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    General Liability Insurance

    General liability insurance covers legal costs and damages if your business is held responsible for third-party injury or property damage—even if you've done nothing wrong. Get a quote and buy coverage for your business in under five minutes, entirely online.

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    APOLLO and Gallagher Partner to Protect Your Business

    We've partnered with Gallagher, one of Canada's leading insurance brokers, to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get professional liability, general liability, and/or contents insurance designed specifically for your profession.

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    Get Insurance in 3 Easy Steps

    Find and select the coverage you need
    1

    Find and select the coverage you need

    Choose a convenient payment plan that suits you best
    2

    Choose a convenient payment plan that suits you best

    Get your policy documents in your inbox instantly
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    Get your policy documents in your inbox instantly

    3 Kinds of Risks That General Liability Insurance Protects You From

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    Bodily Injury

    If a client or visitor gets injured at your place of business or because of your work, general liability insurance helps cover medical costs and legal expenses, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

    Insurance Savings

    Property Damage

    Accidentally damage a customer’s furniture, computer, or space while doing your job? This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacements, and protects you from being sued.

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    Personal & Advertising Injury

    You can be held liable for things like slander, libel, or using copyrighted materials without permission. General liability insurance helps cover legal defence and any settlements if these claims arise.

    You Built Your Business. General Liability Insurance Helps Protect It.

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    As a business owner, your customers trust you to create a safe environment, whether they’re walking through your doors, using your product, or meeting you on-site.

    Whether you run a retail shop, contract services out of your van, or operate an office, clients and the public expect things to go smoothly and safely.

    But all it takes is one accident. A customer trips over a loose mat, a delivery knocks over a client’s antique vase, or a competitor claims your ad used their slogan. Even if the issue feels minor, you could be pulled into an expensive legal battle.

    That’s where general liability insurance comes in.

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    Whether You’re a Freelancer or Have a Full Team, You Need Protection from Everyday Business Risks.

    Accidents happen, even when you do everything right. General liability insurance helps shield your business from common legal claims tied to bodily injury, property damage, and reputational harm.

    Even if the claim is dropped, legal defence costs can be steep. Insurance gives you the coverage and peace of mind to keep your business moving forward.

    You’re not just running a business. You’re protecting your livelihood.

    FAQs About General Liability Insurance

    It covers legal costs and damages if your business is held responsible for third-party bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury. If someone slips and falls at your shop or you accidentally damage a client’s property, general liability helps protect your business.

    Yes, especially if clients visit your home office or you do business off-site. Accidents can happen anywhere, and general liability helps protect you from common risks no matter where you work.

    General liability isn’t legally required in most provinces, but many landlords, clients, or event organizers will require it before signing a lease or contract. It’s often considered a basic requirement for doing business.

    That depends on your business type, location, and risk exposure. Many businesses start with a $1–2 million policy limit, but APOLLO can help tailor coverage to match your needs.

    No. General liability only covers damage to third-party property. To protect your own space, equipment, or inventory, you’ll need commercial property insurance or a business owner’s policy (BOP).

    How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost in Canada?

    Every business is different. That’s why we tailor your price to your real-world risks.

    The cost of general liability insurance depends on the nature of your business, where you operate, how often you interact with the public, and a few other factors. Some businesses pay more, some pay less. It all depends on your unique risk profile.

    With APOLLO’s online platform, you can get a personalized quote in less than five minutes. No paperwork, no phone calls. See your coverage options instantly and choose what works for you.

    Just like your business, your coverage should be tailored—not one-size-fits-all.

    Here’s What Affects the Cost of Your Policy:

    Your Business Type

    Some industries carry more risk than others.

    A contractor working on-site every day will face different risks than a web designer working from home. That risk level is reflected in your premium.

    How Often You Interact With the Public

    More foot traffic means more potential for accidents.

    Businesses that regularly welcome clients or customers on-site—like salons, retail stores, or fitness studios—may have higher premiums than businesses that operate behind the scenes.

    Location

    Where you operate can impact pricing.

    Premiums may vary depending on your province or city, especially in areas where legal claims or repair costs are higher.

    Number of Employees

    More people, more exposure.

    If you have a team, your policy needs to account for the risk of their interactions with customers. Solo business owners typically pay less.

    Claims History

    A clean record helps you save.

    If your business has a history of claims, that could increase your premium. But even with past claims, coverage is still affordable and accessible.

    General Liability Insurance Is a Business Essential, Not Just a Backup Plan

    General liability insurance does more than help you when accidents happen. It helps you operate with confidence, meet requirements, and grow your business responsibly. Here’s what it makes possible:

    Get approved for leases and contracts – Landlords, vendors, and clients often require proof of insurance before signing a lease or agreement. General liability coverage helps you meet those expectations fast.

