When Does Your Small Business Need General Liability?
From day one. If your business interacts with customers or the public, GL coverage is essential — and more affordable than you think.
The answer is: from the day you open your doors.
General Liability (GL) insurance protects your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. If a customer slips at your location, if you accidentally damage a client's property, or if someone sues you over an advertising claim — GL is what pays.
Who Requires It?
Most commercial landlords require GL before signing a lease. General contractors require it from every subcontractor before work begins. Many corporate clients require proof of coverage before signing a contract.
What Does It Cover?
Bodily injury to a third party. Property damage you cause to others. Legal defense costs. Medical payments. Personal and advertising injury.
What Does It Not Cover?
Your own employees (that is Workers' Comp), your own property (that is commercial property insurance), or professional errors (that is Professional Liability/E&O).
How Much Does It Cost?
For most small businesses in Florida, a GL policy runs between $400 and $1,200 per year depending on industry, revenue, and claims history.
It is not an expense. It is what keeps one incident from becoming a business-ending lawsuit.