General Liability Insurance
Coverage Guide

General Liability Insurance

Foundational coverage protecting your business against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.

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Who Needs General Liability Insurance?

Every business needs general liability insurance. It's often required by landlords, clients, and contracts. This coverage protects against the most common business risks - someone getting hurt on your premises or your operations causing damage to others.

Retail stores and restaurants
Professional service providers
Contractors and construction companies
Manufacturing businesses
Healthcare providers
Event venues and entertainment
General Liability Insurance coverage
36%
of small businesses face liability claims

Common Risks Protected Against

General Liability Insurance helps protect your business from these common exposures and potential losses.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Coverage when customers or visitors are injured on your premises.

Operations Liability

Protection for injuries caused by your business operations.

Property Damage

Coverage for damage your business causes to others' property.

Advertising Injury

Protection against claims of libel, slander, or copyright infringement.

Products Liability

Coverage for injuries caused by products you sell or manufacture.

Legal Defense

Coverage for attorney fees and court costs.

What's Typically Covered

Bodily injury to third parties
Property damage to others
Personal and advertising injury
Medical payments for injured parties
Legal defense costs
Court judgments and settlements
Products and completed operations
Damage to rented premises

Common Exclusions

Professional errors and omissions
Employee injuries (covered by workers comp)
Auto accidents (covered by commercial auto)
Intentional acts
Contractual liability (some exceptions)
Pollution and environmental damage

Industries That Commonly Need This Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about general liability insurance

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General Liability insurance protects your business from claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury (like slander or libel) caused by your business operations, products, or employees. For example, if a customer slips and falls at your location, or if your work damages a client's property, General Liability would cover legal defense costs and settlements.

General Liability covers physical injuries and property damage caused by your business. Professional Liability (also called Errors & Omissions) covers financial losses caused by your professional advice, services, or mistakes. For example, if an accountant makes an error that costs a client money, Professional Liability would cover the claim. Many service-based businesses need both types of coverage.

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document proving you have active insurance coverage. Clients, landlords, and general contractors often require COIs before allowing you to work. We can issue certificates quickly—usually same-day. The certificate shows your coverage types, limits, policy numbers, and effective dates. Additional insured endorsements can also be added when required.

Download Your Free General Liability Insurance Guide

Get our comprehensive PDF guide covering everything you need to know about general liability insurance, including coverage details, common claims, and tips for choosing the right policy.

  • Coverage checklist and requirements
  • Industry-specific recommendations
  • Claims filing best practices
  • Cost-saving tips and strategies

General Liability Insurance Guide

PDF • 12 Pages • Free Download

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