What’s CGL Insurance?

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance protects your business if someone sues for bodily injury, property damage, or reputational harm as a result of your professional activities. That includes any products you sell or services you provide on your premises and anywhere else you and your staff conduct business.

How’s it different from Professional Liability Insurance?

Professional Liability Insurance covers you for errors, omissions, or negligence in your professional services, like design flaws or project oversights that lead to financial loss. CGL Insurance, on the other hand, covers non-professional negligent acts or liabilities that occur as a result of your business operations.

Both coverages are essential—they work together to close coverage gaps and protect your business from all types of risks.

How does CGL Insurance help Interior Designers?

If you interact with clients, vendors, and/or the public in your studio or home office, at clients’ homes, or on job sites, then you need CGL coverage. Here are some scenarios where CGL Insurance could swoop in to save the day:

1. What if a client slips and falls?

THE RISK:

A client trips over a power cord in your studio and suffers a serious ankle injury. They sue you for medical expenses and lost income.

THE SOLUTION:

Your CGL policy covers third-party bodily injury claims, including medical bills, legal fees, and settlements, saving you from out-of-pocket costs.

2. What if you accidentally damage a client’s property?

THE RISK:

While you’re supervising a renovation, a subcontractor under your direction accidentally damages new hardwood flooring in a client’s home. The client demands compensation for the damage.

THE SOLUTION:

Your CGL policy covers third-party property damage claims, reimbursing the client and handling legal fallout to protect both your finances and your relationship.

3. What if you sell a faulty piece of furniture?

THE RISK:

A client purchases a custom table from you and weeks later, the leg collapses and injures them. They sue you for medical expenses.

THE SOLUTION:

With product liability included in your CGL policy, you’re covered for medical costs, legal fees, and settlements, protecting your finances and your reputation.

4. What if your social media post sparks a dispute?

THE RISK:

You share before-and-after photos of a client’s space on social media. The client claims you didn’t have permission to use the images and sues for privacy violation and reputational harm.

THE SOLUTION:

Your CGL policy covers personal and advertising injury, and steps in to handle your legal defense, allowing you to focus on your design work, not the lawsuit.

How can we help?

PROLINK has been serving Registered Interior Designers for 15 years, and we understand your unique risks. Our tailored insurance solutions for ARIDO members help you protect your business—even if the claims made against you are groundless.

To learn more, connect with PROLINK today!