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General liability insurance coverage is something most businesses simply must have, so it’s essential that you understand what it does and doesn't cover.
Many of our clients bundle multiple insurance policies for convenience, discounts, and broader protection. Explore these other personal insurance options.
Liability insurance can help cover medical expenses, attorney fees and damages you are legally responsible for. Nationwide can help with defense costs, regardless of fault, as well as protection for judgments, court costs and more.
General liability insurance helps protect businesses from financial losses if they are held legally responsible for bodily injury, property damage, or certain personal and advertising injuries. It is one of the most important types of business insurance because it can help pay for medical expenses, legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments resulting from covered claims.
Whether you own a small business or a large company, general liability insurance can provide valuable financial protection against many of the everyday risks of operating a business.
A general liability insurance policy typically covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury, legal defense costs, and medical payments for covered incidents. For example, if a customer slips and falls at your business or you accidentally damage a client's property while performing work, your policy may help pay the resulting expenses.
Coverage varies by insurance company and policy, so it's important to review your insurance with your agent.
Almost every business can benefit from general liability insurance. Contractors, retailers, restaurants, consultants, manufacturers, medical offices, professional service firms, landscapers, nonprofit organizations, and home-based businesses all face liability risks that could result in costly lawsuits.
Even businesses that operate primarily online or from a home office may need liability protection depending on the services they provide.
General liability insurance does not cover every type of business risk. It generally does not cover employee injuries, professional errors or omissions, commercial auto accidents, intentional acts, employment-related claims, cyber incidents, or damage to your own business property.
Additional insurance policies, such as workers' compensation, professional liability, commercial property insurance, cyber liability insurance, or commercial auto insurance, may be needed to fully protect your business.
Yes. One of the most valuable features of general liability insurance is that it typically helps pay legal defense costs associated with covered claims. Attorney fees, court costs, settlements, and judgments can become extremely expensive, even if your business is ultimately found not to be at fault.
Having liability insurance can help protect both your business assets and your financial future.
General liability insurance is generally not required by state law, but many landlords, commercial property owners, lenders, licensing agencies, and clients require businesses to carry liability insurance before signing contracts or beginning work.
Many businesses purchase general liability insurance even when it isn't required because of the financial protection it provides against lawsuits.
The amount of liability insurance your business needs depends on your industry, annual revenue, number of employees, type of work performed, contractual requirements, and overall risk exposure. Many small businesses begin with a $1 million per occurrence limit, although higher limits may be appropriate for businesses with greater liability exposure.
An experienced insurance agent can help evaluate your risks and recommend appropriate coverage limits.
Insurance companies consider many factors when determining your premium, including your industry, business operations, annual revenue, payroll, claims history, location, years in business, and the coverage limits you select.
Every business is unique, so obtaining a customized insurance quote is the best way to determine your insurance cost.
Yes. Many small businesses purchase a Business Owners Policy (BOP), which combines general liability insurance with commercial property insurance and business interruption coverage into one convenient policy. Additional coverages such as cyber liability, commercial auto, inland marine, workers' compensation, or umbrella liability insurance can also be added to create a more comprehensive insurance program.
Bundling coverages often simplifies policy management and may reduce your overall insurance costs.
You should review your general liability insurance at least once each year and whenever your business changes. Hiring employees, expanding services, purchasing equipment, moving locations, signing larger contracts, or increasing revenue may all affect your insurance needs.
An annual insurance review helps ensure your business remains properly protected while identifying opportunities for improved coverage and available premium savings.
