Jump ahead to learn:
- Is General Liability insurance coverage required in Illinois?
- How does General Liability insurance work in Illinois?
- Examples of General Liability insurance claims for a Illinois small business
- How much does General Liability insurance cost in Illinois?
- How ERGO NEXT General Liability insurance can help protect Illinois business owners
Is General Liability insurance coverage required in Illinois?
Your small business may need general liability insurance depending on your operations and location. For example, Illinois business owners may need general liability insurance to:
- Win new clients. Some clients may require proof of general liability insurance before signing a contract. If you don’t have this type of business coverage, you could lose out on potential work opportunities.
- Sign a commercial property lease. Some Illinois property owners or management companies may refuse to rent to you if you don’t have this type of business insurance.
- Obtain certain professional licenses and permits. For example, general contractors in Chicago must show a certificate of insurance for at least $1 million in general liability coverage to obtain a contractor’s license.
How does General Liability insurance work in Illinois?
From Chicago to Carbondale, Quincy to Champaign, general liability insurance could help protect your business from a variety of common business liability claims, including:
- Injuries to non-employees, such as a customer who trips and falls on your property — then asks your business to pay their medical bills.
- Property damage to other people’s property caused by you or your employees during business operations.
- Personal or advertising injury, such as copyright infringement, libel, or slander.
- Legal costs and attorney fees to defend your business against some lawsuits.
Examples of General Liability insurance claims for a Illinois small business
- A customer slips on a wet floor in a Chicago grocery store and injures their shoulder. General liability coverage can help pay for medical expenses and legal fees if the business is held liable.
- An electrician in Naperville completes wiring that later overheats and causes a fire at a client’s home. General liability insurance can help pay to repair the property damage.
- A Schaumburg marketing consultant is taken to court for copyright infringement on a social media ad. General liability insurance could help cover costs like legal fees, settlements and judgments.
