If you’re a New York contractor, general contractor, or property owner, you already know one thing: claims happen.
Slip-and-fall. Subcontractor accident. New York Labor Law lawsuit.
The real question isn’t if a claim happens — 👉 it’s whether your insurance responds the way you expect it to.
A Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy is the backbone of a contractor’s insurance program. But not all CGL policies are created equal — and many contractors only discover what’s missing after a loss.
Let’s break it down.
✅ 10 Types of Claims a NY Contractor CGL Policy Usually Covers
(Policy wording varies, but a properly written NY contractor CGL typically includes:)
1️⃣ Third-Party Bodily Injury Pedestrians, visitors, or occupants injured due to your operations (slips, trips, falling debris).
2️⃣ Third-Party Property Damage Cracked walls, flooded units, or damage to property you don’t own.
3️⃣ Products & Completed Operations Claims that arise months or years after the job is finished.
4️⃣ Contractual Liability (Limited) Liability assumed in standard construction contracts (if compliant with NY law).
5️⃣ Personal & Advertising Injury Libel, slander, defamation, or copyright issues from marketing/advertising.
6️⃣ Defense Costs Legal defense — even for frivolous lawsuits (often paid outside policy limits).
7️⃣ Fire Damage to Rented Premises Accidental fire damage in temporary or rented workspaces.
8️⃣ Medical Payments No-fault medical payments that can prevent small claims from becoming lawsuits.
9️⃣ Vicarious Liability for Subcontractors If a sub causes damage and you’re named in the lawsuit (with proper risk transfer).
🔟 Additional Insured Coverage (when endorsed correctly) Protects owners and GCs for claims arising out of your work.
❌ 5 Things a NY Contractor CGL Policy Does NOT Cover
This is where contractors get blindsided:
1️⃣ Employee Injuries Handled under Workers’ Compensation (not CGL).
2️⃣ Faulty Workmanship (no resulting damage) CGL is not a warranty for bad work.
3️⃣ Professional Liability Design errors or construction management advice require separate coverage.
4️⃣ Intentional Acts Fraud or knowingly unsafe actions are excluded.
5️⃣ Pollution & Environmental Claims Typically excluded unless endorsed.
⚖️ The Coverage Everyone Is Focused on Now: New York Labor Law
Owners and GCs care about one thing:
Labor Law 200, 240 & 241 Defense and Indemnification
• Labor Law 240 (“Scaffold Law”) – Absolute liability for falls & falling objects • Labor Law 241(6) – Industrial Code violations • Labor Law 200 – Workplace safety & negligence
Reality check: 👉 Even if you did nothing wrong, owners and GCs can still be held liable.
That’s why contracts now demand:
✔ Broad Additional Insured wording ✔ Primary & Non-Contributory status ✔ No residential exclusions ✔ Proper action-over coverage ✔ Completed operations that don’t sunset early
If your policy isn’t structured correctly, it may look fine on a certificate — …but fail when a Labor Law lawsuit hits.
💰 Why Policy Structure Matters More Than Price
In New York, the cheapest policy often becomes the most expensive mistake.
One missing endorsement. One restrictive exclusion. One poorly written AI form.
That’s all it takes for coverage to be denied.
🏗️ How BGES Group Helps NY Contractors Get This Right
At BGES Group, contractor insurance isn’t a side business — it’s what we do.
We specialize in:
• New York construction insurance • Contractor CGL & Workers’ Compensation • Labor Law risk transfer • Owner & GC compliance • Fast, accurate certificates (no waiting days)
We don’t just sell policies. We review contracts, explain exposures, and structure coverage so it actually responds when a claim happens.
⭐ What Makes BGES Group Different
• Deep understanding of NY Labor Law • Contractor-friendly carriers • Hands-on service (you can reach us directly) • Experience with GCs, developers & municipalities • Nationwide capability with a strong NY focus
Whether you’re a subcontractor trying to get approved on a job or a GC tightening risk transfer, we help protect your business and your contracts.
📞 Contact BGES Group
Want to know if your liability policy really protects you — or just looks good on a certificate?
BGES Group 📍 Serving New York contractors nationwide
📞 Gary Wallach: 914-806-5853
🔑 Final Thought
In New York construction, insurance isn’t just a requirement — it’s a strategy.
Understanding what your CGL policy covers, excludes, and must include for Labor Law protection can be the difference between surviving a claim and losing everything you built.
BGES Group is here to make sure your coverage works when it matters most.