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General Liability Insurance
Get liability insurance for your small business
What is general liability insurance?
General liability insurance (GL) protects against lawsuits and other claims arising from your operations. Also called business liability insurance, it covers a wide range of risks that small business owners face, including:
- Bodily injury and property damage
- Personal and advertising injury
- Medical payments
- Products-completed operations
- Damage to premises rented to you
Learn more about these general liability coverages and how they can protect your business.
Who needs general liability insurance?
A commercial general liability policy is a good fit for businesses that work with clients, sell products, advertise, and more. While not required by law, general liability is the most common type of business insurance because it protects from a variety of third-party claims and lawsuits.
Common professions that purchase general liability insurance include:
In some cases, employers or clients might require you to carry a certain amount of general liability before you can work for them. Read through your contracts carefully to make sure you select the right limits when getting a general liability insurance quote.
General liability insurance for contractors
Contractors typically need some form of business liability insurance to protect from on-the-job risks. This coverage can help with lawsuits and other damages to give you peace of mind while you work.
For example, if a pedestrian trips over tools a landscaping company left on the sidewalk, a general liability insurance policy can help pay their medical expenses and the business's legal costs.
You can buy general liability insurance through the Progressive Advantage® Business Program. Our in-house agents can also help qualifying contractors get blanket additional insured coverage, which extends your existing liability insurance to other entities. Some contracts and employers require this general liability endorsement.
General liability insurance cost
In 2024, the national median cost of general liability insurance through Progressive Commercial was $60 per month. The average price was $85.
Most customers' monthly premium is closer to the median price because expensive outliers drive up the average cost. Your rate will depend on specific features of your business, such as your profession and number of employees.
Explore information on general liability insurance cost and learn money-saving tips to help find the best combination of price and protection for your business. Call us or start a quote online to get a customized general liability policy.
Get it all in a BOP
A business owners policy (BOP) that packages liability and property coverages might be a better choice for your company if you own or rent property.
Small and medium-sized businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, should consider the additional protections found in a BOP.
Common questions about general liability insurance
Is general liability insurance required by law?
No, general liability insurance isn't required by law. But if you don't have it, you might pay expensive claims out of pocket. General liability can help protect your business from costly legal and medical bills related to covered events.
Does general liability insurance have a deductible?
Yes. You choose your general liability deductible when you get a quote. A deductible is the fixed out-of-pocket amount you agree to pay before your insurance starts covering costs.
Does general liability insurance cover theft?
No, it doesn't cover theft. General liability insurance helps your business if it causes harm to others or their belongings. To protect your stuff, we offer business personal property coverage as a part of a business owners policy.
Is general liability insurance tax deductible?
Yes. Since general liability premiums are considered "a cost of doing business," they usually can be written-off at tax time. That said, it's a good idea to consult a tax professional to make sure.
Does general liability cover professional mistakes?
No, you'll need professional liability insurance to protect against claims related to mistakes and bad advice.
What is a certificate of insurance?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is an official document that lists all coverages and limits on an insurance policy. Essentially, it proves that you have insurance and details your policy coverages and limits.
Can Progressive Commercial help me get general liability insurance in my state?
Yes. We can help you get business insurance, including general liability, in all states except Hawaii. Browse business insurance by state.
Can high-risk businesses get general liability insurance?
Yes. High-risk businesses can get general liability insurance in a specialty market called excess and surplus lines (E&S). E&S insurance provides coverage for businesses the standard market doesn't protect.
Does a limited liability company (LLC) need general liability insurance?
It depends. While not legally required, LLCs might need general liability insurance to fulfill certain contracts, such as a lease. Regardless, it's a good idea to have a general liability policy to protect against lawsuits and expensive claims against your business.
Learn more about business insurance for LLCs.
More information
- General liability insurance cost
- General liability insurance coverage
- General liability vs. professional liability
- General liability vs. workers' compensation
- Benefits of commercial general liability insurance
- What is the difference between a claims-made and occurrence form of coverage?
- What is product liability insurance?
