General Liability Insurance Alabama
General liability insurance for Alabama businesses. Coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and lawsuits.
General Liability Insurance in Alabama
General liability insurance is the foundation of business protection, covering third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. TCDS Insurance Agency compares general liability rates from 50+ carriers to find affordable coverage for Alabama businesses.
What General Liability Covers
General liability insurance protects your business when a customer slips and falls on your premises, when your work damages a client's property, or when you face advertising injury claims like copyright infringement. Most policies include $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits.
Who Needs General Liability?
Every business that interacts with the public, works on client property, or has a physical location needs general liability insurance. Many contracts, leases, and licensing requirements mandate proof of general liability coverage. Costs typically range from $500-$3,000 per year depending on your industry and revenue.
Get a free general liability quote from TCDS Insurance Agency and protect your Alabama business from costly liability claims.
What does general liability insurance cover for contractors?
General liability (GL) insurance covers three main risks contractors face: (1) bodily injury to property owners, customers, or visitors at your job site (customer slips on tools, homeowner injured by falling debris), (2) property damage you cause to client property (accidentally break a window, damage flooring, crack a foundation), and (3) advertising injury like copyright or slander. It pays for legal defense, medical bills, property repairs, and settlements—even if you're not at fault.
How much does general liability insurance cost for contractors?
Contractors typically pay $500-$3,000/year for $1-2 million in general liability coverage depending on trade. Low-risk trades (office contractors, consultants) pay less; high-risk trades (roofers, concrete workers) pay more. Cost factors: annual revenue, number of employees, claims history, coverage limits, and deductible amount.
Do I need general liability insurance if I'm a sole proprietor contractor?
Yes—even sole proprietors need GL insurance. General contractors require Certificate of Insurance (COI) from all subcontractors before allowing work on site. Commercial property owners demand proof of coverage. You cannot bid on most jobs without it. Banks require it for construction loans. Many municipalities require it to pull permits.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document proving you have active insurance coverage. It lists your policy number, coverage types, limits, effective dates, and names the certificate holder (general contractor or property owner). General contractors require COIs from all subcontractors before work begins. You get COIs from your insurance agent—usually within 24 hours of request.
What is NOT covered by general liability insurance?
GL insurance does NOT cover: employee injuries (need workers comp), professional errors or advice (need E&O insurance), your own tools and equipment (need inland marine), your own property damage (need commercial property), auto accidents (need commercial auto), intentional damage, or contractual liability beyond standard contracts.
What coverage limits do contractors need for general liability?
Most general contractors require subcontractors to carry $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate. Some large commercial projects require $2 million per occurrence / $4 million aggregate. Higher limits cost more but may be required by contract. Always check contract requirements before bidding—upgrading limits mid-project is expensive.
TCDS Insurance Agency · 4316 Main St, Pinson, AL 35126 · (205) 847-5616 · info@tcdsagency.com