General Liability Insurance
Protect your small business with commercial insurance.
What Is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability Insurance is one of the most important business insurance policies for protecting your company from common third party claims. This coverage helps pay for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury claims that may happen during normal business operations. General Liability Insurance is often required by landlords, property managers, contractors, and commercial clients before allowing a business to start work or sign a contract.
Who Needs General Liability Insurance?
Contractors and Construction Businesses
General contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC companies, roofers, painters, and other construction trades often need General Liability Insurance to work on job sites and meet contract requirements.
Retail Stores and Customer Facing Businesses
Businesses with customers visiting their location face liability exposure from slip and fall accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Service Businesses Working at Client Locations
Cleaning companies, landscapers, mobile mechanics, handymen, and other service providers may be held responsible for injuries or property damage that happen while working at a customer’s home or business.
Commercial Tenants and Businesses Renting Space
Many landlords require General Liability Insurance before allowing a business to lease office space, retail space, or warehouse space.
Manufacturers and Product Based Businesses
Businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell products may need General Liability Insurance to help protect against product related claims involving injury or property damage.
Professional Businesses with Client Interaction
Even office based businesses such as consultants, marketing firms, real estate professionals, and agencies can face liability claims from clients, vendors, or visitors.
Businesses That Advertise Online
Companies that use websites, social media, marketing materials, or advertising may face claims involving copyright issues, slander, libel, or advertising injury.
Businesses That Need Certificates of Insurance
Many commercial clients, property managers, and government contracts require proof of General Liability coverage and a Certificate of Insurance before allowing work to begin.
How QuickBizQuote Helps California Employers Shop Smarter General Liability
Independent Insurance Brokerage:
QuickBizQuote is not tied to a single carrier. That means we compare multiple top California markets to help business owners find coverage that fits their operations, budget, and growth plans.
We help you:
Understand the key differences between carriers
Explore pricing, class codes, and rating factors
Identify potential premium savings (experience mods, payroll adjustments, safety programs)
Avoid common mistakes that lead to unexpected costs or compliance issues
Secure fast, same day quotes.
What is Typically Covered with General Liability?
Bodily Injury to a Third Party
Covers claims when someone is injured on your job site, at your place of business, or due to your operations. This includes medical bills, legal defense, and settlements if your business is found liable.
Property Damage to Others
Applies when your business operations damage someone else’s property.
Example: A contractor accidentally damages a client’s home while working.
Personal and Advertising Injury
Covers claims involving libel, slander, reputational harm, or unintentional copyright infringement in your advertising materials.
Damage to Premises Rented to You
Provides protection if a rented workspace or jobsite office suffers fire damage or other covered losses caused by your operations.
Products and Completed Operations
Covers claims of injury or property damage caused by your finished work or products after the job has been completed.
Medical Payments (No-Fault Coverage)
Helps pay medical expenses for minor injuries to third parties, regardless of who is at fault, up to the policy limits.
What is NOT Typically Covered with General Liability?
Injuries to Your Employees
Employee injuries fall under Workers’ Compensation, not General Liability.
Damage to Your Own Property or Tools
This policy covers damage to others’ property, not your own equipment or materials.
Professional Mistakes or Advice
Errors in consulting, design, or professional guidance are excluded and require Professional Liability coverage.
Auto-Related Accidents
Any vehicle-related injuries or property damage must be covered under Commercial Auto insurance.
Intentional Acts or Misconduct
Intentional harm, fraudulent activity, and criminal acts are not covered.
Poor Workmanship Alone
General Liability does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing your own faulty work unless it causes damage to other property.