excludes liquor liability for any business that serves, sells, or even allows alcohol consumption — restaurants, bars, event venues, breweries all need a separate liquor liability policy. Some carriers also exclude assault and battery (relevant for nightlife, security, hospitality). We flag these exclusions before binding so you're not surprised.

Yes, but California law strictly regulates non-renewal and mid-term cancellation. Most cancellations require 30+ days notice and a stated reason — typically non-payment, material misrepresentation, or a substantial increase in risk. If you get a cancellation notice, call us immediately. We've helped clients reinstate cancelled policies and shop replacement coverage same-day.

GL doesn't normally cover auto-related claims — that's commercial auto's job. But 'hired and non-owned auto liability' is an endorsement that covers vehicles your employees rent for business or drive their own cars for work. If you have employees who run errands or drive personal vehicles for the business, you almost certainly need this. We add it by default unless you specifically don't.