The Business Owner's Guide to General Liability

If you own a business — any business — general liability insurance should be your first purchase. It's the foundational coverage that protects you from the most common business risks: lawsuits from injuries, property damage, and advertising claims.

What General Liability Covers

• Bodily injury — A customer slips and falls in your store, a client trips over equipment at a job site, or a visitor is injured at your office.
• Property damage — You accidentally damage a client's property while performing services.
• Personal and advertising injury — Defamation, libel, slander, or copyright infringement in your advertising.
• Medical payments — Immediate medical costs for injured parties, regardless of fault.
• Products and completed operations — Liability from products you sell or work you've completed.

Who Needs General Liability?

Virtually every business, including:

• Contractors and tradespeople
• Retail stores and restaurants
• Consultants and professional services
• Home-based businesses
• Freelancers and gig workers
• Landlords and property managers

How Much Does It Cost?

For small businesses in the CSRA:

• Low-risk businesses (offices, consultants): $400–$800/year
• Medium-risk businesses (retail, restaurants): $800–$2,000/year
• High-risk businesses (contractors, manufacturers): $2,000–$5,000+/year

Common General Liability Claims

1. Slip-and-fall injuries — The most common business liability claim
2. Property damage during services — A plumber floods a client's home, a painter damages a floor
3. Product liability — A product you sell causes injury or damage
4. Advertising injury — Using a competitor's trademarked phrase in your advertising

GL vs. BOP vs. Professional Liability

• General Liability — Covers physical injuries and property damage
• BOP (Business Owner's Policy) — Bundles GL with commercial property coverage at a discount
• Professional Liability (E&O) — Covers mistakes in professional services. Different from GL.

Get Your Free GL Quote

Don't leave your business exposed. Learn more about general liability or request a free quote and we'll find the right coverage at the best price.