General Liability Insurance
The foundation of business protection. Essential for virtually every business.
General liability insurance protects your business when someone claims you caused them injury or damaged their property. It's often the first policy businesses buy—and for good reason. Without it, a single lawsuit could devastate your business financially.
Get a General Liability Quote
Most businesses can be quoted quickly with basic information
What General Liability Covers
Bodily Injury
Medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs if someone is injured on your premises or by your business operations. Covers everything from slip-and-fall accidents to injuries caused by your products.
Property Damage
Repair or replacement costs if your business damages someone else's property. This includes damage caused by you, your employees, or your products and services.
Personal & Advertising Injury
Claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or false advertising. Protects against non-physical injuries to reputation or intellectual property.
Legal Defense Costs
Attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments—even for frivolous lawsuits. Defense costs are typically paid in addition to your policy limits.
Medical Payments
Immediate medical expenses for minor injuries on your premises, regardless of fault. Helps prevent small incidents from becoming lawsuits.
What's NOT Covered
Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered:
Who Needs General Liability?
Short answer: Almost every business. If you interact with customers, work at client locations, sell products, or have anyone visit your premises, you need general liability coverage.
Retail Stores
Customer slip-and-falls, product liability claims
Contractors
Property damage at job sites, third-party injuries
Restaurants
Food poisoning claims, customer injuries
Professional Services
Client meetings, office visitors
Manufacturers
Product defects, delivery accidents
Service Businesses
Work performed at client locations
Real Claims Examples
See how general liability responds in common scenarios:
Customer Slip and Fall
Scenario: A customer slips on a wet floor in your store and breaks their wrist.
Coverage: General liability pays their medical bills ($15,000), lost wages ($3,000), and your legal defense when they sue for pain and suffering.
Property Damage at Job Site
Scenario: Your employee accidentally damages a client's hardwood floor while moving equipment.
Coverage: General liability covers the $8,000 floor replacement cost and any additional damages the client claims.
Product Liability
Scenario: A product you sell causes an allergic reaction requiring hospitalization.
Coverage: General liability covers medical expenses, your legal defense, and any settlement—potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Advertising Injury
Scenario: A competitor sues claiming your advertisement contains false statements about their product.
Coverage: General liability pays your legal defense costs and any settlement, even if the claim seems frivolous.
What Affects Your Premium?
General liability premiums vary widely based on your specific situation:
Business Type
Higher-risk operations (construction, manufacturing) pay more than low-risk (consulting, office work)
Annual Revenue
More revenue generally means more exposure and higher premiums
Location
Businesses in high-litigation areas may pay more
Claims History
Previous claims can significantly increase your rates
Coverage Limits
Higher limits cost more but provide better protection
Deductible
Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase out-of-pocket costs
Typical Range: Small, low-risk businesses might pay $300-$600/year. Higher-risk operations like contractors can pay $1,000-$5,000+ annually. The only way to know your cost is to get a quote based on your specific business.
Get Your General Liability Quote
General liability is essential protection for your business. Let's find you the right coverage at a competitive price.
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Ryan Parrack Insurance
Serving Elkins, Buckhannon & Northern/Central WV
Elkins, WV