Melbourne, Florida · Serving clients statewide

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM  ·  Free consultation

Michael P. Sapourn, JD, CIC, CRM
Coverage Lines

Commercial General Liability Coverage

The short answer

Despite its name, commercial general liability coverage is focused on specific exposures and is shaped by many exclusions and limit structures. Michael Sapourn analyzes CGL coverage issues and the advice agents are expected to give about them.

“General” is not blanket coverage

Agents who assume the duty to advise on commercial general liability must understand its scope and its many contractual limitations and exclusions. The policy focuses on tort liability arising from the insured’s premises, operations and products. Separate coverage is needed for vehicles and cargo, pollution, professional malpractice, employee injury and shareholder actions against directors and officers, and the interaction of the limits can be confusing.

Issues we analyze

  • Coordination with workers compensation, auto liability and umbrella coverage
  • Contractual liability and third-party action over claims
  • Products and completed operations liability
  • Hold harmless and indemnity agreements and certificates of insurance
  • Professional services and pollution exclusions
  • Occurrence vs. claims-made forms
  • Defense costs inside or outside limits
  • Classification issues and premium audits

Mr. Sapourn is retained by both plaintiff and defense counsel for case analysis, opinion reports, affidavits, depositions and trial testimony. Request his CV and Rule 26 disclosure through the contact form.

Frequently asked questions

What does CGL not cover?

Separate policies are usually needed for auto, pollution, professional liability, employee injury (workers compensation and employers liability) and directors and officers exposures.

Has Mr. Sapourn testified on CGL exclusions?

Yes, including the standard of care for an agent who volunteered advice about the pollution exclusion.

Free consultation

Have Mike look at your situation

Share a few details and he will follow up with you personally. Attorneys looking for an expert witness can use the same form.

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Talk to a lawyer who knows how insurers think.

Tell Mike what happened with your claim or your agent. The first consultation is free, and you will speak with him directly.