Business Insurance
Completed Operations Coverage
Completed operations coverage protects contractors and service businesses from injury or damage claims that arise after a job is done, not just while work is in progress.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
Completed operations coverage is a component of general liability insurance that responds to claims arising from work the insured has completed and left at the customer's site. For example, if an electrician finishes wiring a home and a faulty connection later causes a fire, completed operations coverage pays for the resulting damage claim. Contractors in high-risk trades — roofing, plumbing, HVAC, electrical — often see their GL premiums driven primarily by completed operations exposure rather than premises liability. Typical general contractors pay $3,000–$15,000/year for GL with completed operations, depending on annual revenue and trade mix. Many construction contracts and lender requirements mandate that completed operations coverage be maintained for 2–10 years after project completion, meaning contractors must keep their GL active long after finishing a job to maintain protection. The completed operations aggregate limit is often separate from the general aggregate, so exhausting one does not automatically deplete the other — a policy feature worth verifying at renewal.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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