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GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

General liability is the foundation of commercial insurance.

General liability pays when your business operations cause bodily injury or property damage to a third party. Most commercial leases require it. Most client contracts require it. It is usually the first commercial policy a business buys.

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WHAT'S COVERED

What general liability covers.

Bodily injury to third parties

Pays medical bills, lost wages, and damages if a customer, vendor, or visitor is injured because of your business operations or on your premises. Includes legal defense costs.

Property damage to others

Pays if your business operations damage property that belongs to someone else. Common examples: a contractor damaging a client's home, a service provider damaging equipment at a customer site.

Products and completed operations

Covers liability from products you have sold or work you have completed, after the customer has taken possession. Important for retailers, manufacturers, restaurants, and contractors.

Personal and advertising injury

Covers libel, slander, copyright infringement in advertising, and similar non-bodily-injury claims that arise from how the business presents itself.

IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS

What general liability does not cover.

Professional services

Errors and omissions in advice, design, consulting, or other professional services are excluded under GL. Professional liability is a separate policy.

Employee injuries

Injuries to your own employees are excluded under GL. Workers compensation is the policy that handles employee injuries, and almost every state requires it for businesses with employees.

Damage to your own work or property

Damage to property you own, rent, or are working on is generally excluded. Your own property is covered under commercial property; damage to work in progress may need a builders risk or installation floater.

Auto liability

Liability arising from owned, hired, or non-owned vehicles is excluded under GL. Commercial auto is a separate policy.

OUR CARRIER PANEL

Carriers We Use for This Coverage

All carriers are A-rated by AM Best and appointed in the state. We compare them and recommend the right fit.

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CLAIMS TIPS

If You Need to File a Claim

Practical guidance for the first 24 hours, what to document, common mistakes to avoid, and when to call us.

Common questions

Can my insurance carrier deny my claim?

Yes, for specific policy reasons that must be in writing. You can challenge a denial.

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What is a recorded statement and should I give one?

An on-record interview the carrier uses for the file. Give one, but prepare first and never speculate.

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What happens after I report a claim to my insurance carrier?

Acknowledge, assign adjuster, investigate, decide. Most carriers move within 7-30 days for routine claims.

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Do I have to use the carrier's preferred contractor?

Usually no. Most policies let you choose any licensed contractor, though preferred shops have their own benefits.

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GET STARTED

Running a business without general liability?

GL is the foundation of every commercial insurance program. If you run any business operations and do not have it, send us the details and we will get you covered.

Varies by industry class, revenue, location, and claims history. Most small businesses pay between $400 and $2,000 per year for typical $1M/$2M general liability limits.

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