Use dotted terms for definitions. You can also browse the glossary.
Before you decide
- A limit without insured status is incomplete evidence.
- Defense and aggregate provisions affect available protection.
- Specialized allegations may need different cover.
Describe the insured operation
List legal owners, management entities, properties, amenities and services. Disclose employees, guest stays and work performed for others. NAIC’s business overview distinguishes liability categories; the actual form decides accepted operations and exclusions.
Prepare leases and management or vendor agreements for professional review. A contractual insurance requirement does not create an endorsement automatically.
Compare liability provisions
| Term | Question |
|---|---|
| Named/additional insured | Which party, activity and time period? |
| Occurrence | Which event amount applies? |
| Aggregate | Shared across which locations and claims? |
| Defense | Inside limits, outside limits, duty or reimbursement? |
| Exclusions | Professional, employment, auto or other exposure addressed elsewhere? |
Test an incident workflow
A reported walkway hazard should trigger maintenance and documentation, whether or not an injury claim exists. If a claim follows, preserve factual records and follow insurance notice requirements. Do not promise coverage or decide fault on the insurer’s behalf.
Ask how the primary policy works with any upper layer, and record unresolved allegations or operations. Review again after ownership or service changes.
Sources & scope
- NAIC: Small business insurance
General property, liability and package-policy definitions. Product eligibility and exclusions require the actual form.
Sources checked October 24, 2026. General descriptions do not replace the policy, endorsements, declarations or an insurer’s coverage determination. Examples are hypothetical unless explicitly identified otherwise.
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