What is General Liability insurance coverage?
Georgia general liability insurance, also called commercial general liability (CGL), can help cover costs related to common risks that many businesses face, such as:
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Other injuries related to your business, excluding employees
- Damage to someone else’s property
- Accusations of libel, slander or copyright infringement
There are a number of different situations where general liability insurance can help protect businesses financially, including the following examples:
- A house cleaner in Savannah accidentally scratches a glass dining table while cleaning a client’s home. General liability could help cover the costs to fix the mistake.
- A customer trips over an Atlanta drywall contractor’s equipment and breaks their ankle. General liability insurance could help to cover medical costs if the contractor is held at fault.
General liability insurance can also provide coverage when you need to defend yourself against accusations of slander, libel or copyright infringement.
Is General Liability insurance required in Georgia?
There are currently no Georgia general liability insurance requirements mandated by state law.
However, some local governments may still require general liability for certain professions or businesses. Check with your city clerk’s office to confirm what insurance you need to operate legally in your area.
Even though it’s not always required, general liability insurance for small businesses in Georgia can still provide important protections. Many small businesses voluntarily buy coverage to:
Gain financial protection
Georgia small businesses could have more financial protection if an accident occurs and they have general liability coverage. Business owners may also find that banks and lenders require this type of Georgia business insurance.
Get more clients
Potential clients may require proof of coverage before agreeing to work with you.
An insurance requirement is sometimes written into contacts. You could risk losing out on business if you don’t carry Georgia general liability insurance.
Sign a commercial rental agreement
Are you planning to sign a lease to operate your business? Property managers in Georgia may refuse to rent space to you without a general liability certificate of insurance.
Secure licenses and permits
Some industries in Georgia require general liability insurance to get a business permit or license. In these cases, general liability insurance ensures that you are operating legally.
To get your contractor’s license in Georgia, for example, you must submit proof of at least $500,000 in general liability coverage. General liability insurance for contractors is required due to the increased physical risks in this line of work.
For more details, see our guide to Georgia general contractor license and insurance requirements.
What types of businesses might need General Liability in Georgia?
General liability insurance covers common risks in almost every industry.
Even if you run a business with a lower level of risk, general liability insurance can still provide important protections.
It’s not uncommon for accidental injuries or property damage to happen in an office environment or small retail spaces. For example, if a barista at a Marietta coffee shop spills a latte on a customer’s designer bag and clothes, leaving permanent stains, general liability coverage could help pay for replacements.
How much is general liability insurance in Georgia?
General liability insurance costs in Georgia vary due to a number of factors, including:
- What type of work you do
- How many employees you have
- Where your business is located
- The policy limits you select
- Any past insurance claims
Georgia small business owners can get affordable and tailored general liability insurance from NEXT online in about 10 minutes. At NEXT, 50% percent of U.S. customers pay $45 or less per month for this type of coverage.**
Learn more about general liability insurance costs.
How NEXT Insurance helps Georgia businesses
NEXT provides Georgia general liability insurance policies designed for small businesses and self-employed workers.
It only takes about 10 minutes to get a quote, review your coverage options, choose your policies and download a certificate of insurance.
Start an instant quote online today.
Our team of licensed insurance advisors is standing by to assist you if you have any questions along the way.
