What Does General Liability Insurance Cover? (4 Types Of Claims)

December 5, 2023

4 Claims Your General Liability Insurance Covers

General Liability Insurance is a fundamental coverage for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a contractor, retailer, or service provider, having the right policy in place protects your business from unexpected financial risks. But what exactly does General Liability Insurance cover?

In this article, we’ll break down the four main types of claims covered under a standard General Liability Insurance policy.


1. Bodily Injury

Accidents happen, and if someone gets injured on your business premises or as a result of your operations, your General Liability policy can cover medical expenses and legal fees.

Example:

A customer slips and falls inside your store, resulting in a broken wrist. If they decide to sue for medical bills and other damages, your General Liability policy can step in to cover those costs.

Without coverage, your business could be held responsible for thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars in medical expenses and legal defense.


2. Property Damage

If your business operations accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property, your General Liability Insurance helps cover repair or replacement costs.

Example:

You're a contractor working on a home renovation, and one of your employees accidentally breaks a client's expensive window. Instead of paying out of pocket, your General Liability policy can cover the damages.

This coverage is crucial, especially for businesses that frequently work on customer properties, such as contractors, landscapers, and maintenance companies.


3. Personal & Advertising Injury

Lawsuits don’t always stem from physical damage—sometimes, claims arise from advertising mistakes, defamation, or privacy violations. General Liability Insurance helps protect businesses from these risks.

Example:

Your business posts an advertisement that unintentionally copies a competitor’s slogan or makes false claims about a competitor's product. If they sue for copyright infringement or defamation, your General Liability policy may cover legal defense costs.

This coverage is especially important for marketing agencies, content creators, and businesses that advertise heavily online.


4. Products & Completed Operations Liability

If your business sells products or provides services, you could be held responsible for harm caused by those products or completed work—even after the job is done.

Example:

A roofing contractor finishes a project, but a faulty installation leads to water damage in the homeowner’s attic months later. The homeowner sues for repair costs, and the contractor’s General Liability Insurance covers the claim.

This coverage is critical for manufacturers, contractors, and businesses that provide physical products or services.


Why Your Business Needs General Liability Insurance

Even small incidents can lead to expensive lawsuits and financial setbacks. Without coverage, a single claim could be enough to put your business at serious risk. General Liability Insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures you’re financially protected when the unexpected happens.


Need Help with General Liability Insurance?

If you’re looking to review your coverage or get a custom quote, I can help. Contact me today to ensure your business is properly protected.


📞 248-459-3045
🌐
info@yourmichiganinsurance.com

Contact Us

General Liability vs Professional Liability — Key Differences
By Bryan Gutowsky October 6, 2024
Learn the key differences between general liability insurance and professional liability insurance. Discover which coverage your business needs to stay protected from lawsuits and claims.
Does Your Business Have To Pay The Ransom If You’re Hacked?
By Bryan Gutowsky October 3, 2024
Do businesses have to pay hackers if they suffer a ransomware attack? Learn what recent data shows, why ransom payments are declining, and how cyber insurance protects your company from growing cyber risks.
How Much Commercial Property Insurance Does Your Business Need?
By Bryan Gutowsky October 2, 2024
Learn how to determine how much commercial property insurance your Michigan business needs. We cover building coverage, tenant improvements, business personal property, flood, ordinance or law, equipment breakdown, and more.
What Are The Workers Comp Rates In Michigan?
By Bryan Gutowsky October 1, 2024
Learn how workers compensation insurance rates are calculated in Michigan. We cover payroll, class codes, industry risk, and experience mods so you can better understand what impacts your workers comp costs.
Broad vs Standard Collision Deductible - What's The Difference?
By Bryan Gutowsky September 30, 2024
Learn the difference between broad vs. standard collision deductibles in Michigan auto insurance. Compare costs, coverage, and when each option makes sense.
General Liability Insurance for Commercial Real Estate
By Bryan Gutowsky September 25, 2024
Learn why general liability insurance is essential for Michigan commercial real estate owners. Protect your properties from liability claims, legal defense costs, and tenant risks with the right coverage.
Disability Benefits - Temporary vs Permanent?
By Bryan Gutowsky September 24, 2024
Learn the difference between temporary and permanent disability benefits under Michigan workers compensation. Understand how each benefit works, who qualifies, and how they impact lost wages after a workplace injury.
What Are Commercial Auto Insurance Rates in Michigan?
By Bryan Gutowsky September 22, 2024
Wondering how much commercial auto insurance costs in Michigan? Learn what factors affect rates—including vehicle type, drivers, cargo, fleet size, and more—and what small business owners can expect to pay.
What Is a BOP? (Business Owners Policy)
By Bryan Gutowsky September 20, 2024
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles key coverages like general liability, commercial property, and business interruption into one cost-effective package. Learn what a BOP is, what it covers, and whether your Michigan business qualifies.
Do You Need Property Insurance If You Lease Your Building?
By Bryan Gutowsky September 19, 2024
Leasing a building for your business in Michigan? Learn why commercial property insurance is still essential, including business personal property, income coverage, tenants’ improvements, and lease requirements.
Show More