General Liability Insurance
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What is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability (GL) insurance, sometimes called small business liability insurance or commercial liability insurance, covers your business for claims made by others including bodily injury, damage to property, or personal injury.
If someone comes to your place of business and is injured, a general liability policy could cover their medical costs. If someone else’s property is damaged and you are found to be responsible, the repair or replacement cost could be covered. And if someone’s reputation is damaged by something you or an employee said or wrote about them, the associated costs could be covered.
Why do I need General Liability Insurance?
As a small business owner, you may be legally responsible if another person gets hurt or if their property is damaged because of something you did. Make sure your business is properly protected against risks.
Hiscox offers customized general liability insurance with a fast, easy quote process. You should consider purchasing general liability insurance coverage if you or your employees:
Interact with clients face to face
If you visit a client’s place of work, or clients visit yours, there is always the possibility someone could get hurt and require medical treatment.
Have access to customer’s property
If a customer’s property is damaged at your location or at a job site, general liability insurance could cover the cost to repair or replace it.
Use advertising to market your company
If you promote your company and accidentally use wording that is under copyright or trademark, general liability insurance could cover you if a claim occurs.
Use third-party locations for business related activities
If someone (other than you or an employee) is injured on a job site where you are responsible, general liability insurance could cover their medical costs.
Require coverage in order to be considered for a project
If you propose or bid on certain contracts, liability insurance could be a condition of the contract award. Hiscox will provide you with a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to help you meet the requirements.
Who needs General Liability Insurance?
There are many businesses that should have a General liability insurance policy. Here are a few examples of professions and their use cases for a general liability policy.
Contractors
General liability insurance covers potential third party claims related to property damage, bodily injury caused during construction projects, or while performing repair or maintenance tasks.
Event planners
General liability insurance protects against claims resulting from accidents or injuries that may occur during events. This could include a guest tripping over equipment or a vendor’s property getting damaged, for example.
Cleaning businesses
General liability insurance may cover claims of property damage or injuries that occur while providing cleaning services such as accidentally breaking an expensive item or a client slipping on the floor.
Photographers and videographers
General liability insurance covers claims against accidental injury. For example, if a client or guest to an event you’re photographing trips over your equipment, a general liability insurance policy could cover their medical expenses.
How much does General Liability Insurance cost?
While costs for general liability insurance vary, most small businesses pay approximately $30 per month or less. Factors that can influence pricing for general liability insurance include the size of your business, the industry you are in, your location, and the amount of coverage you need.
For more information on the cost of general liability insurance coverage, visit our cost page or get a quote now to get the best price for your needs.
IT Consultant | Business Consultant | |
---|---|---|
State | CA | TX |
Annual Payroll | $100,000 | $200,000 |
Per occurrence limit | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
Deductible | $0 | $0 |
Monthly Cost | $29.17/mo* | $29.17/mo* |
Annual Cost | $350 | $350 |
Example of general liability costs by profession and location
What does General Liability Insurance cover?
This information is provided to assist you in understanding the coverage we offer and does not modify the terms and conditions of any Insurance policy, nor does it imply that any claim is covered. Coverage is subject to underwriting, terms, conditions, and limits of the policy.
Get a General Liability Insurance quote today
Hiscox provides fast, customized general liability insurance coverage just for you. Get a quote now or continue reading to learn how our general liability insurance can help your business.
General Liability Insurance FAQs
At Hiscox, we know business insurance can be a complex subject. Below, we’ve compiled answers to some common questions people frequently ask about general liability insurance.
Get Liability Insurance that best meets your needs
General liability insurance will not protect you from everything. For example, general liability insurance will not cover you against claims of professional negligence, even if it isn’t your or your business’ fault. Some people buy other business liability insurance along with general liability.
The basic protection for claims against your business.
Protection for specific risks in your field.
General Liability plus coverage for property.
Protection from cyber-related security risks.
Protection for employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
Purchase coverage for a specific period of time.
Protection for claims against your medical practice.
Umbrella, Auto, Directors and Officers, and more.
General
LiabilityThe basic protection for claims against your business.
Professional
Liability (E&O)Protection for specific risks in your field.
Business
Owners PolicyGeneral Liability plus coverage for property.
Cyber
SecurityProtection from cyber-related security risks.
Workers
CompProtection for employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
Short-Term
LiabilityPurchase coverage for a specific period of time.
Medical
Malpractice (E&O)Protection for claims against your medical practice.
More
CoveragesUmbrella, Auto, Directors and Officers, and more.
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