General Liability Insurance Texas
General Liability Insurance for Texas Businesses
GL is the foundation of every business insurance program. It covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury — the claims that come from doing business.
What’s covered
- Bodily injury to customers or third parties at your location or job site
- Property damage you cause to someone else
- Personal and advertising injury — libel, slander, copyright infringement
- Products and completed operations liability
- Defense costs, even on claims that don’t result in a judgment
Best for
- Contractors required to carry GL on job sites
- Service businesses with client-facing operations
- Businesses naming a GC or landlord as additional insured
- Any Texas business that wants protection before they need it
Ready to get covered?
Most standard GL quotes are fast. Start online or talk to an advisor.
What general liability insurance covers
General liability (GL) is the foundation of most commercial insurance programs. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims — situations where someone claims your business caused them harm or damaged their property.
A customer slips at your job site. A visitor is injured on your property. GL covers medical costs and legal defense if you’re sued.
You or your crew damage a client’s property while working. GL covers the cost of repairs and any resulting legal claims.
Claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or wrongful eviction. Often required by contracts even when physical damage isn’t a concern.
Covers claims arising after your work is finished — a contractor’s completed job causes damage, or a product you sold injures someone.
What does general liability insurance cost in Texas?
GL pricing depends on your trade, annual revenue, payroll, and claims history. These are representative ranges for Texas small businesses — actual quotes vary by carrier and underwriting.
| Business Type | Typical Annual Premium | Common Limits |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $1,200 – $4,500/yr | $1M/$2M |
| Electrician | $900 – $2,800/yr | $1M/$2M |
| HVAC contractor | $1,000 – $3,200/yr | $1M/$2M |
| Plumber | $900 – $2,600/yr | $1M/$2M |
| Cleaning / janitorial | $400 – $1,200/yr | $1M/$2M |
| Landscaper | $600 – $1,800/yr | $1M/$2M |
Premiums shown are estimates. Your actual rate depends on revenue, payroll, location, and underwriting. Contact us for a real quote.
Common questions about GL insurance in Texas
Do Texas contractors legally need general liability insurance?
Texas does not have a universal state law requiring GL for all contractors, but most GC contracts, city permits, and licensing boards require it. If you’re bidding on commercial work or pulling permits, you almost certainly need GL on file before you can start.
What limits should I carry?
Most contracts require a $1M per-occurrence / $2M aggregate minimum. Some commercial GCs and government work require $2M per occurrence. Check your contracts first — we can structure limits to match what you need.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
For standard accounts that bind online, certificates can be issued same day. For accounts that go through advisor review, typical turnaround is same business day once we have complete information and coverage is bound.
What’s the difference between GL and a BOP?
A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) bundles GL with commercial property coverage. It’s practical for businesses that own or lease a space, have equipment worth insuring, or need broader protection. Pure GL is often the right call for contractors who work at client sites and don’t need property coverage.
Can I add additional insureds to my policy?
Yes. Additional insured endorsements are standard on GL policies and typically required by GCs and property owners. We handle these requests as a normal part of the process — no extra hoops.
Ready to get covered?
Answer a few questions and we’ll put together the right GL options for your business. Same-day response for most accounts.
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