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Coverage Guide

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance Coverage in Canada

Commercial General Liability insurance is the foundational asset protection plan for Canadian businesses. It helps protect your business should it be sued for third-party injury or third-party property damage claims. You will also hear general liability insurance called commercial liability insurance (CGL). General liability insurance could also cover allegations of defamation, libel, slander, or false advertising.

This type of insurance helps cover legal fees, settlements, and medical expenses that you could be responsible for paying. Without general liability insurance, you would be paying for these expenses out of your own pocket should a customer be injured or their belongings damaged.

Whether a customer slips and falls at your retail location or an employee accidentally damages a client's property while performing an installation, CGL insurance can help cover legal defence costs, court-awarded damages, and out-of-court settlements.

However, CGL coverage alone may not provide all the protection your business needs. Depending on your industry, operations, and level of risk, you may benefit from additional insurance policies tailored to your specific business.

Covered Not Covered

Third-Party Bodily Injury

Third-party bodily injury refers to physical injury, illness, disease, or death suffered by someone who is not an employee of your business or the business owner. If your business is found legally responsible for causing the injury, Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance can help cover legal defence costs, settlements, and court-awarded damages, up to the limits of your policy.

Example:

A courier slips on an icy, unsalted sidewalk at your Ontario business storefront, fracturing their wrist. Because they are a non-employee (third party), your CGL policy pays for their medical costs, lost wages, and your legal defence fees.

Third-Party Property Damage

Third-party property damage refers to accidental damage your business causes to property that belongs to someone else. This may include a client's building, equipment, furniture, inventory, or other physical property damaged during the course of your business operations.

If your business is found legally responsible for the damage, Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance can help cover repair or replacement costs, as well as legal defence expenses, settlements, and court-awarded damages, up to the limits of your policy.

Example:

An electrician working inside a British Columbia home accidentally drops a heavy tool, shattering the client's expensive granite countertop. Because the damage happened to a client's asset (third party), your CGL policy covers the full replacement and installation costs of the countertop.

Legal Defence Costs

Legal defence costs are one of the most valuable components of Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance. If your business is sued over a covered claim, your policy can help pay for the legal expenses associated with defending your business, even if the claim is ultimately found to be without merit.

Depending on your policy terms, legal defence costs may include lawyer fees, court costs, investigation expenses, expert witness fees, and settlement negotiations. If your business is found legally liable, your CGL policy may also help cover court-awarded damages or approved settlements, up to the policy limits.

Example:

A customer falsely claims your restaurant's food caused them food poisoning and sues you for $50,000. Even though you did nothing wrong, your CGL policy appoints and pays for a defense lawyer to represent you in court, covering all legal fees and clearing your business name without costing you a dime out of pocket.

Medical Payments

Medical payments coverage may be included as part of your Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy, depending on your insurer and policy terms. It can help pay for reasonable medical expenses if a third party is accidentally injured on your business premises or as a result of your business operations, regardless of whether your business is ultimately found legally liable.

Because coverage varies between policies, it's important to review your policy wording or speak with your insurance advisor to understand whether medical payments coverage is included and what limits or conditions apply.

Example:

A customer trips over a loose floor mat inside your shop and suffers a knee injury. If they allege that your business was responsible, your Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance may help cover eligible medical expenses (where applicable), legal defence costs, and any covered settlement or court-awarded damages, subject to the terms and limits of your policy.

Employee injuries

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance does not cover employee injuries or employee benefits because it is designed to protect your business against claims made by third parties, not by your own employees. In Canada, workplace injuries are generally covered through the applicable provincial workers' compensation program (such as WorkSafeBC, WSIB in Ontario, or WCB in other provinces), while employee benefit plans are covered under separate insurance policies.

Example:

An employee falls from a ladder while installing equipment at a customer's location and suffers a broken leg. Because the injured person is an employee, not a third party, the claim would generally be handled through the applicable provincial workers' compensation program rather than your CGL policy.

Professional mistakes or negligence

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance generally does not cover claims arising from professional mistakes, errors, omissions, or failures to provide professional advice or services as promised. These types of risks are typically covered under a separate Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance policy, which is designed to protect businesses that provide advice, expertise, or specialized services.

