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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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3 Kinds of Risks That General Liability Insurance Protects You From
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
What does general liability insurance actually cover?
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.
I work from home. Do I still need general liability insurance?
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.
Is this coverage required by law?
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.
How much coverage do I need?
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.
Does general liability insurance cover damage to my own property?
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.
What Clients & Contracts May Require from Your Business
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Am I liable if someone slips and falls in my shop—even if it wasn’t my fault?
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.
Do I need insurance if I run my business from home?
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.
What if I accidentally damage a client’s property while on the job?
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.
Can I be sued even if I didn’t do anything wrong?
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)
1. Thinking general liability is only for big businesses
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.
2. Skipping coverage because you work from home
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.
3. Overlooking requirements in leases or contracts
Many commercial spaces, vendors, or event organizers require proof of general liability insurance. Not having it can delay or cancel opportunities.
4. Waiting until something goes wrong to get insured
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.
5. Assuming your personal insurance has you covered
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.