Business general liability insurance is a great first step to protecting your business and assets. Nothing threatens the operations of a business more than accidents. Every business needs to protect itself from accidents or injuries that may occur on its property.
Its coverage can protect your California business from these unexpected expenses. There are many plans and options when choosing a liability policy from our agent. Our experienced agents at Stampede Insurance Services can assist you in finding the right plan with the right budget. and in filing your insurance claim.
Many California businesses face more losses and risk of accidents or injuries. That's why doing an analysis of your business can help you find the best liability plan that fits your needs. If you have the right liability insurance plan in place, you are protected in case you face a lawsuit.
What is General Liability Insurance?
This type of coverage is a form of business liability insurance policy covering common business risks, including customer injury, customer property damage, and advertising injury. It protects your small business from the high costs of lawsuits and helps you qualify for leases and contracts that require coverage.
Why is General Liability Insurance needed?
Most small companies that rent or own an office need this type of insurance. And many client contracts include requirements for liability insurance.
Even if these don’t apply to you, small businesses that work directly with clients and customers will benefit from this type of commercial insurance, also known as a commercial general liability (CGL) policy. This insurance policy can keep your company financially stable if a customer or competitor sues you.
This insurance provides such important coverage that most small business owners buy the policy right after starting their business.
What does general liability insurance cover?
General liability insurance provides coverage for common liability claims from third parties or people outside your business.
Commercial liability insurance covers legal defense costs if someone sues over a bodily injury, property damage, or advertising injury. Your CGL policy can pay for everything from hiring a lawyer to court-ordered judgments and settlements.
A General Liability Policy Is Essential If Your Business:
- It has a location that is open to the public
- Works closely with customers or clients
- Handles client property
- Rents or owns commercial property
Should you get general liability insurance for your business?
Generally not, but states may mandate it for certain industries like construction. While general liability insurance isn’t necessarily required by law, there's a chance it will be required by your landlord, mortgage company, or clients.
A landlord or client may ask your business to show a certificate of insurance as proof of your general liability insurance coverage. This document verifies that your business can handle any personal injury or property damage lawsuits.
And more importantly, the certificate gives your property manager, bank, or customer peace of mind that they won’t be stuck paying the costs of a lawsuit against your company.
General Liability Insurance coverage for High-Hazard Business
General liability insurance such as home business, contractor, small business, and liability protection can help pay legal fees from common third-party lawsuits.
Here are a few common situations where general liability coverage protects home businesses, contractors' insurance, and small businesses:
- You may need general liability to pay for a courier who slips on your icy doorstep while delivering documents.
- A client may ask you to provide a certificate of insurance in case you damage their equipment.
- You sign a commercial lease and your landlord requires general liability insurance.
- You launch a website and want protection against accidental copyright infringement.
- You want protection in case someone involved with a project accuses you of libel or slander.
- You launch your first advertising campaign and want protection against advertising injury lawsuits.
You can start by requesting a free online quote with Stampede Insurance for general liability insurance. To apply, you’ll need to provide a little basic information about your business. That includes your:
- Business name
- Business operations
- Number of employees
How much Does Liability Insurance Cost?
There is no set price for general liability insurance. Instead, the total amount will depend on your business and the risks associated with it. The cost of this type of business insurance is based on a few factors, including:
- Amount of Coverage
- Industry and risk factors
- Location
- Number of employees
Is General Liability Business Insurance Required by Law?
Yes, they do.
As with any other small business owner, independent contractors are liable if sued and may be held accountable for customer injuries, customer property damage, or advertising injuries.
While contractors who don’t have a physical location or expensive equipment don’t need a business owner’s policy or commercial property insurance, they'll still benefit from general liability insurance if accidents arise.
If your business has high risks or revenue, you can extend your business liability insurance coverage with commercial umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance increases your maximum policy limit, meaning your insurance company can cover more expensive lawsuits.
With the higher value of your business, you may face liability risks beyond what liability insurance covers. To get the protection you need, you can bundle these commercial policies with your general liability coverage:
- Commercial property insurance - This covers your business property. When bundled with a commercial general liability policy, it’s known as a business owner’s policy (BOP). And it’s usually available for a discount.
- Cyber liability insurance - This protects against cyberattacks and data breaches. It’s an important policy for businesses that handle credit cards and other sensitive customer information.
- Product liability insurance can help pay for lawsuits if a product you made or sold injures a customer or damages their property.
- Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) - This covers vehicles used but not owned by your business.
- Liquor liability insurance - This protects against risks associated with serving alcohol. It’s usually required for a liquor license.
Professional Liability Insurance
While general liability covers customer injuries, customer property damage, and advertising injuries, professional liability insurance covers disputes over the quality of professional services.
Almost all businesses need business liability insurance, but businesses that provide professional services need added protection from mistakes that may result in discontented clients.
That’s where professional liability coverage comes in. This policy helps professionals like accountants and auditors, lawyers, consultants, and insurance agents avoid financial strain from lawsuits related to the quality of their work.
Do you have any questions? Speak with us for advice.
Tired of your current insurance companies? Need help with an accident claim?
California general liability insurance, along with your property and work comp policies, protect your business from loss, or if you're sued for personal injury or property and vehicle damage.
A typical policy will cover those accidents or damages that occur on-site or as a result of using goods or services sold by the company. In addition, coverage can be designed to cover additional costs like attorney fees or court costs. Our agents at Stampede Insurance can assist you in considering all aspects of your liability insurance package to give you the most appropriate policy available.
We will help you customize a specific plan that works for businesses in the state of California, including the Anaheim, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino areas, as well as these states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Here are some additional lines of insurance that we service:
- Electricians
- Landscapers
- Painters
- Plumbers
Contact Stampede Insurance Services today to speak with one of our trusted agents. We can also provide you with a free, no-obligation general liability quote.
General Liability insurance requirements by state
Each state has unique laws and penalties for workers’ comp. In most states, workers' comp is required as soon as a business hires its first employee.
Workers' compensation is required in California for all employers, even those with fewer than one employee. California law requires business owners to carry workers' compensation insurance for employees who work in the state regularly, even if the business's headquarters are located in another state.
On the other hand, other states don’t mandate coverage until a business has two, three, four, or more employees. Texas and South Dakota are the only states where business owners are never required to purchase workers’ comp. All other states impose penalties for not carrying workers’ compensation. These can range from fines to jail time or both.
Why should you choose Stampede Insurance?
We are Offering Workers' Compensation Insurance In California and other states
Having comprehensive California workers' compensation coverage can protect your employees and your business from loss and financial damage.
At Stampede Insurance Services, we can provide your work comp insurance needs in Pasadena, California, including the Anaheim, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino areas in addition to these states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Get insurance in less than 10 minutes and enjoy big savings with our unique flexible coverage with easy payment schemes.
Need a Fast Certificate of Insurance?
Let's find the coverages or insurance products you need for your business.
These are the types of Liability Insurance we offer:
Protect your business from liability claims
Need to ask us about limits, deductibles, and benefits?
Get a liability insurance quote online or talk to our licensed agents today!