    Show you're a professional – A Certificate of Insurance tells others you take safety seriously and run a responsible business. It adds credibility and builds trust with customers and partners.

    Access more opportunities – Want to work at markets, pop-ups, trade shows, or shared spaces? Many require general liability insurance just to get in the door.

    Grow with peace of mind – Whether you're expanding locations, hiring staff, or taking on more clients, general liability insurance gives you a solid safety net as you scale.

    Stay protected from everyday risks – Even small incidents, like someone slipping on your floor or a tool scratching a client's wall, can turn into big expenses. General liability covers legal fees, property damage, and injury claims so a simple accident doesn’t derail your business.

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    What Clients & Contracts May Require from Your Business

    Certificate of Insurance (COI)
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    Certificate of Insurance (COI)

    Many landlords, event organizers, and commercial clients require proof of general liability insurance before they’ll work with you or lease you space. A COI confirms your business is protected—and with APOLLO, you get it instantly after purchasing online.

    Minimum Liability Limits
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    Minimum Liability Limits

    Some contracts require $1M or $2M in general liability coverage, especially for physical spaces or high-traffic environments.We let you choose the limit that suits your business and satisfies client or venue requirements.

    Additional Insured or Endorsements
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    Additional Insured or Endorsements

    You may need to name your landlord, venue, or client as an “Additional Insured” on your policy. Our platform makes it easy to request and customize endorsements so you can stay compliant without slowing down.

    PRO TIP: Check your requirements early.

    PRO TIP: Check your requirements early.

    Knowing the exact coverage and endorsements needed can save you time and help you get the deal faster with APOLLO’s instant documents.

    Liability Quiz

    Yes. Even if you took all reasonable precautions, you could still be held responsible for injuries that happen on your property or during your work. That’s where general liability insurance steps in.

    Yes. If you meet clients at your home office or do off-site work, you still face liability risks. General liability insurance covers you no matter where you operate.

    You’re likely responsible for repair or replacement costs—and possibly legal fees. General liability helps cover those expenses, even if it was an honest mistake.

    Yes. Legal action can be taken even if you're not at fault. General liability insurance helps cover your defence costs, so you're not paying out-of-pocket just to prove you did nothing wrong.

    The Cost of Not Having General Liability Insurance

    Scenario

    Out-of-Pocket Cost (Without Insurance)

    Covered By Insurance?

    A customer slips and falls in your store and sues for injury-related medical bills.

    $15,000–$100,000+ (medical costs + legal fees)

    ✔ General Liability

    You accidentally damage a client’s expensive equipment while working on-site.

    $5,000–$50,000+ (replacement + liability claim)

    ✔ General Liability

    A competitor claims your marketing slogan infringes on their trademark.

    $10,000–$75,000+ (legal defence + settlement)

    ✔ General Liability (Advertising Injury)

    Someone trips over your equipment at a trade show and sues your business.

    $10,000–$80,000+ (legal costs + compensation)

    ✔ General Liability

    You’re denied entry to a shared workspace or market because you don’t have proof of insurance.

    $2,000–$25,000+ (lost opportunity)

    ✔ Certificate of Insurance

    Top 5 Mistakes Business Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

    Accidents can happen in any size operation. Whether you run a team or work solo, you’re still responsible if someone gets hurt or property is damaged because of your business.

    Home-based businesses still face third-party risks. If a courier slips on your porch or you damage a client’s space off-site, you could still be held liable.

    Many commercial spaces, vendors, or event organizers require proof of general liability insurance. Not having it can delay or cancel opportunities.

    Insurance can’t protect you retroactively. General liability only covers incidents that happen after your policy starts, so don’t wait until it’s too late.

    Your home or auto insurance usually won’t protect you from business-related claims. You need a separate general liability policy to cover your operations.

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    © 2025 APOLLO Insurance Solutions Ltd.

    777 Hornby St, Suite 600, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1S4.

    APOLLO Insurance Agency Ltd. (o/a APOLLO Brokerage in the province of Ontario only) is a licensed retail brokerage, offering our clients with a comprehensive set of insurance solutions to meet their individual needs. APOLLO Insurance Agency Ltd. maintains necessary corporate licensing in provinces across Canada. Availability of products and service depends on licensing and product availability. The information that appears on this page is provided for information purposes only. Advertised products and prices are not guaranteed and vary based on insurance provider and/or insurance company's discretion and product availability.

    Transparency and Disclosure: APOLLO Insurance Agency's role is to provide you with exceptional service and the best insurance products that suit your needs. As a licensed retail brokerage, our compensation is based on a commission basis already built into your insurance premium and varies based on the product purchased through our platform. For a description of how APOLLO Insurance Agency is compensated and how this is calculated, please refer to our Compensation Disclosure document. For consumers in Ontario, please review the RIBO Conduct Fact Sheet and the RIBO Conduct Guidance document.