Example:

An accountant provides incorrect financial advice to a client, resulting in a significant financial loss. Because the claim is related to professional advice and the service provided, it would typically fall under Professional Liability (E&O) insurance rather than a CGL policy.

Damage to your own business property

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance generally does not cover damage to your own business property, including your building, equipment, inventory, tools, or supplies. CGL is designed to protect against third-party claims—meaning claims made by someone outside your business, not losses involving your own assets.

Damage to your own business property is typically covered under a separate Commercial Property Insurance policy, which can help protect your physical assets from risks such as fire, theft, vandalism, and certain types of accidental damage.

Example:

A fire starts in your office and damages your computers, furniture, and inventory. Since the damaged property belongs to your business, the loss would typically be handled through Commercial Property Insurance rather than your CGL policy.

Intentional acts

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance generally does not cover intentional acts or damage that is deliberately caused by the business owner, employees, or anyone acting on behalf of the business. Insurance is designed to protect against accidental and unexpected events, not losses resulting from deliberate actions or misconduct.

Example:

An employee intentionally damages a customer's equipment during a dispute. Because the damage was deliberate rather than accidental, the claim would typically be excluded from CGL coverage.

Auto-related claims

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance generally does not cover claims arising from the ownership, use, or operation of vehicles. These risks are typically covered under a separate Commercial Auto Insurance policy, which is designed to protect your business vehicles, drivers, and vehicle-related liability exposures.

Example:

An employee uses a company delivery van to transport products and causes an accident that injures another driver and damages their vehicle. Because the claim involves the operation of a business vehicle, it would typically be handled through Commercial Auto Insurance rather than a CGL policy.

How Commercial General Liability Insurance Works in Canada

Why Do Businesses Need CGL Insurance to Protect Against Third-Party Claims

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance helps protect Canadian businesses from the financial impact of third-party claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and certain personal or advertising injuries. It is designed to respond when your business is accused of causing harm to another person or their property while carrying out normal business operations.

When a covered claim occurs, the business owner reports the incident to their insurance provider. The insurer reviews the circumstances to determine whether the claim falls within the policy coverage. If covered, the CGL policy may help pay for legal defence costs, settlements, and court-awarded damages, up to the limits of the policy.

CGL policies are typically purchased with a liability limit, such as $1 million, $2 million, or higher, depending on the business's risk exposure and contractual requirements. This limit represents the maximum amount the insurer will pay for covered claims, subject to the terms of the policy.

Many businesses choose higher limits when they work with larger clients, operate in higher-risk industries, or are required to provide proof of insurance under a contract.

Know your baseline

Understanding Your CGL Coverage Needs

The right Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage depends on your business’s unique risks and operations. Factors such as your industry, business activities, revenue, payroll, number of employees, location, and contract requirements all play a role in determining the level of protection your business needs. Common CGL liability limits in Canada include $1 million and $2 million, although some industries and contracts may require higher limits.

Understanding your baseline helps ensure your policy reflects the actual risks your business faces.
Avoid underinsurance

The Right CGL Policy Limits

Underinsurance happens when your policy limits or coverage do not adequately protect your business from a significant claim. A single liability lawsuit involving serious injury, property damage, or legal expenses can quickly exceed a policy that was selected only based on price.

Regularly reviewing your coverage helps ensure your insurance keeps pace as your business grows.
Why comparing matters

Compare Coverage Options, Not Just Price

Insurance policies are not always identical. Comparing options allows you to evaluate differences in coverage limits, policy exclusions, deductibles, additional endorsements, industry-specific protections, and premium costs.

Working with an insurance professional can help you compare policies based on both price and protection, ensuring you choose coverage that fits your business needs.

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"Western Financial Group did an outstanding job reviewing and restructuring my commercial insurance policy. With only a week left before renewal, I switched to Western Financial Group and the entire process was resolved within just a couple of days. They addressed all my concerns, increased the necessary coverage limits, and still managed to lower my annual premium."

