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?
Michigan general liability insurance, also called commercial general liability (CGL), can help cover costs related to common risks faced by many businesses, such as:
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Other injuries related to your business, excluding employees
- Damage to someone else’s property
- Accusations of libel, slander or copyright infringement
General liability insurance can help protect businesses financially in several different situations. For example:
- A Grand Rapids carpet cleaner accidentally dislodges a corner of the carpet while cleaning, causing their client to trip. General liability insurance could help cover the emergency medical treatment they want to make sure they aren’t seriously hurt.
- A Lansing snow plower causes damage to a client’s driveway while removing snow. General liability could help cover the costs of fixing the damage.
Michigan general liability insurance can also help cover situations where you need to defend yourself against an accusation of copyright infringement, slander or libel.
Is General Liability insurance required in Michigan?
Michigan businesses are not required to carry general liability insurance.
Although the state does not impose mandates for business liability insurance, Michigan cities and counties may have their own requirements. Check with your city clerk’s office to confirm what insurance you need to operate legally in your area.
Even without being legally required to carry commercial general liability insurance, Michigan entrepreneurs can still benefit from this coverage. Many small businesses voluntarily buy coverage to:
Gain financial protection
With general liability insurance coverage, Michigan businesses may be better protected financially when a covered incident occurs. Additionally, some lenders and banks require proof of this type of Michigan business insurance.
Get more clients
Potential clients may require proof of coverage before agreeing to work with you.
An insurance requirement is sometimes written into contacts. You could risk losing out on business if you don’t carry Michigan liability insurance.
Sign a commercial rental agreement
Some commercial property leases require proof of general liability insurance. Michigan property managers may refuse to rent out space to you if you don’t have this coverage.
Secure licenses and permits
To secure a business permit or professional license, you may need to have general liability insurance.
For example, vendors in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan must carry general liability insurance in order to obtain a business license.1
What types of businesses might need General Liability insurance in Michigan?
General liability insurance covers common risks in almost every industry.
Even if you run a business with a lower level of risk, general liability insurance can still provide important protections.
It’s not uncommon for accidental injuries or property damage to happen in an office environment or small retail space. If a server at your Ann Arbor restaurant spills soup on a customer’s designer jacket, for example, Michigan general liability insurance could help cover the cost to repair or replace it.
How much does General Liability insurance cost in Michigan?
The insurance premiums for this type of Michigan business insurance vary depending on several factors, including:
- What type of work you do
- How many employees you have
- Where your business is located
- Any past insurance claims
- The policy limits you select
Michigan business owners can get an affordable, customized policy from NEXT. Our general liability premiums are priced at $45 or less per month for 50% of our U.S. customers.**
Learn more about general liability insurance costs.
How NEXT Insurance helps Michigan businesses
NEXT provides Michigan 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 Michigan business insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover lost wages and medical expenses if an employee gets hurt on the job. Most employers in Michigan with one or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance.2
Learn more about workers’ compensation.
If you or an employee gets in an accident, commercial auto insurance can help cover costs like medical bills, rental reimbursement and property damage.
All Michigan vehicles must have auto insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage.3
Learn more about commercial auto.
Commercial property insurance can help protect a business’s physical assets, including brick-and-mortar structures, inventory, equipment and furniture. 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.
A business owner’s policy (BOP) combines this type of insurance with general liability, which typically results in savings on monthly premiums.
Learn more about commercial property insurance.
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions, can help protect your business financially if a customer or client claims you made a work mistake that cost them money. It’s commonly bundled with small business general liability insurance for more comprehensive protection.
Learn more about professional liability.
Get customized insurance wherever you do business
Learn more about general liability insurance options in the state where you work.
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Let’s find the coverage you need for your business
Business insurance is divided into different policies. We offer seven types so it's easy to design the coverage that fits your business.
