Why Your General Liability Policy Deserves More Than a Quick Signature
If you own a construction company in Florida, general liability insurance isn’t just another line
item on your budget—it’s your first line of defense when things go wrong on a job site.
Yet many contractors sign policies without understanding what’s actually covered, where the
gaps exist, or how coverage responds when a claim lands on your desk. That lack of clarity can
cost you thousands when you need protection most.
At Brightcoast, we believe insurance shouldn’t feel distant or complicated. Here are three key
success factors that help you make smarter coverage decisions and minimize risk effectively
Know Exactly What Your General Liability Policy Covers (And What It
Doesn’t)
What General Liability Insurance Protects
Your policy is designed to handle third-party claims related to:
● Bodily injury – A client trips over materials at your job site and breaks an ankle
● Property damage – Your crew accidentally damages a client’s landscaping or interior
finishes
● Personal and advertising injury – Claims involving copyright issues or defamation in
your marketing.
Critical Coverage Gaps to Understand
General liability doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:
● Employee injuries – That’s workers’ compensation territory
● Faulty workmanship – Often excluded or severely limited, depending on your policy
language
● Professional errors – Requires professional liability or errors & omissions coverage
● Your own tools and equipment – You’ll need inland marine or tool coverage
Success tip: Before you sign, ask your agent to walk through the exclusions section with you.
Knowing where coverage ends helps you build strategic protection that actually fits your
exposure.
Understand Policy Limits and How They Impact Real-World Claims
Per-Occurrence vs. Aggregate Limits Explained
Most general liability policies include two critical limits:
● Per-occurrence limit – The maximum your insurer pays for a single claim or incident
● Aggregate limit – The total maximum paid for all claims during your policy period
For Florida construction companies, minimum limits often aren’t enough—especially when
you’re handling larger commercial projects or government contracts.
Why Choosing Limits Based Only on Price Is Risky
Opting for lower limits to reduce your premium might save money upfront, but one serious claim
can exceed basic coverage quickly. When that happens, the remaining costs come directly from
your business—and your pocket.
Brightcoast insight: Coverage that hits the mark balances protection with cost. We help you
match limits to your actual exposure, so you’re not overpaying for coverage you don’t need or
underinsured when it matters most.
Make Sure Your Policy Matches Your Type of Construction Work
Why Industry-Specific Coverage Matters
Not all construction businesses face the same risks. A roofing contractor working on
storm-prone coastal properties faces different exposures than a concrete subcontractor or
general contractor managing multiple trades.
Your policy should reflect:
- The specific type of work you perform
- Job site conditions and environments
- Contract requirements from clients and GCs
- Whether you use subcontractors—and if they’re properly insured
Certificates, Additional Insureds, and Contract Compliance
Many Florida construction contracts require:
● Additional insured endorsements for property owners or general contractors
● Waivers of subrogation to prevent your insurer from pursuing the client after a claim
● Specific policy limits that exceed standard minimums
If your coverage isn’t aligned with contract language, you could face project delays—or worse,
uncovered claims that put your business at risk.
Success factor: Tailored coverage isn’t optional in Florida’s construction market. It’s essential
for staying competitive and protected.
Final Thoughts: General Liability Coverage Built for Florida Construction
General liability insurance should never feel generic. When you understand coverage scope,
policy limits, and how your work impacts risk, you gain control—and confidence.
At Brightcoast, we provide insight-led insurance designed specifically for Florida’s construction
industry. We help you align coverage with real-world exposure, so your policy works when it
matters most.
Ready to review your current coverage?
If you’re unsure whether your general liability policy truly protects your business, Brightcoast is
here to help. Let’s build strategic protection that fits your work—no guesswork, just clarity