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Coquitlam, BC

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Cost Factors

What Determines the Cost of CGL Insurance in Canada?

The cost of Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance varies based on the level of risk associated with your business, the coverage you choose, and the specific operations you perform.

Key Factors

Industry and Type of Business

Different industries carry different levels of liability risk. A contractor working on client properties may face higher risks than a professional office-based business due to the potential for property damage or injuries.

Business Operations

The services you provide, the type of work performed, and where your operations take place all influence your premium. Businesses with more physical interaction, equipment use, or customer traffic may require higher levels of protection.

Coverage Limits

Higher liability limits, such as $2 million or $5 million, generally result in higher premiums because the insurer is providing more protection in the event of a large claim.

Business Size and Revenue

Annual sales, payroll, number of employees, and overall business activity help insurers assess the potential exposure and frequency of claims.

Claims History

A history of previous liability claims may affect your premium, as insurers consider past claims when evaluating future risk.

Location

Where your business operates can influence pricing due to regional differences in risk, legal costs, property conditions, and local claim trends.

Deductible Amount

Choosing a higher deductible may reduce your premium, but it also means your business will pay more out of pocket when a claim occurs.

Contract Requirements

Some businesses need specific coverage limits or endorsements to meet customer, landlord, or contract requirements, which can affect the overall cost of your policy.

Cost Factor High Impact Low Impact
Industry Type Construction, Manufacturing, Hospitality Consulting, IT Services, Writing
Revenue Scale Millions in annual transactions Low-volume freelance earnings
Coverage Cap $5M policy limit $1M policy limit

Average premiums are estimates based on typical starting points and may vary depending on the specific business type, industry and risks.

Practical Tips for CGL Insurance Every Canadian Business Should Know

Review Your Coverage Regularly

Your insurance needs can change as your business grows. Review your CGL policy when you add new services, hire employees, purchase equipment, expand locations, or take on larger contracts.

You should review your Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy at least once a year, or whenever your business experiences significant changes.

Understand Your Exclusions

Knowing what your CGL policy does not cover is just as important as understanding what it does cover. Common exclusions may include professional errors, employee injuries, business vehicles, and damage to your own property.

Make sure to consider additional coverage options for risks that may not be covered under your CGL policy.

Maintain Good Risk Management Practices

Reducing risks can help prevent claims and may improve your overall insurance experience.

Maintain safety, train staff, and keep records.

Work With an Insurance Professional

An insurance broker can help identify coverage gaps, explain policy wording, and recommend options based on your industry and business operations.

Working with an insurance broker does not cost you more.

Want to see how these factors impact your rate?

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Ways to Save

Ways to Lower Your CGL Insurance

You can reduce the cost of CGL insurance in Canada by managing both your risk profile and how your policy is structured. Insurers typically price policies based on exposure, so anything that lowers perceived risk can help reduce premiums.

Discounts

Annual Payment Discount +

An Annual Payment Discount is a common feature offered by insurers that provides a reduction in the overall premium when a policy is paid in full upfront rather than in monthly installments.

The average Annual Payment Discount in Canada is typically modest and varies by insurer, but it generally falls in the range of 2% to 7% of the total premium.

Claims-Free Loyalty Credit +

A claim-free loyalty credit is a discount or premium reduction offered by insurers to policyholders who have maintained their insurance without filing any claims over a specified period of time.

Policy Bundling Discount +

Policy Bundling Discounts are savings offered when you purchase multiple insurance policies from the same insurer, such as combining Professional Liability (E&O), Commercial General Liability (CGL), Cyber Liability, and Property Insurance under one provider.

The typical discount for bundling in Canada usually ranges from 5% to 15%, depending on the insurer, number of policies combined, and the size and risk profile of the business.

Multi-Location Discount +

Multi-Location discount refers to pricing advantages offered to businesses that operate from more than one office, branch, or site under the same insurance program.

Instead of treating each location as a separate policy with separate administrative costs, insurers can group them under one master policy or account. This can reduce overall premiums and simplify coverage management.

