How much should small business liability insurance cost?

October 28, 2024 | General Liability

This article was originally published January 25, 2022

General liability insurance is a type of coverage that many businesses have and all companies should at least consider. It can protect your business from many different types of risk. How much does small business liability insurance cost on average? That depends on several factors, but it’s also important to consider the value of liability insurance.

When looking into the average cost for general liability insurance, it’s important to remember that this coverage includes customer property damage, non-employee bodily injuries, product liability, libel, slander, and copyright infringement.

What’s more, a general liability insurance policy can be customized with what are called endorsements. These add-on coverages include things like hired and non-owned auto liability, employee benefits liability, employment-related practices liability, liquor liability, and contractors installation, tools & equipment coverage.

Knowing how broad the coverage provided by general liability insurance can be helps you understand the value you’re receiving as you research business liability insurance costs.

Let’s delve a little deeper into the average small business liability insurance costs. We’ll also answer common questions on general business liability insurance costs and explain how you can get the best coverage for your money.

How much is General Liability insurance? Determine your General Liability insurance cost.

At biBerk, general liability insurance (sometimes called commercial general liability) costs start as low as $27.50 per month, with most of our customers paying less than $1,000 annually. We’re able to keep our prices low because we insure you directly and don’t work with middlemen or brokers. As a result, you can save up to 20% on liability insurance costs for your small business.

The best way to determine your specific general liability insurance cost is to get a fast, free online quote. And if you have any further questions regarding your business liability insurance cost, our licensed insurance experts are here to assist you.

Liability insurance for small businesses: Is it right for you?

Every small business is unique. Consequently, there’s no blanket answer to the question, “Does my company need general liability insurance?”

However, there are some “rules of thumb” regarding the need for general liability coverage. You should consider it if:

  • Customers or clients visit you at your place of business
  • You sell a physical product to customers
  • You do installation, repair, or maintenance work for others, such as construction
  • You use third-party locations to conduct business
  • You’re required to have general liability insurance before entering into contracts

As noted above, commercial liability insurance costs are very reasonable, especially when compared to the expense of just one business lawsuit. When it comes to general business liability insurance cost, it’s always low when measured against the worst-case, “what if” business scenario.

Do independent contractors and home businesses need General Liability insurance?

Even if you’re self-employed and have no one working for you, operate a home business, or are a freelancer, you still face business risks. So, yes, it’s a good idea to have general liability insurance. Your small business liability insurance cost is well worth the benefits that a policy provides.

Most likely, you have exposures that should be covered by a general liability policy. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to talk with one of our licensed insurance experts about your unique situation, since every business is different.

They’ll explain everything you need to know, including talking you through the ins and outs of how much your small business liability insurance will cost.

If you need general liability insurance, getting and maintaining proper coverage enables you to focus on your work without worrying about “what if” scenarios and the possibility of large financial burdens associated with business liability.

It’s always best to protect yourself and your business rather than run the risk of not having proper coverage.

Who relies on biBerk for liability insurance?

We help all types of professionals determine their small business liability insurance costs and purchase the appropriate policies. 

New entrepreneurs
People opening their first businesses look to biBerk for affordable financial protection. One of their initial questions typically is, “How much is small business liability insurance?” Once they learn it’s very reasonably priced, they generally buy the essential policies for shielding their companies from lawsuits, property damage, and other losses. But as their businesses grow, and they understand all they’re getting for their business liability insurance cost, they tend to expand their strategies to include other coverages. 

Long-time business owners
Owners who’ve been in business for many years rely on biBerk for several reasons. One is the customized coverage we can provide. In what can be a one-size-fits all industry, we’re unique in offering tailored coverage to meet their needs and budget—and we help them adjust their financial protection as their companies grow and change. We also provide resources focused on risk mitigation, which help them keep their business liability insurance costs down.

Business consultants and advisors
Some of the people we work with don’t buy policies from biBerk but, instead, recommend that their clients purchase from us. These consultants and advisors appreciate that we provide the information needed to develop sound insurance strategies for the business owners they work with—from what’s covered by different policies to what commercial liability insurance will cost. And our licensed insurance experts stay current on industry trends, meaning customers can buy from us with confidence.

General Liability insurance frequently asked questions (FAQs)

In addition to, “What does liability insurance cost for a small business?” you probably have other questions. Our insurance experts are happy to provide answers, but below is some helpful information for your convenience.

Does general liability protect my company from lawsuits?

Yes, general liability insurance helps cover legal fees and settlements, but only if you’re sued for specific reasons as outlined in the policy. For example, you aren’t covered by your general liability policy if an employee sues you or if you’re sued over a professional error.

Does general liability insurance cover errors and omissions?

No, it doesn’t. You’ll want professional liability (errors & omissions) coverage from biBerk if your business provides professional advice or services.

Get details on our errors and omissions insurance.

Does biBerk provide general liability insurance in my state?

We offer general liability insurance in many states. Check out our States Served page for details.

Do I need insurance as a freelancer?

Yes, even self-employed freelancers should consider getting business liability insurance. No matter what work you do or what sector you’re in, the truth is, accidents happen. If something goes wrong and it’s your fault (even a small mistake), a client or customer might file a lawsuit against you.

How do I prove I have general liability insurance?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI), which you can obtain at any time from our website as a policyholder, proves that you have general liability insurance and lists the coverages and limits.

Get covered with biBerk.

Maintaining adequate liability insurance is essential for small companies, but so is finding a commercial general liability insurance cost that fits your budget. You can save up to 20% on liability insurance with biBerk. Get a quote online in just minutes.

Still unsure about something? Our licensed insurance experts are happy to assist you in any way they can, and there are several ways to connect with them. We’re all about helping you make more well-informed decisions about your insurance needs.