Combined General Liability vs Contractors’ General Liability: Which One Should You Choose?

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Choosing the right liability insurance can be confusing — especially when terms like  Combined General Liability (CGL) and Contractors’ General Liability sound almost alike. However, the right choice depends heavily on the nature of your business and the risks you face. 

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

If You’re a Manufacturer — Choose Combined General Liability

For businesses involved in manufacturing, production, or distributing goods, the Combined General Liability policy is usually the best fit. 

Why? Because it can be extended to include Product Liability, which protects you if your product causes injury, damage, or harm to a third party. 

This extension safeguards manufacturers against claims arising after the product is sold or supplied — a crucial layer of protection in today’s consumer-driven and highly regulated market.

If You’re Providing Standard Servicing or Maintenance Contracts — Combined is Still the Best Choice

For companies handling servicing, maintenance, or repair works, Combined General Liability offers a more suitable scope of protection. 

It can be extended to cover: 

  • Contractual Liability (CCC) – for liabilities assumed under a service contract
  • Professional Error & Professional Services (PEP) – protects you against accidental errors in service advice or work 

(Coverage names may vary by insurer, but the intention remains the same.) 

This makes it the ideal choice for businesses that service equipment, provide technical maintenance, or offer routine service contracts to clients. 

If Your Work Is Mainly Construction-Related — Go for Contractors’ General Liability

When your core business involves construction, renovation, installation, or project site activities, the Contractors’ General Liability policy is designed for your risk profile. 

It provides protection for: 

  • Third-party injury or property damage during the construction period 
  • Liability that may arise after project completion 

This is crucial because construction projects carry a higher risk of physical damage, accidents, and post-completion defects — making this policy a more relevant and reliable protection.

In Summary

Business Type Best Policy Why
Manufacturer
Combined GL
Extendable to Product Liability
Service / Maintenance Contractor
Combined GL
Covers Contractual Liability & Professional Error
Construction / Installation
Contractors’ GL
Covers on-site and post-construction risks

Choosing the right policy ensures you are fully protected against the risks unique to your business operations. When in doubt, speak to an experienced insurance advisor who can assess your exposure and recommend the most suitable coverage.

Get Covered Today with Minaris

At Minaris, we provide professional medical indemnity solutions tailored to your needs. Backed by industry expertise and a commitment to your protection, our policies help you practice with confidence.

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📞 Ready to secure your future? Contact us today.