When Should I Call My Insurance Agent?
An insurance agent isn’t just someone who can sell you a policy. Whether you have a question about your coverage, need to file a claim or change your policy, your agent can provide insurance solutions to a seemingly countless number of issues you might run into. And the conversations you have with your agent can […]
What to Do After a Hit and Run
Getting in a car accident is enough to ruin anyone’s day. But if you’re involved in a hit-and-run, the experience can be especially disorienting. You realize that your vehicle’s been hit and before you can step out to get the other driver’s information, their car is taking off into the distance. As overwhelming as the […]
General Liability Insurance 101: A Foundation for Every Small Business
If you own a small business, you’ve likely heard that general liability insurance is something you should have. But what exactly does it cover, and why is it considered such an important part of a business insurance plan?
General liability insurance—sometimes called GL insurance or commercial general liability—is one of the most fundamental types of coverage available to businesses of all sizes. Understanding how it works can help you make more informed decisions when shopping for business insurance.
What General Liability Insurance Covers
General liability insurance is designed to protect your business from financial losses related to third-party claims. This typically includes three main areas:
- Bodily injury coverage applies when a customer, vendor, or other third party is injured at your place of business or as a result of your business operations. If someone slips and falls in your store, for example, general liability can help cover the associated medical costs and legal expenses if a lawsuit follows.
- Property damage coverage helps when your business operations cause damage to someone else’s property. If an employee accidentally damages a client’s belongings while performing a service, this coverage may apply.
- Personal and advertising injury coverage addresses claims related to libel, slander, copyright infringement in advertising, or other non-physical harms caused by your business activities.
What General Liability Does Not Cover
It is equally important to understand what general liability insurance does not cover. It generally does not cover damage to your own business property, employee injuries (which typically fall under workers’ compensation), professional errors or negligence (covered by professional liability or errors and omissions insurance), or vehicle accidents involving business vehicles.
This is why many businesses carry general liability as part of a broader insurance plan that includes other policy types suited to their specific risks.
Who Needs General Liability Insurance?
Almost any business that interacts with customers, operates from a physical location, or provides a service or product can benefit from general liability insurance. Many landlords, clients, and government contracts require proof of general liability coverage before doing business with a company. Even home-based businesses and independent contractors can face liability claims that make this coverage worth considering.
Taking the Next Step
Understanding your business’s specific risks is the first step toward choosing the right coverage. At T.W. Cooper Insurance Group, we work with business owners in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania and throughout the region to help explore insurance options suited to their industry and operations. Call us at (610) 282-1554 or fill out a quote request on our website to start the conversation today.
Back-to-School Season: Does Your Auto Insurance Cover a Teen Driver?
Every August, millions of families prepare for back-to-school, and for households with a newly licensed teen, that checklist includes an important question: Is your auto insurance ready?
Adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy is one of the most significant coverage changes a family can make. Teen drivers are statistically among the highest-risk drivers on the road, which affects both your coverage needs and your premiums. Understanding what changes, what to expect, and what options are available can help you make informed decisions before your teen gets behind the wheel.
Why Adding a Teen Driver Matters
When a teenager in your household obtains a driver’s license, most auto insurance policies require that they be listed as a driver on your policy. Driving without being listed—or assuming your existing coverage automatically extends to them—can leave your family exposed if an accident occurs.
Auto insurers assess risk based on driving history and experience. Because teen drivers have neither, they typically carry higher premiums. However, there are ways to help manage that cost without sacrificing the coverage your family needs.
Coverage to Review Before School Starts
Before your teen hits the road, it is a good time to review a few key areas of your auto policy:
- Liability coverage is the foundation of any auto policy. It covers damages and injuries your teen may cause to others in an accident. Make sure your limits are adequate given your family’s financial situation.
- Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if your teen is involved in an accident, regardless of fault. If your teen will be driving a car regularly, this coverage is worth reviewing carefully.
- Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision events like theft, weather damage, or vandalism. Whether this makes sense depends on the age and value of the vehicle your teen will drive.
Factors That Can Affect Your Premium
Several factors influence how adding a teen affects your overall insurance costs. The type of vehicle your teen drives plays a significant role—older, lower-value vehicles with strong safety ratings are generally less expensive to insure than newer or high-performance models.
Where your teen parks or drives—whether at school, at home, or in a high-traffic area—can also affect rates. Some insurers offer discounts for students who maintain good grades, complete a defensive driving course, or attend school away from home without taking a car.
Starting the Conversation Early
Back-to-school season is an ideal time to review your auto insurance policy and speak with a licensed insurance agent. Rather than waiting until after an incident to find out what your policy does or does not cover, proactive planning helps your family feel confident on the road.
At T.W. Cooper Insurance Group, we can help you review your current policy and explore options to help you find coverage that works for your family’s situation. Give us a call at (610) 282-1554 or start a quote request on our website today.
