General Liability covers a wide range of incidents
Slip-and-fall injuries
Someone trips at your business, breaks their leg and files a lawsuit. Excluding employees.
Property damage
You accidentally damage a client or customer’s property.
Advertising injury
You’re sued for improper image use in your advertising.
Legal fees & defense costs
You need an attorney to defend your business in a lawsuit after a claim.
What is General Liability insurance coverage?
General liability insurance, also called commercial general liability (CGL), can help cover costs related to common risks that many Louisiana businesses face, such as:
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Other injuries related to your business, except those involving employees
- Damage to someone else’s property
- Accusations of libel, slander or copyright infringement
This type of Louisiana liability insurance can help protect businesses financially in a number of different situations, such as:
- A client of a Baton Rouge personal trainer needs medical care after tripping and falling off a treadmill. General liability insurance could help to cover medical costs if the trainer is found to be at fault.
- A Kenner electrician accidentally cracks the drywall in a client’s home while running cables through the wall. General liability insurance could help cover the costs to fix the damage.
Louisiana general liability insurance can also help cover situations where you need to defend yourself against an accusation of copyright infringement, libel or slander.
Is General Liability insurance required in Louisiana?
While state law doesn’t require commercial general liability insurance, Louisiana small business owners should check with their city clerk’s office to confirm whether any local requirements apply. Some local governments may require general liability for certain professions or businesses.
Even without state or local requirements for general liability insurance, Louisiana entrepreneurs can still benefit from having this coverage. Business owners with CGL insurance often find that it has a number of advantages, such as:
Financial protection
Louisiana commercial general liability insurance can help protect businesses financially when a covered incident occurs. Additionally, small business owners may find that banks and lenders require this type of Louisiana business insurance.
Work contracts
Some clients may request a certificate of insurance before agreeing to work with you.
Proof of Louisiana general liability insurance is sometimes written into contracts. You could risk losing out on potential jobs if you don’t have this coverage.
Commercial lease agreement
Some commercial property leases require proof of a general liability insurance policy. Louisiana property managers may refuse to rent to you without this coverage.
Licenses and permits
Depending on your industry, you may need general liability coverage in Louisiana to get a business license or permit.
For example, general liability insurance for contractors in Louisiana is required. Commercial, home improvement and residential contractors must provide proof of general liability coverage of at least $100,000 to obtain a Louisiana contractor’s license.
See our guide to Louisiana general contractor license and insurance requirements for more details.
What types of businesses might need General Liability in Louisiana?
General liability insurance can help cover common risks in almost every industry.
Even if you run a Louisiana business with a lower level of risk, general liability insurance could help provide important protections. Property damage and accidental injuries can occur in most types of workplaces.
For example, if a bakery employee accidentally breaks a glass door while delivering a wedding cake to a venue, general liability insurance may be able to help pay for a replacement.
How much does General Liability insurance cost in Louisiana?
Many factors can influence a small business’s general liability insurance cost. Louisiana CGL insurance premiums vary based on:
- The policy limits you select
- The industry you operate in
- Where your business is located
- How many employees you have
- Your past insurance claims
Louisiana small business owners can get affordable general liability insurance from NEXT online in about 10 minutes. Half of our U.S. customers pay $45 or less per month for this type of coverage.**
Learn more about general liability insurance costs.
How NEXT Insurance helps Louisiana businesses
NEXT provides Louisiana general liability insurance policies designed for small businesses and self-employed workers.
It only takes about 10 minutes to get a quote, review your coverage options, choose your policies and download a certificate of insurance.
Start an instant quote online today.
Our team of licensed insurance advisors is standing by to assist you if you have any questions along the way.
Other types of Louisiana business insurance
Every Louisiana business with employees is required to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This type of insurance can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages if a worker gets hurt on the job.
Learn more about workers’ compensation.
Commercial auto insurance can help cover costs such as medical bills, property damage and rental reimbursement if you or one of your employees gets into an accident while driving a work vehicle.
All vehicles in Louisiana are required to have a commercial auto insurance policy with minimum coverage of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.1
Learn more about commercial auto.
Commercial property insurance can help protect a business’s physical assets, including inventory, equipment, furniture and brick-and-mortar buildings. If a covered event occurs, like a fire or a burst water pipe, this insurance could help cover the costs to repair or replace important assets.
If you plan to get general liability and commercial property coverage, consider a business owner’s policy (BOP) which combines both types of insurance and may feature savings on monthly premiums.
Learn more about commercial property insurance.
Professional liability insurance can help provide financial protection if a customer or client claims you made a professional mistake that cost them money. Also called errors and omissions, this insurance is commonly bundled with general liability insurance for small businesses.
Learn more about professional liability.
Sources
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