From Preddie & Associates Insurance Group – Protecting Carmel’s Business Community with Smarter Coverage
Running a business in Indiana takes dedication, hard work, and a willingness to adapt. But no matter how careful you are, accidents happen—and when they do, the right protection can make all the difference.
That’s where Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance comes in. It’s the financial safety net that helps keep your business steady when unexpected claims arise. At Preddie & Associates Insurance Group, we help local business owners in Carmel and throughout Central Indiana find the right CGL coverage to protect what they’ve built.
What Is Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance?
Commercial General Liability insurance is the foundation of a solid business insurance plan. It helps cover costs related to bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims that occur because of your business operations.
If a customer slips on your showroom floor, or your employee accidentally damages a client’s property while on the job, your CGL policy steps in to cover medical bills, legal defense, settlements, or judgments.
Many landlords, vendors, and clients even require proof of CGL coverage before signing contracts—so it’s often the first policy business owners purchase.
What Does CGL Insurance Cover?
A well-crafted policy includes three key protections:
1. Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
If someone gets hurt at your business or your operations cause damage to another person’s property, this part of your policy helps pay for the resulting costs.
Example: A customer trips over a cable at your Carmel storefront and breaks their arm—your CGL coverage can pay their medical bills and protect your business from a lawsuit.
2. Personal and Advertising Injury
This covers claims of slander, libel, or copyright infringement—issues that are more common than you might think in today’s digital marketing world.
Example: If another business claims your social post or ad content misrepresents their brand, this coverage provides your legal defense.
3. Medical Payments Coverage
If a non-employee is injured on your premises, your CGL policy can cover small medical bills upfront—without admitting fault. This goodwill often prevents small incidents from escalating into major claims.
What CGL Insurance Doesn’t Cover
CGL is broad but not all-inclusive. Here’s what it typically doesn’t protect against:
- Professional errors or negligence (requires Professional Liability insurance)
- Employee injuries (Workers’ Compensation covers that)
- Auto accidents involving business vehicles (Commercial Auto policy)
- Cyber or data-related incidents (Cyber Liability coverage)
- Damage to your own business property (Commercial Property insurance)
- Intentional acts, product recalls, or pollution claims
At Preddie & Associates, we help you identify these gaps and build a full protection plan for your operation.
How Much Does CGL Insurance Cost in Indiana?
There’s no fixed price tag—it depends on your business size, industry, location, and claims history.
For most small to mid-sized Indiana businesses, annual premiums typically range from $400 to $3,000. A local consultant working from home will likely pay less than a construction contractor or restaurant.
Key cost factors include:
- Industry & risk level
- Revenue & employee count
- Claims history
- Coverage limits
Our team at Preddie & Associates can help you shop multiple top-rated carriers to find the right balance of cost and protection.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Most small businesses choose $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate limits. This meets most contract requirements and offers solid baseline protection.
But if you handle valuable client property, operate in higher-risk industries, or your contracts demand it, you might need higher limits.
Your aggregate limit is especially important—it’s the total amount your policy will pay during the policy period. If multiple claims occur in one year, this limit can be used up faster than expected.
Who Needs CGL Insurance?
In short—almost every business in Carmel and Central Indiana.
If you interact with customers, visit client sites, or have anyone visit your place of business, you need protection.
- Retailers and restaurants face constant slip-and-fall risks.
- Contractors and service providers could accidentally damage client property.
- Consultants and home-based businesses face exposure when meeting clients or attending events.
Many landlords and clients also require proof of coverage before doing business with you.
Simplify Your Coverage with a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
Many small business owners in Indiana save money by bundling their General Liability with Property and Business Interruption coverage into a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP).
This bundled policy typically costs 15–30% less than buying each coverage separately and ensures your most critical protections are working together.
The Bottom Line
Accidents are unpredictable—but being prepared isn’t.
At Preddie & Associates Insurance Group, we’ve seen how a single claim can disrupt a business. The right Commercial General Liability policy helps you stay compliant, win contracts, and protect your hard-earned reputation.
Let’s make sure your business has the protection it deserves.
Contact our Carmel, IN office today to review your coverage, compare quotes, and build a plan that fits your budget and goals.