Commercial Insurance
General Liability
Covers the everyday risk of your business causing bodily injury or property damage to someone else, plus the cost of defending those claims.
What it is
General liability is the foundation of most commercial insurance programs. It responds when your business is blamed for hurting someone or damaging their property, and it pays to defend you even when a claim is groundless. Landlords, clients, and general contractors often require a certificate showing this coverage before work begins. We can help you review those requirements alongside your business's needs.
What General Liability covers
- Bodily injury to a customer or visitor, like a slip and fall on your premises
- Damage your business causes to someone else's property
- Legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments when you are sued
- Personal and advertising injury claims, such as libel or slander in your ads
- Medical payments for minor injuries to others, regardless of fault
FAQ
General Liability: common questions
Is general liability required in New York?
The state does not require it for most businesses, but landlords, clients, and contracts almost always do. Many WNY leases and job sites will not let you start without a certificate of insurance.
What is not covered by general liability?
It does not cover your own property, your employees' injuries (that is workers' compensation), professional mistakes (that is errors and omissions), or damage to a customer's vehicle in your care. We can help you review separate coverage for those needs.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your industry, size, and revenue. A short consultation helps us understand your business so we can compare quotes and explain the coverage included in each.
Guidance for your decision
Compare your options with a local agent.
We help you review general liability options from carriers including The Hartford, explain the differences, and choose coverage that fits your business.