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General liability for small businesses

A first map before you request a certificate. Plain-English education—not a quote or personalized advice.

Alex Rivera1 min read
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Educational only. PolicyPlain does not sell insurance and does not provide insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage rules and prices vary by state and insurer. Read our full disclaimer.

Before you request a certificate of insurance, map which exposures actually exist in your business week—not just what a template PDF asks for.

Educational only—not a quote, recommendation, or personalized advice. Rules and policy forms vary by state and carrier.

First-pass coverage map

  1. GL / CGL — customer injuries, third-party property damage
  2. Commercial property — your gear, inventory, improvements
  3. Workers’ comp — where required for employees
  4. Commercial auto — vehicles used for work
  5. Professional / E&O — if you give advice, designs, or IT services
  6. Cyber — if you store client data

Related: Business GL vs BOP · Liability for small businesses

Frequently asked questions

How much general liability do small businesses buy?+

Many contracts ask for $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate as a starting certificate line—but needs vary by industry and client requirements. Underwriting determines what you can actually bind.

Does a BOP replace general liability?+

A business owners policy (BOP) often **bundles** GL with property coverage for eligible small businesses. Larger or specialized risks may need standalone GL plus other lines.