What is Own-Work Exclusion? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

The own-work exclusion is a clause found in some commercial general liability insurance policies. This provision specifies that the policy does not cover damages to the work or services that the insured has performed. Essentially, if a business causes damage while carrying out its own work, this exclusion prevents them from claiming insurance for those damages.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A construction company accidentally damages a client's property while installing new roofing. Under the own-work exclusion, the company's insurance would not cover the repair costs because the damage occurred during their own work.

Example 2: A contractor performs renovations on a building and inadvertently damages existing fixtures. The costs to repair those fixtures would not be covered by their liability insurance due to the own-work exclusion. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Notes
California Generally follows standard exclusions in liability policies.
Texas May have specific statutory provisions affecting exclusions.
New York Commonly includes own-work exclusions in commercial policies.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Completed Operations Exclusion Excludes coverage for damages occurring after work is completed. Own-work exclusion applies during the performance of work, while completed operations exclusion applies after work is done.
Professional Liability Insurance Covers negligence or errors in professional services. Own-work exclusion is specific to general liability, while professional liability addresses service-related errors.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a business owner and the own-work exclusion applies to your insurance policy, consider the following steps:

  • Review your insurance policy carefully to understand the exclusions and limitations.
  • Consult with an insurance agent or legal professional to discuss your coverage needs.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates to help draft or modify your insurance agreements.
  • If your situation is complex, seeking professional legal assistance may be necessary.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Fees Varies by policy and provider.
Jurisdiction Applicable in all states, with variations.
Possible Penalties Loss of coverage for damages to own work.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The own-work exclusion is a clause in liability insurance that denies coverage for damages caused by the insured's own work.