General Liability Insurance in Schaumburg, IL

Most people land on this page because someone asked for proof. A landlord, a client, or a general contractor wants a certificate before the work starts. Viva Insurance Services writes general liability insurance for contractors and small businesses in Schaumburg, IL and issues the certificate that comes with it.

What a Certificate of Insurance Is

A certificate of insurance is a one page summary of your policy. It names your carrier, your policy number, your coverage dates, and your limits.

The certificate proves coverage exists. It does not change the policy or extend coverage to anyone else on its own.

The party requesting it is called the certificate holder. They receive a copy and get notice if the policy cancels.

Additional Insured and Why Contracts Demand It

An additional insured endorsement is the part that changes the policy. It extends your liability coverage to protect the other party against claims arising from your work.

A landlord adds themselves so a customer injured in your leased space claims against your policy first. General contractors do the same, which puts your carrier in front of theirs on a subcontractor claim.

Waiver of subrogation is the third request that shows up in contracts. It stops your carrier from later pursuing the other party to recover what it paid.

Send the insurance clause from your contract to the office. The endorsements get matched to the language, so the certificate satisfies the contract on the first send.

How Fast Viva Issues One

Certificates for active clients go out within [COI TURNAROUND]. Have the requesting company’s legal name, mailing address, and required limits ready when you call.

New clients need a quote and a bound policy first. Call (847) 238-3861 with your revenue, your class of work, and the contract limits. The office quotes from seven commercial carriers.

What the Policy Covers

Third party bodily injury is the first coverage. A customer slips in your shop, or a visitor trips over your equipment on a job site.

Third party property damage is the second. Your crew drops a tool through a client’s window, or an open hose floods a client’s floor.

Personal and advertising injury covers claims of libel, slander, and copyright infringement in your marketing. Legal defense costs are paid under the policy alongside any settlement.

Products and completed work coverage responds after the job ends. A contractor sued two years later over a failed installation uses this part of the policy.

Limits Contracts Usually Require

One million per occurrence and two million aggregate is the standard request in the northwest suburbs. Municipal work, hospital work, and large general contractors often require more.

Higher limits come from an umbrella policy layered on top. Adding an umbrella usually costs less than raising the underlying limit.

Read the contract before you buy. A guess at the limit usually means paying for a second endorsement later.

General Liability Insurance in Schaumburg, IL

Viva Insurance Services is an independent agency at 1901 North Roselle Road, Suite 800 in Schaumburg, north of the Interstate 90 interchange. The office is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Contractors with a leased shop should compare a business owners policy, which adds property coverage to the same contract. Employers need workers compensation insurance as well. Consultants and agencies add professional liability insurance for claims about their advice.

Call (847) 238-3861 or get a free quote for general liability insurance. The rest of the commercial lineup appears on the business insurance page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get a certificate of insurance?

Certificates for active clients are issued from the office directly. New clients need a quote and a bound policy first.

What is the difference between a certificate holder and an additional insured?

A certificate holder only receives proof of your coverage. An additional insured is added to your policy by endorsement and gains protection under it.

Is general liability insurance required by law in Illinois?

No state law requires it. Leases, client contracts, and license applications require it instead.

How much general liability coverage do contractors need?

One million per occurrence and two million aggregate is the common contract requirement. Larger projects often ask for an umbrella policy on top.