General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts

What is General Liability Insurance?

There are common risks that many Massachusetts businesses face, regardless of their size or the industry they’re in. General liability insurance is so-named because it helps protect businesses from lots of these common risks.

For many businesses, general liability insurance is a foundation liability coverage. While it may not provide all the liability protections a business needs, the protections that it does afford are often vital.

General Liability, otherwise known as GL, is designed to protect businesses against claims alleging that the business caused bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury while in the course of operations.

Should Professionals Carry a General Liability Policy?

In most cases, it’s a good idea for professionals to have a general liability policy. Many professionals have offices or other business property that clients, vendors, or other people might be injured on. Additionally, professionals usually aren’t immune from slander, libel, or false advertising lawsuits. Few professionals could afford to fight or settle lawsuits over these types of issues, which is why it’s often wise for professionals to carry general liability coverage.

Are Liquor Liability and Product Liability Coverage Included in General Liability Policies?

General liability policies can provide liquor liability or product liability coverage, but not always. In many cases, businesses that need liquor liability or property liability coverage choose to supplement a general liability policy with a more specialized liability policy. This can provide more robust protection when these kinds of coverages are needed.

What Businesses in Massachusetts Need General Liability Coverage?

Since general liability coverage offers foundational liability protections, most businesses in Massachusetts ought to get this coverage. Coffee shops, delivery companies, retail stores, and apartment complexes are just a few of the many different types of businesses that may benefit from the protections a general liability policy provides.

In some cases, businesses may need a general liability policy in order to get contracts. Large companies and municipalities frequently only work with businesses that have general liability coverage. They sometimes have this requirement because a business’ coverage helps reduce the risk that the hiring company or municipality will be sued for something that the business does.

How Can Businesses in Massachusetts Get Quotes for General Liability Insurance?

For help finding general liability insurance, businesses in Massachusetts should talk with an independent insurance agent who’s licensed in the state. An independent agent can help businesses request quotes for general liability policies, and an agent can assist with comparing the different quotes insurers provide. Because independent agents are free to request quotes from multiple insurers, businesses can be confident that the policy an independent agent helps them select is the best one that's available.