Smart Savings Strategies

Work With a Broker +

Working with an insurance broker can help businesses secure better coverage, avoid gaps, and often reduce costs by leveraging market access and expertise. Brokers compare policies from multiple insurers to find the most suitable protection for your specific industry, risks, and budget, rather than limiting you to one provider.

They also help identify hidden exclusions, recommend appropriate limits, and ensure your Professional Liability (E&O), CGL, Cyber, and Property coverage work together properly. In addition, brokers can access group programs, negotiate pricing, assist with claims support, and ensure your policy evolves as your business grows, making insurance more tailored, efficient, and cost-effective.

Increase Your Deductible +

Choosing a higher deductible can lower your annual premium because you are taking on more of the smaller claim risk yourself. Just make sure the deductible is an amount you could comfortably pay if needed.

Reduce Claims +

To reduce the likelihood of uncovered CGL claims, businesses should take a proactive approach to managing liability risks. This includes maintaining safe work environments, following proper safety procedures, training employees, and keeping clear records of incidents, inspections, and business operations.

Separate high-risk services +

Separate high-risk services is a business strategy where a firm separates its most dangerous or legally exposed services from its main business operations to protect its primary assets, revenue, and insurance rates.

If you offer both low-risk and high-risk services, structure your policy so only necessary activities are covered at higher exposure levels.

Improve contract discipline +

Strong contracts (scope limits, liability caps, no guarantee clauses) can directly improve underwriting results and reduce premiums over time.

Ask About Discounts +

Not every discount is advertised. Ask your broker about claims-free discounts, loyalty pricing, multi-policy binding discounts, and new-client incentives.

Bundle & Save

Save up to 10%

Businesses that bundle their insurance can enjoy meaningful savings, simpler insurance management, and one point of contact for their coverage needs.

  • Save up to 10% on your business insurance
  • Save up to $600 on personal car & home when you bundle with us
  • One broker, one renewal date, simpler management
  • Potential for combined deductibles on shared claims
  • Loyalty benefits that grow with tenure
Bundle and Save Today →
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need liability insurance if I have a home-based business? +

Yes, many home-based businesses can benefit from Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance. While your homeowners insurance may provide limited coverage for certain business property, it typically does not protect your business against third-party liability claims arising from your business activities.

What is CGL insurance? +

CGL insurance protects your business against financial losses from claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal/advertising injury caused to third parties (like customers or the public) due to your business operations, products, or services.

Is CGL insurance required by law in Canada? +

Not usually by law, but many clients, landlords, or vendors will require it before doing business with you or signing contracts.

Can I bundle CGL with other business insurance? +

Yes. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) bundles CGL with property insurance and sometimes business interruption insurance, often at a discounted rate.

How Much CGL Insurance Do Most Canadian Businesses Need? +

A baseline policy of $2 million is highly recommended for standard small businesses. Many small businesses purchase $1 million or $2 million in Commercial General Liability coverage. Businesses with higher risks, larger contracts, or public-facing operations may require $5 million or more, depending on their industry and contractual obligations.

Does it cost more to buy a policy through a broker? +

No, using an independent broker does not cost you more. Brokers are paid via commissions directly from the insurance carriers, giving you access to multiple competitive quotes and expert advice at no extra fee.

Does CGL Insurance Cover My Employees? +

No. Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance does not cover injuries to your employees while they are performing their job duties. Employee workplace injuries are generally covered through provincial workers' compensation programs or employers' liability coverage, where applicable.

Can I Add Additional Insureds to My CGL Policy? +

Yes. Many insurers allow you to add an additional insured, such as a landlord, property manager, contractor, or client, when required by a contract. This endorsement provides certain liability protection related to your business operations.

When Should I Update My CGL Policy? +

You should review your policy annually and update it whenever your business changes significantly. Examples include hiring employees, expanding into new locations, offering new services, increasing revenue, or signing larger contracts.

Does CGL Insurance Cover Subcontractors? +

Not automatically. Your policy generally covers your own business, but subcontractors may need to carry their own CGL insurance. Many businesses require subcontractors to provide proof of insurance before beginning work.

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