Building maintenance managers are responsible for the maintenance and general upkeep of commercial and/or residential buildings.  As such, they can be held liable for many different types of incidents.  This exposure to numerous types of bodily injury and/or property damage claims makes it important for building maintenance managers to obtain Building Maintenance/Commercial General Liability Insurance.

Building maintenance managers can be individuals, management companies, or they can be hired directly by the building owner.  If they are individuals, any claim of property damage or bodily injury liability could be catastrophic.  A lawsuit filed against them could be large enough to go after their business or personal assets.  If a management company is in charge of maintenance, a claim could be debilitating.  Depending upon the size of the company, a lawsuit could make doing business extremely difficult.  A property owner could actually end up losing that particular property, as well as others.  In severe cases, a lawsuit could even spell the end of the company.  Having Building Maintenance/Commercial General Liability Insurance can be a key factor in whether a business stays open after a major claim.

The challenging part is that claims against building maintenance managers can come from virtually anywhere.  They could come from an unsalted sidewalk causing someone to slip and fall and suffer bodily injury.  A claim could come from a carpet seam coming undone and causing someone to trip and fall.  They could even come from a lawnmower throwing debris and hitting a car, resulting in property damage.  Routine tasks like snow removal, landscaping, lighting repairs, and interior maintenance can all create liability exposure if something goes wrong. 

Because every building is different, coverage needs can vary based on the type of property, the services provided, and local regulations.  To find out what coverages Building Maintenance/Commercial General Liability Insurance typically provides in your area, and how it may apply to your specific operations, contact a local licensed insurance agent who is familiar with the nuances of insurance for the building maintenance profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Building Maintenance/Commercial General Liability Insurance?

It is a type of business liability insurance that helps protect building maintenance professionals and companies if they are held responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others arising out of their maintenance operations.

Who needs this type of coverage?

Individual maintenance contractors, janitorial services, property management firms, and building owners who directly employ maintenance staff may all need this coverage to help protect against claims related to their work on the property.

What types of incidents are commonly covered?

Common covered incidents may include slip-and-fall injuries, damage to a tenant’s or visitor’s property, or accidents caused by maintenance equipment, subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy.

Does this insurance cover employee injuries?

Commercial general liability insurance typically focuses on injuries to third parties, not employees. Employee injuries are usually addressed under workers’ compensation coverage, which is separate and subject to its own rules and requirements.

How can I find out what limits and options I need?

The appropriate coverage limits and options depend on factors such as the size of the building, the services you provide, and any contractual requirements. A licensed insurance agent can review your operations and help you evaluate suitable options for your situation.

Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.