General liability (GL) insurance covers third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage arising from your business operations. Almost every business needs it — from sole proprietors and contractors to retail stores and professional service firms.

Most small businesses start with a $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate policy. If you work on large contracts, lease commercial space, or face significant public exposure, Matt may recommend higher limits or an umbrella policy on top.

An occurrence policy covers incidents that happen during the policy period, even if the claim is filed years later. A claims-made policy only covers claims filed while the policy is active. Occurrence policies are generally preferred for long-term protection.

No — employee injuries are covered by workers' compensation insurance. General liability only covers third-party (non-employee) bodily injury and property damage claims.

Adding someone as an additional insured extends your GL policy protection to them for covered claims related to your work. Many clients and property owners require this before allowing you on-site. Our team can add additional insureds and issue certificates quickly.

Absolutely. Many clients won't work with you without it. GL policies for independent contractors and freelancers are surprisingly affordable — often starting under $500/year. Our team works with carriers specializing in small and home-based businesses.