Coverage Territory under CGL Form

Does a location have to be listed on the declarations page of a commercial package policy in order for the general liability coverage to extend to that location? We have a claims situation where the company claims representative is indicating that there is no liability coverage because the location was not listed. We believe that if there was an occurrence, in a covered territory, during the policy period, there is coverage. What is your opinion?

Colorado Subscriber

If the language of the general liability coverage in your policy is the same as that on the standard CGL form, then you are correct in your viewpoint.

The CGL form is a comprehensive liability coverage form and it applies to those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay. As long as the bodily injury or property damage is caused by an occurrence and takes place in the coverage territory (a defined term), and occurs during the policy period, and there is no applicable exclusion, the CGL form applies. The specific location does not have to be listed in order for the insured to have liability coverage unless that is specified on the policy. There are endorsements to the standard CGL form that will limit coverage to a designated location or premises, but if these are not added to the policy, the liability coverage is for any location and for any activity of the insured. It is up to the insurer to limit coverage to places and exposures it wants, and if this is not done, the insured is entitled to the comprehensive coverage promised by the general liability policy.

It may be that the claims representative is simply mixing up property coverage requirements with liability coverage.

 

 

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