General Liability Insurance
Protect your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury with comprehensive general liability coverage.
What is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability Insurance (GL) is one of the most important types of business insurance. It protects your company from financial losses resulting from bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, and the cost of defending lawsuits.
Third-Party Protection
Covers claims from customers, clients, and visitors
Legal Defense
Covers legal fees and court costs
Business Essential
Often required by contracts and leases
What's Covered
Bodily Injury
Medical expenses and legal costs if someone is injured on your business premises or due to your business operations.
Property Damage
Covers damage to someone else's property caused by you, your employees, or your business operations.
Personal & Advertising Injury
Protection against claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or wrongful eviction.
Medical Payments
Covers medical expenses for third parties injured on your premises, regardless of fault.
Product Liability
Protects against claims arising from products you sell or distribute that cause harm.
Legal Defense Costs
Covers attorney fees, court costs, and settlements even if the lawsuit is groundless.
What's NOT Covered
General liability insurance doesn't cover everything. You may need additional policies for:
Who Needs General Liability Insurance?
Nearly every business should carry general liability insurance. It's especially critical for:
Retail Businesses
Stores, shops, and retail locations
Restaurants & Cafes
Food service establishments
Contractors
Construction and trade businesses
Professional Services
Consultants and service providers
Manufacturers
Product makers and distributors
Personal Services
Salons, spas, and wellness centers
Common Scenarios Where GL Saves You:
- •A customer slips and falls in your store, breaking their arm
- •Your employee accidentally damages a client's property while on-site
- •A product you sold causes injury to a customer
- •Your advertising allegedly infringes on a competitor's copyright
- •A visitor trips over equipment at your office and sues for medical costs
What Affects Your Premium?
Several factors determine the cost of your general liability insurance:
📊Industry & Business Type
Higher-risk industries (like construction) pay more than lower-risk businesses (like consultants).
💰Revenue & Payroll
Larger businesses with higher revenue and more employees typically have higher premiums.
📍Location
Urban areas and states with higher litigation rates may have higher premiums.
🛡️Coverage Limits
Higher coverage limits ($2M vs. $1M) result in higher premiums but better protection.
📜Claims History
Businesses with previous claims may face higher premiums or coverage restrictions.
👥Customer Interaction
More customer foot traffic or on-site visits increase risk and premium costs.
💡 Average Cost Range
Most small businesses pay between $400 - $1,500 per year for $1,000,000 in general liability coverage. Your actual cost depends on the factors above.
Get Your General Liability Quote
Fill out the form below to receive a customized quote for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is general liability insurance required by law?
While not legally required in most states, many clients, contracts, and landlords require businesses to carry general liability insurance before doing business with them.
What's the difference between GL and Professional Liability?
General liability covers bodily injury and property damage, while professional liability (E&O) covers mistakes, errors, or negligence in professional services. Many businesses need both.
How much coverage do I need?
Most businesses start with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Higher-risk businesses or those with larger contracts may need $2M-$5M in coverage.
Can I bundle this with other coverage?
Yes! A Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles general liability with property insurance at a discounted rate. It's one of the most cost-effective options for small businesses.