The foundation of commercial coverage
General liability insurance is the foundation of most commercial insurance programs. It responds when someone claims your business caused bodily injury or property damage—whether a customer falls in your store or a contractor damages a client's property.
What it typically covers
- Bodily injury to third parties
- Property damage to others
- Personal and advertising injury (in many forms)
- Legal defense costs related to covered claims
Limits and cost
Common limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Premiums depend on industry, revenue or payroll, location, and claims history. Retail, offices, and professional services often pay less than contractors or restaurants. Pairing general liability with property coverage in a BOP can be more economical for qualifying small businesses.