Product
Bundle Save an average of 12% on auto!Disclosure
    Small business owner with general liability insurance carries cleaning supplies from a car

    What is general liability insurance?

    General liability insurance (GL) protects against lawsuits and other claims arising from your operations. Also called business liability insurance, it covers a wide range of risks that small business owners face, including:

    Learn more about these general liability coverages and how they can protect your business.

    Show video transcript

    Who needs general liability insurance?

    A commercial general liability policy is a good fit for businesses that work with clients, sell products, advertise, and more. While not required by law, general liability is the most common type of business insurance because it protects from a variety of third-party claims and lawsuits.

    Common professions that purchase general liability insurance include:

    In some cases, employers or clients might require you to carry a certain amount of general liability before you can work for them. Read through your contracts carefully to make sure you select the right limits when getting a general liability insurance quote.

    Contractor with business liability insurance uses saw

    General liability insurance for contractors

    Contractors typically need some form of business liability insurance to protect from risks that arise during their work. Matching liability coverage to your exposure can give peace of mind against unexpected lawsuits.

    For example, if a pedestrian trips over tools a landscaping company left on the sidewalk, a general liability insurance policy can help pay their medical expenses and the business’s legal costs.

    You can buy general liability insurance through the Progressive Advantage® Business Program. We can also help qualifying contractors get blanket additional insured coverage, which extends your existing liability insurance to other entities. Some contracts and employers require this general liability endorsement.

    General liability insurance cost

    In 2023, the national median cost of general liability insurance through Progressive was $59 per month. The average price was $80.

    Most customers find their monthly premium to be closer to the median price because expensive outliers often drive up the average cost. Your rate will depend on specific features of your business, such as your profession and number of employees.

    Discover more about general liability insurance cost and learn money-saving tips to help you find the best combination between price and protection for your business. Call us or start a quote online to get a customized general liability policy.

    Woman and man look at a book in a store with business liability insurance

    Get it all in a BOP

    Small and medium-sized businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, should consider the additional protections found in a BOP.

    Common questions about general liability insurance

    Is general liability insurance required by law?

    Does general liability insurance have a deductible?

    Does general liability insurance cover theft?

    Is general liability insurance tax deductible?

    Does general liability cover professional mistakes?

    What is a certificate of insurance?

    Can Progressive help me get general liability insurance in my state?

    Can high-risk businesses get general liability insurance?

    Does a limited liability company (LLC) need general liability insurance?

    Woman with general liability insurance sets up a wheelchair ramp to a van
    Small business owners with general liability insurance serve customers from a food truck

    Start a general liability insurance quote and protect your small business today

    Get a quoteOr, call 1-888-806-9598