General Liability Insurance FAQs: Everything Business Owners Ask
At Ostrom Group LLC, we help business owners in Melbourne, FL, Palm Bay, FL, Sebastian, FL, Stuart, FL, Vero Beach, FL, and surrounding areas understand their coverage options — including general liability insurance and related commercial protections. Our team works with businesses of all kinds to make insurance clearer and to support you with solutions tailored to your risks and needs.
What Is General Liability Insurance?
General liability insurance protects your business from financial loss due to claims by third parties, including:
- Bodily injury to a customer on your property
- Property damage you accidentally cause
- Advertising injury (like claims of slander or copyright issues)
This kind of coverage helps cover legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments that arise from covered claims.
Who Needs General Liability Coverage?
Many business owners find this type of coverage important because it helps protect against common risks that happen in everyday operations, such as:
- A visitor slipping and falling at your location
- Damage caused during a job or service
- Claims related to your business advertising
If your business interacts with customers, vendors, or the public, general liability insurance can be a foundation of your commercial insurance plan.
What Does It Usually Not Cover?
General liability typically does not include:
- Employee injuries (that’s workers’ compensation)
- Professional errors in services (professional liability)
- Damage to your own equipment or property
Depending on your business, you might combine general liability with other policies like commercial property, workers’ comp, or a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP).
What Affects the Cost of Coverage?
Several factors may influence your insurance cost, including:
- Your business industry and risk level
- Annual revenue
- Number of employees
- Claims history
- Location and size of your business
A local independent agency can help compare options from different carriers to find the coverage and cost structure that fits your needs.
How Do You File a Claim?
If someone makes a claim against your business:
- Notify your insurance agent right away.
- Provide details of the incident (photos, witness statements, etc.).
- Work with the insurer through the claims process.
Your agent can help guide you and answer questions during each step.
If you have questions about general liability insurance, want to review your current policy, or need guidance on coverage options for your business, help is available. Taking time to understand your coverage can support informed decisions and reduce unexpected risks. If you need assistance, we’re just a phone call away.