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.

Where this term matters

Business Insurance →/business/general-liability →/business/contractor-insurance →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

General Liability InsuranceGeneral liability insurance is the foundational business policy covering lawsuits from customers, vendors, or bystanders injured on your premises or by your operations.Product Liability InsuranceProduct liability insurance protects businesses throughout the supply chain from lawsuits alleging a defective product harmed a consumer or damaged their property.Builders Risk InsuranceBuilders risk insurance covers the structure, materials, and equipment at a construction site against fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage during the build.Occurrence PolicyOccurrence-based policies provide permanent coverage for events that took place while the policy was active, even if the claim is made years after the policy expires.
Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
CF

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 June 2026

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