Bodily injury
A customer slips in your store or is hurt by your work.
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General liability insurance for small businesses
Covers injuries and property damage your business causes to others, the claims most likely to reach a small company. It's also what clients and landlords ask to see first.
What it covers
Property damage
You or your crew damage a client's property.
Products & completed operations
Claims that arise after a job is finished or a product is sold.
Personal & advertising injury
Libel, slander or copyright claims tied to your marketing.
Legal defense
Attorney fees and court costs, typically paid in addition to your limits.
Medical payments
Small injury claims paid regardless of fault.
Who needs it
- Businesses that have customers visit their location
- Contractors and trades working on client property
- Anyone signing a lease or contract that requires proof of insurance
- Businesses selling products they make or distribute
What it doesn't cover
General liability excludes injuries to your own employees (that's workers' comp), vehicles (commercial auto), your own property and professional mistakes. We'll point out gaps before they become claims.
Many clients ask for $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate. We check your contract's wording before quoting.
Questions we hear often
Is general liability required in Illinois?
State law doesn't require it for most businesses, but leases, client contracts and many municipal licenses do.
What is an additional insured?
It extends your policy's protection to a client or landlord for claims arising from your work. Contracts often require it.
How fast can I get a certificate?
Once the policy is bound, certificates are usually issued the same day.
Get general liability quoted this week
Tell us what you need to cover. An agent will review carriers and call you back, usually the same business day.