Small business owner protected by commercial general liability insurance in Des Moines, IA from The Insurance Specialists Inc.

Commercial General Liability Insurance in Des Moines & Across Iowa

Running a business means facing real risks—customer injuries, property damage, or even advertising disputes—that can happen when you least expect them.

Without the right liability coverage, a single claim could result in expensive lawsuits or major financial setbacks.

That’s why businesses across Iowa—whether in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, or beyond—turn to The Insurance Specialists, Inc. for dependable Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance.

Our CGL coverage helps protect your business from legal costs related to:

  • 1

    Bodily injury — protection if a non-employee is injured while interacting with your business

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    Property damage — damage caused by your operations or employees

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    Advertising injury — including copyright or defamation claims

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    Product or service liability — issues that arise after delivery or completion

As a locally based Iowa agency, we understand the challenges that business owners face in our communities. We align each policy with how your business works, so you can concentrate on running it, not worrying about risks.

📞 Talk with one of our specialists today to find liability coverage that matches your business needs.

Coverage Options Tailored to Iowa Businesses

Every business faces unique liability risks, and a one-size-fits-all policy isn’t always enough

That’s why The Insurance Specialists, Inc. works with trusted insurance providers to design Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage that reflects the way you operate—whether you run a retail shop, manage a contracting crew, or work from a busy office environment.

Here are the types of protection a CGL policy can include:

  • Liability Coverage for Businesses – Provides financial protection if your business is found liable for bodily injury or damage to someone else’s property.

  • Property Risk Coverage – Provides protection if accidents or damage happen on your business premises.

  • Product Liability Coverage – Offers protection if a product you sell causes harm or a defect results in damages.

  • Operations Coverage – Addresses claims that may arise after a job or service is completed.

  • Advertising & Reputation Coverage – Assists with legal claims involving defamation, copyright disputes, or other advertising-related risks.

  • Medical Expenses Coverage – Helps pay for medical treatment if someone is injured at your location, regardless of fault.

Each policy is built around your operations and risk profile—so your coverage is aligned with the real challenges your business faces across Iowa.

Why Choose The Insurance Specialists, Inc.

Choosing the right Commercial General Liability provider is essential. Here’s why businesses trust us:

Industry Expertise

Benefit from the insights of our experienced Iowa insurance professionals, backed by years of working with local businesses.

Customized Solutions

Adapt your liability coverage to meet the specific demands of your business and industry.

Affordable Rates

We partner with leading insurers to offer competitive pricing that fits your budget.

Strong Industry Relationships

Our solid partnerships with top insurance carriers ensure reliable, consistent coverage.

Commercial General Liability Insurance FAQ

We know business insurance can feel overwhelming, so we’ve answered some of the most common questions about Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance in Iowa. These answers will help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and when to seek additional protection.

Commercial General Liability insurance provides protection when your business faces claims involving injuries, property damage, or advertising disputes.

For example, it can apply if a customer slips in your store, if your operations damage someone else’s property, or if your advertising leads to a copyright dispute.

No. Claims involving employee injuries fall outside the scope of general liability. To protect your staff, you’ll need a workers’ compensation policy, which is required for most employers in Iowa.

General liability insurance is not mandated by state law, but many landlords, clients, and contracts require it before doing business with you. Even when it’s optional, carrying CGL coverage is often essential to avoid financial risk.

  • CGL protects against claims of physical injury, property damage, or advertising injury.
  • Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) covers mistakes or negligence in the services you provide.
  • Most Iowa businesses benefit from having both, since they protect against different risks.

Yes. If a product you make or sell causes harm or damage, product liability is typically included in your CGL coverage.

Yes. If your business is sued for an injury, property damage, or advertising-related claim, CGL can help cover legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments.

Coverage needs depend on your industry, size, and risk exposure.

A small retail shop in Des Moines may need less coverage than a large contractor working statewide.

The best approach is to discuss your operations with a licensed insurance specialist.

No, protection against cyber incidents or data breaches is not included in CGL policies. For that risk, you’ll need a separate cyber liability policy.

Yes. CGL can cover accidents connected to your operations even when they happen off-site, such as at a client’s location or job site.

CGL is a strong foundation, but it usually needs to be paired with other policies like Professional Liability, Commercial Auto, or Umbrella insurance for complete protection.

Our team can walk you through the right combination for your business.

Our Other Commercial Insurance Services

Discover our selection of customized commercial insurance solutions crafted to address the varying needs of business owners. Click the links below to explore each service and identify the coverage that aligns best with your business requirements.

  • Contractors’ General Liability Insurance: Protect your business from financial risks associated with third-party claims, including bodily injury, property damage, and legal costs.

  • Commercial Auto Insurance: Get essential coverage for your business vehicles, safeguarding them from accidents, theft, and other risks on the road.

  • Commercial General Liability Insurance: Protect your company from a variety of potential issues, such as third-party claims involving injuries, damage to property, and related legal fees, helping your business stay secure in the face of unexpected situations.

  • Business Owner Insurance: Combine property and liability coverage in a comprehensive policy designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.

  • Trucking Insurance: Ensure your trucks and drivers are protected with specialized coverage tailored for the trucking industry.

  • Bonds: Secure surety bonds for your business to guarantee the completion of projects and compliance with regulations.

Looking for the Right Insurance Coverage?

Ensure your peace of mind with the right coverage. Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you explore insurance options that match your priorities and fit your budget.

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