With the number of liability claims against
businesses on the upsurge, it is necessary for any modern business to get general
liability insurance. Also known as public liability, this type of insurance
covers a company against third party liabilities that might arise out of
various business operations. From simple slip and trip accidents to major
property damages, a number of incidents can establish grounds for lawsuits
against your business on account of third party liability. One way to save the
high cost of such legal liabilities is by taking a commercial liability
insurance policy.
What Do the Statistics Say?
The liability insurance sector in Singapore
has seen robust growth in 2013. The country’s public liability insurance sector
has seen an overall 14.86 percent growth, with the sector’s underwriting profit
soaring by 110.44 percent to $51.88 million in 2013, according to statistics
from the General Insurance Association (GIA) of Singapore, a trade association
which represents general insurance companies in Singapore. This goes to show
that awareness on the importance of liability coverage is rising among business
owners in Singapore.
What are Covered?
General liability insurance covers your
business against legal liabilities arising from bodily injury, property damage,
and damages from fire, lightning and others. This type of policy provides cover
against the following legal liabilities.
·
Products – This type of
coverage protects your company from a legal liability that might arise out of
any injury or damage to a third party as a result of using the company’s
products.
·
Premises – If you a bodily
injury or property damage results from an accident on your company’s premises,
it can establish grounds for a claim. Financial losses your company suffer due
to such claims are covered under this type of insurance.
·
Professional – Mistakes
committed by your employees may sometimes cause injury or damages to your
clients. In such cases, claims can be made against your business. Losses you
might suffer as a result of professional mistakes or negligence on the part of
your employees are also covered under a general liability insurance policy.
·
Management – Some policies also
cover legal liabilities arising from any breach of duties by management staff
of your business.
A comprehensive policy may also cover
employer injury, advertising injury, medical expenses, employee benefits
liability, and tenant’s legal liability. The type of coverage you need depends on the
nature of your business and the amount of risks associated with it. The premium
also depends on certain factors, such as, risks associated and the company’s
history of filing claims.