Business liability insurance

Business liability insurance is a type of coverage that provides crucial protection against the high cost of lawsuits. It also helps business owners secure leases and contracts.

Even if a business is not directly responsible, a customer could sue over an accident that happened at your shop or office. For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor at your business and gets injured, you could be held responsible for their medical expenses.

Legal defense costs and medical bills can devastate a business, even if you're not to blame. That’s why certain types of insurance, particularly general liability insurance coverage, are recommended across all industries – especially those that welcome visitors.

Your industry, state, and other factors determine when you need business insurance. You might need business liability insurance to:

When your business is sued, liability insurance covers the cost of legal fees, court-ordered judgments, and settlements up to your policy limits. The per-occurrence limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a single incident, and the aggregate limit is the most it will pay during the policy period.

A general liability policy covers the most common liability risks, but business owners should consider other coverage as well. Here's a breakdown of the most frequently purchased liability insurance policies:

General liability insurance protects against common third-party risks, such as customer lawsuits over bodily injury or property damage. It also protects against lawsuits over product defects and advertising injuries, including copyright infringement.

Professional liability insurance is also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O) or malpractice insurance, depending on the industry. It covers your legal costs if a client sues over a professional mistake or oversight, such as a missed deadline.

Employer's liability insurance is included in almost all workers' compensation insurance policies. It provides financial protection against lawsuits brought by employees claiming your negligence caused an injury.

Commercial auto insurance helps pay for liability claims if your business vehicle gets into an accident and someone sues over an injury or property damage. All car insurance policies need to meet your state's minimum requirements for auto liability limits.

Sole proprietors who own a vehicle used for work should consider commercial auto liability insurance, or hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA), in additional to any personal liability policies in case they are involved in a car accident while driving their personal car for work.

Cyber insurance helps small businesses recover from costly data breaches and cyberattacks. It also protects network security businesses and IT consultants against lawsuits from clients who might hold them responsible for failing to prevent a breach.

Commercial umbrella insurance can provide additional coverage for liability claims made on general liability, employer’s liability, or a commercial auto insurance policy once policy limits have been reached.

Before you can purchase an umbrella policy, however, an insurer will require you to carry a certain amount of coverage for the underlying policy. Once the minimum coverage has been met, your business will qualify for an umbrella insurance policy.

Business liability insurance provides protection when a business is held responsible for another person's property damages or losses. Commercial property insurance is another type of insurance that protects your business property against theft, fire, vandalism, and other risks.

Most small business owners qualify for a business owner's policy (BOP), which combines general liability insurance with commercial property insurance at a discount. A BOP can help pay to repair or replace your inventory, equipment, and other business property after damage or loss.