General Liability Insurance
Essential Coverage to Protect Your Business From Everyday Risks
Essential Coverage For Your Business
Businesses of all types are at risk for liability exposure. Lawsuits related to products, premises, and operations could end up damaging a company – financially and otherwise – without the right safeguards in place.
Whether a customer slips at your storefront or your work accidentally damages someone else’s property, general liability insurance is often the first line of defense for a business facing a third-party claim. It’s frequently required by landlords, lenders, and clients before you can even sign a contract.
- Industry and type of work performed
- Annual revenue and payroll
- Number of employees
- Location(s) of operations
- Claims history
- Coverage limits selected
Because every business’s operations and risk exposure are different, the best way to know your actual cost is to get a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is General Liability Insurance?
General liability insurance protects your business against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and certain advertising or personal injury claims made by third parties, customers, vendors, or members of the public as a result of your business operations.
Why Do You Need General Liability Insurance?
Most commercial leases, client contracts, and vendor agreements require proof of general liability coverage before you can do business. Beyond contractual requirements, a single injury or property damage claim can result in significant legal defense costs and settlements. General liability insurance protects both your business and your personal assets from that exposure.
What Does a Typical General Liability Policy Cover?
|
Coverage Type |
What It Protects |
|---|---|
|
Bodily Injury |
Injuries to a third party caused by your business operations. |
|
Property Damage |
Damage to someone else’s property caused by your business. |
|
Personal & Advertising Injury |
Claims like libel, slander, or copyright infringement in your advertising. |
|
Medical Payments |
Minor medical expenses for someone injured on your premises, regardless of fault. |
|
Products-Completed Operations |
Claims arising from a product you sold or work you completed after the job is done. |
|
Legal Defense Costs |
Attorney fees and legal costs to defend a covered claim. |
What’s Usually NOT Covered?
- Professional mistakes or negligence — errors in professional advice or services require Professional Liability (E&O) insurance.
- Employee injuries — workplace injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, not general liability.
- Commercial vehicle accidents — business vehicles need a separate commercial auto policy.
- Employment-related claims — discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment claims require Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI).
- Intentional acts and cyber incidents — these are excluded and typically require separate coverage.
How much general liability coverage do I need?
Coverage needs vary by industry and contract requirements. Many client and lease agreements specify a minimum, commonly $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate. An agent can help you determine the right limits for your business.
What's the difference between general liability and professional liability?
General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. Professional liability (E&O) covers claims that your professional advice, service, or work product caused a financial loss – a different type of risk entirely.
Do I need general liability if I work from home?
Yes, in most cases. Even home-based businesses can face liability exposure from clients visiting, products sold, or work performed off-site, and a homeowners policy typically excludes business activities.
What is "products-completed operations" coverage?
It covers claims that arise after you’ve completed a job or delivered a product. For example, if a product you sold causes injury after purchase, or a completed installation causes damage down the road.
Will a certificate of insurance satisfy my client's contract requirement?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a document verifying your coverage and limits, and it’s typically what clients or landlords request to confirm you meet their contractual insurance requirements.
How is GL premium calculated?
Insurers typically base pricing on your industry classification, revenue or payroll, number of employees, claims history, and the coverage limits you select.