Coverage Guide · United States · 2026

General Liability Insurance for small business

General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims against your business. It is the foundational policy most small businesses carry.

Typical cost · $300.00–$800.00 per year

Who needs this coverage

Profession	Category	Recommended level
Acupuncturist Full guide	health	Required
Appliance Repair Technician Full guide	trades	Required
Baker (Home-Based)Full guide	food-service	Required
Bartender (Mobile)Full guide	food-service	Required
Carpenter Full guide	trades	Required
Carpet Cleaner Full guide	cleaning	Required
Carpet Installer Full guide	trades	Required
Caterer Full guide	food-service	Required
Chiropractor Full guide	health	Required
Cleaning Service Full guide	cleaning	Required
Coffee Cart Full guide	food-service	Required
Concrete Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Construction Laborer Full guide	trades	Required
Courier Full guide	transportation	Required
Delivery Driver Full guide	transportation	Required
Demolition Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Dog Breeder Full guide	pet-services	Required
Dog Trainer Full guide	pet-services	Required
Doula Full guide	health	Required
Electrician Full guide	trades	Required
Electronics Repair Technician Full guide	trades	Required
Esthetician Full guide	health	Required
Excavation Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Fencing Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Fitness Instructor Full guide	health	Required
Flooring Installer Full guide	trades	Required
Food Truck Full guide	food-service	Required
General Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
HVAC Technician Full guide	trades	Required
Handyman Full guide	trades	Required
Home Health Aide Full guide	health	Required
Hot Shot Trucking Full guide	transportation	Required
Janitorial Service Full guide	cleaning	Required
Junk Removal Full guide	cleaning	Required
Landscaper Full guide	trades	Required
Mason / Bricklayer Full guide	trades	Required
Massage Therapist Full guide	health	Required
Medical Transport Full guide	transportation	Required
Mental Health Counselor Full guide	health	Required
Mobile Bartender Full guide	food-service	Required
Mobile Dog Groomer Full guide	pet-services	Required
Mobile Vet Tech Full guide	pet-services	Required
Moving Company Full guide	transportation	Required
Nail Technician Full guide	health	Required
Nutritionist Full guide	health	Required
Occupational Therapist (Freelance)Full guide	health	Required
Painter Full guide	trades	Required
Personal Chef Full guide	food-service	Required
Personal Trainer Full guide	health	Required
Pest Control Full guide	cleaning	Required
Pet Sitter Full guide	pet-services	Required
Plumber Full guide	trades	Required
Pool Cleaner Full guide	cleaning	Required
Pool Service Full guide	cleaning	Required
Pressure Washing Full guide	trades	Required
Roofer Full guide	trades	Required
Speech Therapist (Freelance)Full guide	health	Required
Tow Truck Operator Full guide	transportation	Required
Tree Service Full guide	trades	Required
Welder Full guide	trades	Required
Wellness Coach Full guide	health	Required
Window Cleaner Full guide	cleaning	Required
Yoga Instructor Full guide	health	Required
Amazon FBA Seller Full guide	retail	Recommended
Dog Walker Full guide	pet-services	Recommended
Etsy Seller Full guide	retail	Recommended
Flea Market Vendor Full guide	retail	Recommended
Photographer Full guide	freelance	Recommended
Real Estate Agent Full guide	professional-services	Recommended
Vending Machine Operator Full guide	retail	Recommended
Animator Full guide	freelance	Optional
Auto Detailer Full guide	other	Optional
Bookkeeper Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Consultant Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Copywriter Full guide	freelance	Optional
DJ Full guide	freelance	Optional
Daycare Provider Full guide	other	Optional
Driving Instructor Full guide	other	Optional
Event Planner Full guide	freelance	Optional
Freelance Writer Full guide	freelance	Optional
Grant Writer Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Graphic Designer Full guide	freelance	Optional
Illustrator Full guide	freelance	Optional
Interior Designer Full guide	freelance	Optional
Life Coach Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Locksmith Full guide	other	Optional
Musician Full guide	freelance	Optional
Notary Public Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Property Manager Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Publicist Full guide	freelance	Optional
Recruiter Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Security Guard Full guide	other	Optional
Social Media Manager Full guide	freelance	Optional
Tattoo Artist Full guide	other	Optional
Tax Preparer Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Translator Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Tutor Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Videographer Full guide	freelance	Optional
Virtual Assistant Full guide	professional-services	Optional
Web Developer Full guide	freelance	Optional

SOURCE · National carrier filings · BLS labor statistics · Updated 2026

Best carriers for general liability

Embroker

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Hiscox

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NEXT Insurance

AM Best: A-

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Simply Business

AM Best: A

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Thimble

AM Best: A

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