- Homepage
- Small Business
- General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance
Protect your small business from third-party claims with a general liability policy from a trusted insurance company.
Or call 844-925-1272 for a quote
What is a general liability insurance policy?
Liability insurance for a small business protects you against lawsuits and other claims of bodily injury and property damage from a third party, including customers. It is an essential coverage for small businesses, like contractors, who often have limited property coverage needs.
What's covered under a general liability policy
General liability policies typically include coverage for
- Bodily injuries
- Damage to buildings, land and other tangible property
- Personal injuries (mental or emotional harm)
- Advertising injuries (copyright infringement)
With Liberty Mutual, certain small businesses can tailor their general liability policies by adding industry-specific coverages.
Why choose a Liberty Mutual general liability policy?
Why work with independent insurance agents
Who needs general liability insurance?
Most small businesses, including contractors and tradespeople, can benefit from general liability insurance to cover the legal costs that arise in the course of doing business.
You may even be required to carry a general liability policy if you sign contracts with other companies, lease office space, or have a professional license.
Here are a couple common scenarios where a general liability policy can help save you out-of-pocket costs:
- Unintentional property damage is extremely common, especially for contractors who work in homes or places of business. For example, a general liability policy can protect you if you spilled paint on a carpet - covering the cost to clean or replace it as well as any legal costs incurred.
- Slip and fall injuries may sound harmless, but they're often anything but - resulting in broken bones, concussions, or worse. If a customer or other non-employee gets injured in your workplace, a general liability policy may help pay medical expenses for which you're liable.
General liability insurance frequently asked questions
The cost of general liability insurance will depend on your industry and how much liability insurance you need - a decision an independent agent can help you make.
Keep in mind that cheap general liability insurance isn't necessarily the best general liability insurance for a small business.
General liability insurance protects contractors from common risks like property damage and liability for medical costs due to injuries.
With general liability coverage, a contractor can receive support for paying legal fees and settlements that would otherwise be their sole responsibility.
Yes. General liability insurance is also commonly called "commercial liability insurance" and "commercial general liability insurance."
The best starting place for getting general liability insurance is to talk to an independent agent about your unique coverage needs. Your agent will help you identify potential risks, review additional coverages, if needed, and secure a quote.
General liability insurance requirements vary by state and industry. Some states, for example, require general contractors and developers to have general liability insurance.
States may also require applicants for certain professional licenses (real estate, accounting, dentistry) to have general liability coverage.
An independent agent can help you determine what types of coverage your state requires for your business.
You absolutely can - and should! We recommend working with an independent agent to review the coverage needs of your business and help you find the right insurance product.
Protect what you've worked
hard to build
hard to build
Take the first step by getting a quote now or finding an independent
agent who can help you choose the right coverage options.