General liability insurance, also known as commercial general liability insurance, helps protect businesses from claims that they caused bodily injury or property damage to others. We can help you understand everything there is to know about general liability insurance claims such as:
Types of Claims
How to file a claim
Filing a claim with The Hartford
Common questions
Bodily Injury
If a customer is injured at your place of business, this policy can help cover their medical bills.
Damage to Property
Employees sometimes damage customer property while delivering products or services. Your GL policy can help you pay for damages.
Damage to Reputation
General liability insurance can help cover malicious prosecution, defamation, libel, wrongful eviction and invasion of privacy.
Injury from Advertising
General principles of liability apply to copyright infringement claims.
Damage to the Premises Rented by You
If your rental property is damaged by fire, lightning or explosion, your general liability policy can help you pay for repairs.
How to make a general liability claim
To make a general liability claim, follow these steps:
Contact Your Insurance Agent or Insurance Carrier
When you learn of an incident or if an injury occurs at your business, contact your insurance agent or carrier as soon as possible. Failure to do so may cause delays in processing the claim.
Collect Information
Your insurance company will need to know some basic information about your business and general liability coverage. Before you contact your insurance company, make sure you have the following information to hand:
Your name
Your business name
General liability insurance number
Claim information
This is also the time to ask questions about the claims process. Whether you’re wondering how long it might take or need more information, ask your insurance agent for answers.
Document Everything
If you are contacted by a third party who is suing you or filing a lawsuit against your business, follow up. Any messages or correspondence with a third party should be recorded.
It’s also a good idea to do the same with conversations between you and your insurer. This will give you documents and information that you can refer to if necessary.
Decide How to Resolve the Complaint
If the claim turns into a lawsuit, you’ll need to think about how to resolve it. This may mean trying to settle, arguing a dismissal, or going to trial.
How to file a general liability claim with The Hartford
Making a claim with The Hartford is easy. You can report your claim using our online general liability reporting form. It will show you how to file a general liability claim and allow you to take your time and gather all the necessary information you need to complete the claims process.
To report your claim we will need your:
Information about the policyholder. This includes your name, contact information, policy number, type of coverage, information about your policy limits and more.
Knowledge of how the accident or loss occurred. This may include details of injuries, witnesses, damage and when the incident occurred.
After entering this information, our entry screens will prompt you to enter the remaining information you need. When browsing through them, just fill in the information you know.
You can also call our Claims Center at any time to ask for help. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and you can reach us at 800-327-3636. Our representatives are happy to answer any questions you may have about the claims process.
Common questions about liability insurance claims
What Is a General Liability Claim?
General liability insurance claims include personal injury or property damage to others. These are common types of claims and risks that small business owners face.
How Do General Liability Insurance Claims Work?
General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that your business may have caused. If someone files a claim or sues your business for any of these reasons, your general liability policy can help cover your costs related to the resolution.
Why Get Hartford General Liability Insurance?
We have been helping customers out of difficult situations for over 200 years. Whether property is damaged, someone is injured, or someone claims you defamed them, we’ve got your back.
Our specialists understand the risks and challenges your small business faces. They can help you choose the right general liability insurance coverage for the specific needs of your business. Together, you’ll find the protection that’s best for your business.
If you’re looking for general liability insurance, get a quote today in minutes and see how we can help protect your business.
