General Liability Insurance Cost

Insuring 1 million small businesses worldwide.

This block is configured using JavaScript. A preview is not available in the editor.

General Liability Cost

General liability is like a safety net for your business. If a customer gets hurt or their property is damaged, this coverage type can help cover the costs so you can stay focused on what you do best – growing your business.

Let’s break down what general liability typically costs, what affects the price, and how Simply Business makes getting coverage easier and more affordable.

How much does general liability cost?

Here’s a snapshot of what our customers typically pay for general liability insurance:

Monthly General Liability Insurance Costs

Data from Simply Business customers who purchased a GL policy from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024.

What you pay depends on a few key things, including: your industry, location, number of employees, and how much coverage you choose. But most small businesses will pay less than $95 per month.

These numbers are based on real policies purchased through our site. But getting a great rate isn’t just about the numbers – it’s about working with a partner that understands your business. And because we work with a range of trusted insurers, you’ll see options to match your business, so you can choose a policy that works for you and your budget.

How much will I pay for general liability insurance?

Get a quick estimate in just 3 steps.

Why do prices vary so much?

If you’ve searched online for general liability insurance, you’ve likely seen a wide range of prices — and no clear reason why. The truth is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price for general liability since the cost depends on several key factors.

We’re dedicated to helping make business insurance easy to understand, so we’ve spelled out some of the particulars, such as:

Your industry

The type of work you do plays a big role in your insurance rate. For example, if you run a construction, landscaping, or cleaning business, you might pay more since there’s more risk involved. If you’re a freelance consultant, IT pro, or work from home, your risk is generally lower — so your premium may be too.

Top Trades Median Monthly Premium

Median data from Simply Business customers in these sample trades who purchased a GL policy from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024.

Location, location, location

Where your business operates matters. Factors that can impact cost include:

Amount of foot traffic (more chances for accidents)
Local regulations

And yes, the state where you work or live can make a difference too. Rates vary a bit across the country, even for the same type of business.

Top States Median Monthly Premium

Median data from Simply Business customers in some of the most popular states who purchased a GL policy from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024.

Number of employees

Accidents happen. And the more employees you have, the more chances there are for something to go wrong. That’s why insurers may ask how many people work for you when calculating your rate.

Policy limits

Higher coverage usually means a higher premium. But it also means more protection if something goes wrong. Most small businesses go with a $1 million or $2 million policy. It’s solid protection for many types of lawsuits or accidents without overdoing it. In fact, 91% of our customers choose this level of coverage.

What else can affect the price?

Your claims history. If you’ve had past claims, that might bump up your rate.
Your experience. Have you been in business for years with no claims? That could work in your favor.

How to save on general liability insurance

Reduce your risks

Fewer claims can mean lower rates. That’s why risk management should be a top priority:

Train your team on safety procedures and best practices.
Invest in security, like surveillance cameras or alarm systems.
Create clear policies for workplace conduct, social media use, and customer interactions.
Keep your space safe by minimizing risks like trip hazards.
Weatherproof your business to protect it from rain, snow, or wind-related damages.
Learn from past claims and put steps in place to prevent future mishaps.

Pay monthly

Some carriers offer monthly payments, which you can take advantage of to spread the cost out over the year.

Shop around

Simply Business provides customized coverage options from top-rated small business insurers — all in just 10 minutes. We do all the leg work so you can sit back, compare quotes, and save.

General Liability

Coverage for the Risks Small Businesses Face

Find out what GL covers, why you might need it, and how we can help – All in just 60 seconds.

As a small business owner you do a lot, just like general liability insurance. General liability can help provide financial protection in the event of, well, unfortunate events. Like injury or damage to another person or their property, advertising injury and product liability, medical payments, and more. Without general liability insurance, you know who’s likely on the hook for that: you, and that could cost you a bundle- as opposed to a good general liability policy. Even if you did nothing wrong, you can still find yourself paying for legal fees and a lawsuit. And getting covered is easy and fast with us. Spend a few minutes online or on the phone we can help find you a policy among the top insurers out there. When it comes to getting you covered, we can do a lot, just like general liability insurance.

Trusted by Over 1 Million Small Businesses Worldwide.

This block is configured using JavaScript. A preview is not available in the editor.

More General Liability Insurance FAQs

What is general liability insurance?

It’s a type of insurance that can help cover the cost of third-party accidents, property damage, bodily injury, or related lawsuits.

Why do I need general liability insurance?

Because even a single accident or lawsuit could cost your business thousands out of pocket. General liability insurance helps protect you from a financial hit like that — so that one mistake doesn’t turn into a major setback.

What does general liability insurance cover?

Typically covered

Customer injuries, damaged property, legal fees, and more. Say a client trips and falls in your shop, or you accidentally ding their car on the jobsite — general liability could help cover the cost.

Typically not covered

Employee injuries, auto accidents, or damage to your own property — that’s where other types of business insurance come in.

Is it required in my state?

It depends on your state and industry. But whether it’s required or not, we strongly recommend having coverage. In fact, many clients and landlords may require it before doing business with you.

Is it tax deductible?

Yes — general liability premiums are usually considered a business expense. But always check with your accountant for certain.

How fast can I get a quote?

You can get a full quote in about 10 minutes — and an estimate even faster, with just 3 quick questions.

What other insurance might I need?

That depends on your business. You can explore more here.

The Simply Business Difference

Simply Business is a digital insurance brokerage. That means we’re not tied to one insurer. Instead, we partner with a range of top-rated carriers and use smart technology to match you with policies that fit your specific business, your risks, and budget.

Maybe you’re just starting out and want solid protection without overspending. Or maybe you’re growing fast and need coverage that can grow with you. Either way, we’re here to help — offering quotes, guidance, and flexibility all in one place.

Get a Quote