How to Apply for General Liability Insurance

Q: Details about what you do and your business operations.

The potential hazards or risks associated with your work (e.g., handling hazardous chemicals, working on roofs on in trees) Your relevant experience, licenses or certifications How many business locations you have Details about your business premises A list of any safety features on your property (e.g., fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, security systems)

Q: Your insurance and claims history.

Types of policies that you currently have or have had before Details of any past liability losses or claims within the last three years (including damage to property, accidents, and injuries)

Q: Your coverage requirements.

The desired general liability limit or coverage amount (Options typically range from $300,000 to $2,000,000 for small businesses).

Small Business information you can trust.

Updated August 2025 by Ed Grasso

Insuring over 1 million small business owners worldwide.

Buy instantly online. No junk mail. No spam calls.

Insuring over 1 million small businesses worldwide.

Buy instantly online. No junk mail. No spam calls.

What Information is Needed to Apply for General Liability Insurance?

Getting general liability coverage for your business doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated, especially if you have the needed information ahead of time. Depending on the insurance provider and your specific business, additional information may be needed, but this list should give you a good start.

Here’s what we recommend to have on hand:

Basic business information.

The name and location of your business
Your contact information (name, email, phone number, address)
Business type or structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC)
The year you started your business
How many employees you have (full-time and part-time)
Your estimated revenue for the upcoming year
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Details about what you do and your business operations.

Your insurance and claims history.

Your coverage requirements.

What is the Cost of General Liability Insurance?

The truth is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price for general liability since the cost depends on several key factors. Here’s a snapshot of what our customers typically pay for general liability insurance:

Table depicting the cost of general liability insurance

*Data from Simply Business customers who purchased a GL policy between July 1st, 2024 and December 31st, 2024.

What you pay depends on a few key things, including: your industry, location, and how much coverage you choose. Most small businesses will pay less than $95 per month.

These numbers are based on real policies purchased through our site. But getting a great premium isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about working with a partner that understands your business. And because we work with a range of trusted insurers, you’ll see options to match your business, so you can choose a policy that works for you and your budget.

How much will I pay for general liability insurance?

Get a quick estimate in just 3 steps. No obligation. No email required.

What Happens After I Apply for General Liability Insurance?

You get your quotes.

Once you complete the online form (usually just a few minutes), we take it from there and share quotes with you from the top-rated insurers we work with.

You choose and purchase a policy.

You can easily and quickly compare quotes and coverages on your laptop or your mobile device. You select the one that works best for your business and your budget.

You receive proof of insurance (COI).

Once you purchase a policy, we’ll send you a link to create an account where you can download proof of insurance (known as a certificate of insurance or COI), whenever you need it.

mobile phone screen with insurance quotes

The Simply Business Difference

We make small business insurance simple — so you can get covered without the hassle. We’re a digital insurance brokerage. That means we’re not tied to one insurer. Instead, we partner with a range of top-rated carriers. With one easy form, you can compare quotes from top-rated insurers and choose coverage that fits your business, your risks, and your budget.
No hidden costs. No guesswork. Just clear, affordable options built for small business owners like you — so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re not overpaying.

Get Quotes

Small business insurance made simple.

Search

Answer a few questions and get coverage recommendations for your business.

Compare

View custom quotes from top-rated small business insurers.

Save

Choose your policy, many with up to 20% savings.*

Feel confident in your choice.

We partner with a range of top-rated carriers and use smart technology to match you with policies that fit your specific business, your risks, and budget.