Most businesses carry general liability because a landlord, a general contractor, or a client asked for a certificate. That is a reason to buy it. It is not a reason to renew it on autopilot.
Start with the work, not the expiring binder. If you added employees, a new service, a second location, or vehicles, the expiring GL form may still say “office” while you are on job sites. Class codes and descriptions that lag the operation are how claims get argued later.
Limits and the layer above them
One million dollars still shows up on a lot of certificates. Contracts increasingly ask for two, five, or more. If a job-site injury or a serious auto claim would not finish inside the primary limit, price a commercial umbrella instead of hoping the primary policy stretches.
Certificates, additional insureds, and waivers
The certificate is not the policy. If a GC wants additional-insured wording, a waiver of subrogation, or primary-and-noncontributory language, those have to live on the form — not only on the PDF you email. Review the last six certificates you issued. If they all request something your policy does not actually grant, fix the policy before the next bid.
What else should sit next to GL
- Employees on payroll almost always mean workers’ compensation, not a GL endorsement.
- Work trucks and employee errands belong on commercial auto, including hired and non-owned coverage when it fits.
- A small office or shop may still be better in a BOP than in a standalone GL plus a thin property form. See our guide on BOP vs. separate GL and property.
- Tools and machines that leave the shop need inland marine, not a building limit at the warehouse address.
Bring last year’s policy, this year’s contracts, payroll, and a plain list of what you actually do. Wellesley Collective will tell you whether to renew, restructure, or add a layer — and follow up within one business day.