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Commercial general liability insurance

Get a quote or talk with a USAA Insurance Agency commercial specialist at 800-292-8135.

Get a quote for commercial general liability insurance

What’s commercial general liability insurance?

Also known as business liability insurance, it helps protect you if someone files a claim or lawsuit against you as a result of a common mishap during your day-to-day operations. This could include something like a customer getting hurt in your store or one of your employees damaging a client’s property. Without coverage, you may have to pay claims and legal costs out of pocket.‍ ‍ See note 1

Does your business need general liability insurance?

Every business can be exposed to a broad range of liability risks. So, whether you have a brick-and-mortar or online company, this policy helps you continue to do business as usual if you face claims or lawsuits. You may also be required to have a policy if you have a commercial lease or contract.

If your business needs coverage beyond what general liability insurance can provide, check out our other solutions for small business insurance.

What could a general liability policy cover?‍ ‍ See note 2

Bodily Injury

If a customer slips and falls in your store, your policy can help pay your legal costs if they sue you.

Medical Bills

Your coverage can also help pay for that customer’s medical expenses if they’re injured at your business.

Property Damage

If you’re working at a client’s home and accidentally break a window, general liability would help pay to repair or replace it.

Reputational Harm

If a client sues you for slander or libel, your policy can help cover your legal expenses.

Advertising Errors

If someone sues you for copyright infringement or false advertising, your coverage can help you.

Other coverage you can add to your policy

There are more than 100 ways to customize your policy. Here are some popular options.

Products and Completed Operations Liability

This could help cover bodily injury and property damage claims resulting from business operations that were done away from your location.

Pollution Liability

This may help provide coverage for claims resulting from the unexpected release of pollutants.

Liquor Liability

This can help protect your business if you manufacture, distribute, sell or serve alcoholic beverages.

Why choose us for general liability insurance?

If you qualify, it just takes a few minutes to quote and buy a USAA policy online. We also work with other leading insurance carriers, so depending on what you need, we may connect you with another insurance company through the USAA Insurance Agency.

A commercial specialist can help you choose the right amount of protection. If you have questions about a policy that fits your business needs, call 800-292-8135.

And if you have to report a claim, you can expect USAA-level support no matter who manages your policy.

An easy way to protect your business

If you need a broader range of coverage, consider a business owners policy, or BOP. It provides coverage for general liability, property damage and business income — all in one policy.

Get a BOP quote for a business owners policy

More powerful policies for your company

Commercial Property

Help protect your building, whether you own or rent, plus the tools and equipment you use.

Learn more: commercial property

Commercial Auto

Get protection if you use your vehicle for business or have large trucks or fleet vehicles.

Learn more: commercial auto

Professional Liability

Get coverage in case something goes wrong with the professional services you provide.

Learn more: professional liability

What’s the difference between general and professional liability?

It depends on the risks your business may face. General liability insurance provides protection from common mishaps that can happen during normal business operations. Professional liability insurance covers negligence or errors that may cause physical or financial harm to your clients.

In some cases, it may be a good idea to have both types of coverage.

Commercial general liability FAQ

There are several factors that determine the cost, including:


  • Size of business

  • Type of industry

  • Amount of risk

  • Assets of the business

  • Amount of coverage

It usually won’t cover damage to your property, injuries your employees sustain on the job, and professional mistakes or negligence.

They aren’t common, but some insurers may require you to have a deductible or provide an option to choose one.

Our agency has long-standing relationships with many insurance providers. We make sure they meet our standards of customer service and financial stability. They have dedicated teams ready to ensure USAA members get a great mix of pricing and service.

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Make sure your business has the right protection.

Get a quote or talk with a USAA Insurance Agency commercial specialist at 800-292-8135.

Get a quote for commercial general liability insurance

Related footnotes:

  1. The above coverage descriptions are intended to provide general information and are not an insurance contract. All coverages are subject to the terms, exclusions and conditions of the insurance policy. Read the insurance policy for complete details. Product, coverage and coverage limits options may vary by insurance company and location. Applications for insurance are subject to underwriting by the insurance company.

  2. The coverage examples or scenarios included above are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. They shouldn’t be compared to an actual claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms, and conditions of the policy as issued and applicable law.

Related footnotes:

  1. Use of the term "member" or "membership" refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.

  2. Small Business Insurance is underwritten by Garrison Property & Casualty Insurance Company, San Antonio, Texas ("Garrison"), or is underwritten by insurance companies that are not affiliated with United Services Automobile Association (USAA) ("third-party insurance companies"). Each company is solely responsible for its insurance products. Any product or coverage descriptions are brief and are informational only. Products, availability, coverages, and terms vary by state and exclusions apply. Applications for insurance are subject to underwriting by the applicable insurance company. All coverages are subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. Read your policy for details. Products underwritten by third-party insurance companies are offered through a relationship between the USAA Insurance Agency (the "Agency") and the third-party insurance company. The Agency contracts with third-party insurance companies to offer products and services ("third-party insurance products") on their behalf. Third-party insurance products are not underwritten by USAA or its affiliates. The Agency receives a commission on the sale or renewal of third-party insurance products and may receive other performance-based compensation from them. When you purchase an insurance product from one of these third-party insurance companies, that company is responsible for protecting your data, and its processes and procedures may differ from those of USAA. USAA Insurance Agency means USAA Insurance Agency, Inc., or USAA of Texas Insurance Agency (collectively the "Agency"). California License #0D78305, Texas License #7096, 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78288.

  3. USAA Insurance Agency means USAA Insurance Agency, Incorporated or USAA of Texas Insurance Agency (collectively the “Agency”). California License #0D78305, Texas License #7096. 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78288. The Agency contracts with insurance carriers that are not affiliated with USAA and offers products and services (“third-party insurance products”) on their behalf. Third-party insurance products are not underwritten by USAA or its affiliates. The Agency receives a commission on the sale or renewal of third-party insurance products and may receive other performance-based compensation from them. Purchase of third-party insurance products does not establish USAA membership. Product and coverage descriptions are brief. All coverages are subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. Read your policy for details. Product and coverage availability may vary in some locations and all applications for insurance are subject to underwriting by the insurance carrier.

  4. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, NOBLR Reciprocal Exchange, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA S.A. (Europe), and USAA S.A. UK Branch (United Kingdom) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

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