General Liability Insurance for Contractors
The foundational coverage every contractor needs. Protect your business from bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations claims — and meet the insurance requirements on every job.
Quote General Liability
What General Liability Insurance Covers
A standard commercial general liability (CGL) policy provides six key areas of protection for your contracting business.
Bodily Injury
Covers medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees if a third party (not an employee) is injured on your job site or as a result of your work.
Property Damage
Pays for damage you or your crew cause to someone else's property — a homeowner's floors, a neighboring building, or a client's equipment.
Completed Operations
Covers bodily injury or property damage that occurs after a job is finished. If your work causes a problem months later, this protection kicks in.
Personal & Advertising Injury
Protects against claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, and other non-physical injuries arising from your business activities.
Medical Payments
Pays minor medical expenses for third parties injured on your job site regardless of fault — helps resolve small claims without litigation.
Products Liability
If you manufacture, sell, or install a product that causes injury or damage, products liability coverage protects your business from those claims.
Every Contractor Needs General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance is the single most important coverage for contractors. Whether you're a sole proprietor doing residential remodels or a large commercial contractor with dozens of employees, a CGL policy protects your business from the lawsuits and claims that come with working in and around other people's property.
Without it, a single lawsuit for a trip-and-fall on your job site or a damaged water main could cost tens of thousands — or hundreds of thousands — in defense costs and settlements that you'd pay out of pocket.
Trades That Commonly Require GL Insurance:
- General Contractors
- Roofing Contractors
- Electrical Contractors
- Plumbing Contractors
- HVAC Contractors
- Painting Contractors
- Tile, Flooring & Marble
- Fiber & Networking Installers
- Landscaping & Grading
- Concrete & Masonry
Why General Liability Is Required on Every Job
General contractors, commercial property owners, school districts, municipalities, and private homeowners all routinely require proof of general liability insurance before allowing contractors to begin work. This is standard practice — not optional.
A certificate of insurance (COI) is your proof of coverage. When a GC calls and says "send over your COI," they want to verify you have active general liability (and often workers comp) coverage. Altamira issues certificates of insurance quickly — typically the same business day — so you never lose a job waiting for paperwork.
Most state contractor licensing boards also require general liability insurance as a condition of licensure. In California, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires it. Nevada's State Contractors Board (NSCB) requires it. Arizona's Registrar of Contractors (ROC) requires it. Operating without it puts your license — and your livelihood — at risk.
General Liability Insurance — FAQs
Get a General Liability Quote Today
Expert service available. We work with top-rated carriers to find you the best coverage for your trade.