General Liability Insurance
Protect your business from third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. The foundation of any commercial insurance program.
Get a Quote
What is general liability insurance?
General liability insurance (also called commercial general liability or CGL) protects your business when third parties — customers, vendors, or the public — claim you caused them injury or damaged their property. It's the most fundamental coverage for any business that interacts with the public.
Whether a customer slips in your store, your employee damages a client's property on a job site, or your advertising allegedly infringes on a competitor's trademark, general liability covers the legal defense costs and settlements. Most landlords, clients, and contracts require proof of GL coverage before you can do business.
What general liability covers
A standard CGL policy protects against three main categories of claims. Understanding what's covered helps you identify gaps and ensure you have adequate protection.
Bodily Injury & Property Damage
- Customer slips and falls
- Damage to client property
- Injuries from your products
- Completed operations claims
- Medical payments coverage
- Legal defense costs
Premises & Operations
Covers injuries and damage that occur at your location or on job sites. This is the core protection most businesses need for day-to-day operations.
Personal & Advertising Injury
- Libel and slander claims
- Copyright infringement
- False advertising claims
- Wrongful eviction
- Invasion of privacy
- Reputational harm
Advertising Liability
Protects against claims arising from your marketing and advertising activities. Important for businesses that advertise, publish content, or compete actively in their market.
Important: General liability does NOT cover professional errors (need E&O), employee injuries (need workers' comp), or auto accidents (need commercial auto). We'll help you identify any coverage gaps.
When general liability responds
Customer Slip and Fall
A customer slips on a wet floor in your store and breaks their hip. GL covers their medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and potential lawsuit — protecting your business from a claim that could reach six figures.
Property Damage at Job Site
Your crew accidentally damages a client's expensive hardwood floors during a renovation. GL covers the repair costs and any resulting claims — keeping your business relationships and finances intact.
Products & Completed Operations
Covers injuries from products you sell or work you've completed. If a product injures a customer or a repair fails months later causing damage, GL handles medical expenses, legal defense, and settlements.
Vendor Injured on Premises
A delivery driver trips on a broken step while making a delivery to your warehouse. GL covers their injuries — protecting you from third-party claims at your location.
Common questions about general liability
How much general liability coverage do I need?
Most businesses carry at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. However, your landlord, clients, or contracts may require higher limits. Contractors and businesses with higher risk often need $2 million per occurrence or more. We'll help you determine the right limits for your situation.
What's the difference between general liability and professional liability?
General liability covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties — like a customer slipping in your store. Professional liability (E&O) covers mistakes in your professional services — like giving bad advice that costs a client money. Many service businesses need both types of coverage.
Does general liability cover employee injuries?
No — general liability only covers third parties (customers, vendors, the public), not your employees. Employee injuries are covered by workers' compensation insurance, which is required in Florida for most businesses with 4+ employees. You need both GL and workers' comp for complete protection.
What is completed operations coverage?
Completed operations is part of your GL policy that covers claims arising from work you've finished. If a deck you built collapses a year later, or a plumbing repair fails and floods a home, completed operations pays for the damages. It's essential for contractors and service businesses.
How much does general liability cost in Florida?
Costs vary based on your industry, revenue, and claims history. Low-risk businesses like consultants might pay $400-$800 annually, while contractors or restaurants could pay $1,500-$5,000+. We compare quotes from multiple carriers to find competitive rates for your specific business.
Can I get general liability as a standalone policy?
Yes, but many businesses save money by bundling GL with property coverage in a Business Owners Policy (BOP). Standalone GL policies are available when you don't need property coverage or have unique coverage requirements that a BOP can't accommodate.
General liability carriers we work with
Get a general liability quote
We compare rates from multiple carriers to find the right GL coverage for your business. Protect against third-party claims with comprehensive general liability insurance.