General Liability Insurance
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General Liability Insurance Guide
Protects businesses from third-party claims of injury or property damage
Not sure what coverage you need? Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations.
What is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability Insurance provides essential protection for you and your family. Understanding how it works helps you make better coverage decisions.
Key Features
- Coverage details and benefits
- What’s typically included
- Common exclusions to be aware of
- Cost factors that affect premiums
Who Needs General Liability Insurance?
Learn whether this type of coverage is right for your situation and how to determine the appropriate coverage amount.
How to Choose a Policy
Tips for comparing policies, understanding terms, and finding the best value for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about general liability insurance answered.
Related Checklists
- Starting a Business Checklist - Coverage requirements for new businesses
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Related Insurance Types
- Professional Liability Insurance - E&O coverage for service-related claims
- Cyber Liability Insurance - Data breach and cyber attack protection
- Business Owners Policy - Bundled liability and property coverage
Related Guides
- Insurance for Small Business Owners - Complete small business coverage guide
- Business Insurance Guide - Overview of business coverage types
Frequently Asked Questions
What does general liability insurance cover?
General liability covers third-party bodily injury (customer slips and falls), property damage (you damage a client’s equipment), personal injury (libel, slander), advertising injury (copyright infringement in ads), and legal defense costs. It’s essential protection for any business interacting with customers or the public.
How much general liability coverage do I need?
Standard policies offer $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Many commercial leases and contracts require these minimums. Consider higher limits if you have significant assets, work with large clients, or operate in higher-risk industries. Umbrella policies can provide additional coverage.
What doesn't general liability insurance cover?
General liability excludes professional errors and negligence (need professional liability), employee injuries (need workers’ comp), auto accidents (need commercial auto), your own property damage (need commercial property), and intentional acts. Understanding exclusions helps you identify coverage gaps.
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Business by State
Business requirements and costs vary significantly by state. Select your state for specific regulations, average premiums, and local resources.