In London’s busy commercial and property sectors, risk is everywhere — whether due to visitors to your premises, contractors performing work, or equipment malfunctioning. Commercial general liability insurance (CGL) – sometimes referred to in the UK as public liability or product liability – is a core protection for any business or property-owner exposed to third-party claims.
At Fraser Bond, we help property owners, investors, landlords and businesses understand how CGL fits into the wider risk and compliance landscape, ensuring your operations are safeguarded.
Commercial general liability insurance is a broad form of cover designed to compensate a business for legal defence costs and damages resulting from claims of injury or property damage caused to others in the course of your business operations.
In the UK context this typically includes:
Public liability (injury or damage to third parties)
Product liability (if goods you’ve sold or supplied cause damage or injury)
Damage to property of third-parties caused by your business operations
It is important to note that CGL in the US has a wider meaning, but in the UK the equivalent is often split across these cover types.
Property-connected businesses in London face significant exposure: shared landlord and tenant responsibilities, high-value assets, contractor works, and public access all raise liability risk. A few scenarios to consider:
A visitor to a commercial property slips on a wet floor left in a communal lobby.
A maintenance contractor working for a landlord accidentally damages neighbouring tenant property.
A product or fixture installed in a building fails and causes damage to third-party property.
Such incidents can lead to reputational harm, high legal costs, and even jeopardise property-asset value. Having the right CGL cover ensures that your business or property-holding entity is protected.
Coverage levels and options vary depending on the business size, industry sector and risk profile. Key considerations:
Cover limit – Many UK insurers offer public liability cover up to £10 million or more, tailored to your sector.
Coverage scope – Ensure it includes both bodily injury and property-damage liability, and product liability if relevant.
Business and trade specifics – Insurers assess your turnover, number of employees, nature of operations, location (London may carry higher risk).
Exclusions – Be aware of what is not covered (e.g., faulty workmanship, professional advice unless you also have PI cover).
Fraser Bond recommends a structured approach:
Identify your exposures – Are you a landlord? A property manager? A service-contractor? Each has different risk profiles.
Check contract requirements – Some landlords or clients may require minimum liability cover.
Review policy wording – Ensure that rented or serviced property, maintenance work and third-party damage are included.
Consider value of assets and neighbours – In London, adjacent tenants or high-value property mean higher potential claims.
Update as business grows or changes – Expansion, new services or premises often mean higher risk and need for more cover.
Complementary covers – CGL doesn’t replace employer’s liability, professional indemnity or property insurance. Consider the full suite.
With expertise across London’s property, lettings, compliance and investment markets, Fraser Bond is uniquely positioned to advise on how liability insurance links with your wider asset strategy. We help clients:
Understand how liability risk impacts property value and rental demand.
Integrate insurance review into transaction and management decisions.
Connect with brokers and insurers experienced in London commercial/residential property sectors.
Ensure your London property business or asset-portfolio is protected against third-party claims with the right liability cover. Visit FraserBond.com or contact our advisory team to review your commercial general liability insurance and compliance strategy.
