Protection for California Businesses
General liability insurance may help protect a business from certain claims involving customer injuries, damage to someone else’s property, and other covered liabilities.
Jose Estrada helps eligible California business owners explore general liability coverage based on their operations, location, customers, employees, sales, and contractual requirements. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.
What General Liability Insurance May Cover
Depending on the policy, general liability coverage may include:
- Third-party bodily injury
- Third-party property damage
- Personal and advertising injury
- Legal defense costs for covered claims
- Medical payments
- Premises and operations liability
- Products and completed operations liability
Coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and eligibility vary by carrier and business type.
What General Liability Usually Does Not Cover
General liability insurance generally does not replace:
- Workers’ compensation for employee injuries
- Commercial auto insurance for business vehicles
- Commercial property insurance for your building, equipment, or inventory
- Professional liability for errors in professional services
- Employment practices liability
- Cyber liability insurance
- Coverage for intentional or illegal acts
Additional policies may be needed depending on how your business operates.
Businesses We May Assist
General liability coverage may be available for eligible:
- Contractors and service businesses
- Landscapers and gardeners
- Janitorial and cleaning companies
- Restaurants and food stands
- Retail stores
- Tire shops and automotive repair businesses
- Auto dealers and wholesalers
- Body shops and auto-detailing businesses
- Property owners and other small businesses
Certificates of Insurance and Additional Insureds
Landlords, customers, vendors, and general contractors may require proof of general liability insurance. A certificate of insurance can provide evidence of active coverage.
Some contracts may also require another person or organization to be added as an additional insured. These requests are subject to the insurance policy, carrier approval, and any applicable endorsement or charge.
Request a California General Liability Insurance Quote
Tell us about your business, the work you perform, the coverage you need, and your current policy expiration date. We will contact you to gather any additional information and discuss available coverage options.
Submitting an inquiry does not bind, change, or provide insurance coverage. Do not cancel existing insurance until replacement coverage has been confirmed in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is general liability insurance required in California?
California does not generally require every business to carry general liability insurance. However, a landlord, customer, licensing authority, vendor, or contract may require it. Requirements depend on the business and the work being performed.
How much does general liability insurance cost?
The cost depends on factors such as the type of business, annual sales, payroll, location, coverage limits, subcontracted work, prior claims, and the number of employees. A completed application is normally needed to provide an accurate quote.
Does general liability cover employee injuries?
General liability generally does not cover injuries to employees. Workers’ compensation insurance is normally used for covered employee injuries and occupational illnesses.
Does general liability cover business vehicles?
General liability generally does not cover vehicles used by the business. Commercial auto insurance may be needed for owned, leased, hired, or other business-use vehicles.
Does general liability cover professional mistakes?
Professional mistakes or failure to provide professional services may require professional liability or errors and omissions insurance. Coverage depends on the services the business provides.
Can I obtain a certificate of insurance?
After qualifying coverage has been issued, a certificate of insurance can generally be provided as evidence of coverage. A certificate does not change or expand the terms of the insurance policy.
Can a landlord or customer be added as an additional insured?
An additional insured may often be added when required by a lease or written contract. Availability depends on the policy, carrier, endorsement, and relationship between the parties.
What information is needed for a quote?
Information may include the business name, address, type of work, years in business, annual sales, payroll, number of employees, subcontractor costs, coverage limits, prior insurance, and claims history.
Is assistance available in Spanish?
Yes. Se habla español. California business owners may request assistance in English or Spanish.
Does submitting the form activate coverage?
No. Submitting a form or receiving a quote does not bind or activate insurance. Coverage begins only after all carrier requirements are satisfied and binding or issuance has been confirmed.