Business Insurance Disputes
Business insurance is fundamentally different from personal insurance. The policies are more complex, the stakes are higher, and insurers often take more aggressive positions when denying or limiting coverage. Whether you are facing a CGL dispute, a professional liability claim, or a business interruption issue, understanding your policy and rights is crucial.
Commercial policies contain intricate coverage grants, exclusions, and conditions that interact in complex ways. Insurance companies exploit this complexity to deny legitimate claims. The duty to defend in CGL policies, the "claims-made" versus "occurrence" distinction, and policy period issues all create potential disputes.
This guide covers the major types of business insurance and common disputes that arise. I help business owners understand their coverage, challenge wrongful denials, and recover what their policies promise.
Business Insurance Topics
Explore each type of business coverage and common disputes.
General Liability (CGL)
Third-party claims coverageCommercial General Liability policies protect against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Understanding the duty to defend and coverage triggers is essential.
Professional Liability
Errors & omissions coverageE&O and malpractice insurance protect professionals against claims of negligent services. Claims-made policies create unique notice and reporting requirements.
Directors & Officers
Executive liability protectionD&O insurance protects company leadership from personal liability. Coverage disputes often involve the insured vs. insured exclusion and securities claims.
Business Interruption
Lost income coverageBusiness interruption insurance replaces lost income when your business cannot operate. COVID-19 highlighted massive coverage disputes in this area.
Cyber Insurance
Data breach & ransomwareCyber policies cover data breaches, ransomware attacks, and business interruption from cyber events. This rapidly evolving coverage creates novel disputes.
Commercial Property
Building & contents coverageCommercial property insurance covers your business premises, equipment, and inventory. Valuation disputes and coverage limitations are common issues.
Workers Compensation
Employee injury coverageWorkers comp disputes can involve claim denials, benefit disputes, and employer liability issues. Understanding the exclusive remedy doctrine is key.
California Business Insurance Law
Special rules for California businesses
California has specific rules that affect business insurance claims. The duty to defend is particularly broad in California, and bad faith claims against commercial insurers can result in significant damages. California Insurance Code section 790.03 prohibits unfair claims practices, and businesses can pursue bad faith claims just like individual policyholders.
Business Insurance Dispute?
I help businesses fight insurance company denials and underpayments. Whether you need a demand letter challenging a coverage denial, help understanding your policy, or representation in a bad faith claim, I can help protect your business.