Business insurance
General liability insurance in Raleigh, NC
The foundation of most business insurance programs.
What it is
General liability covers claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage, along with certain advertising injuries. Many contracts and leases require it.
Every policy is different, and exact coverage depends on the insurance company and the options you choose. We’ll walk you through the details before you buy.
What we can help you cover
- Customer and third-party injuries
- Damage to someone else’s property
- Personal and advertising injury
- Legal defense costs
What general liability covers
Commercial general liability (CGL) responds when your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property, such as a customer slipping in your shop or a crew damaging a client’s floor. It also covers personal and advertising injury, like libel or copyright claims in your marketing, and products and completed operations claims after a job is done.
Defense costs are typically paid in addition to the limits, and that legal defense is often the most valuable part of a claim.
What it does not cover
General liability does not cover your own property, injuries to your employees, vehicles, or mistakes in professional advice. Those need commercial property, workers’ compensation, commercial auto and professional liability (E&O). Many small businesses get liability and property together in a business owner’s policy.
Certificates, contracts and additional insureds
Raleigh landlords, general contractors, event venues and larger clients regularly ask for a certificate of insurance and to be named as an additional insured, sometimes with waiver of subrogation or primary and noncontributory wording. We read the contract requirements with you and make sure the policy actually includes the endorsements they ask for.
Quick quote
Start your quick quote
Answer a few questions in our business (general liability) quick quote form. A Shadow Lake advisor reviews every request and follows up with you.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much general liability do I need?
Many small businesses start with $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate because that is what landlords and clients often require. Higher limits usually come from an umbrella policy.
How quickly can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once a policy is in force, we can usually issue certificates quickly. Use our certificate request form and include the holder’s details and any contract wording.
What does General Liability Insurance typically cover?
General liability covers claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage, along with certain advertising injuries. Many contracts and leases require it. Exact limits, deductibles and exclusions depend on the policy and the insurance company, so we review the details with you before you buy.
Do you only insure people in Raleigh or North Carolina?
Our office is in North Raleigh, and we work with neighbors across the Triangle every day. As an independent agency we also help clients nationwide when we have markets that fit.
How do I get a quote for general liability coverage?
Start the quick quote form on this page, call or text our office, or request a quote online. An advisor reviews every request and follows up — usually within one business day.
Will you compare more than one insurance company?
Yes. Shadow Lake is an independent agency, so we shop multiple top-rated carriers for you instead of selling a single brand. Availability depends on the coverage, your location and underwriting.
Do small businesses in North Carolina need workers’ compensation?
North Carolina generally requires workers’ compensation once you have three or more employees, with some exceptions. Rules vary by business type — ask us if you’re unsure how they apply to you.
What’s the difference between general liability and a BOP?
General liability focuses on third-party injury and property-damage claims. A business owners policy (BOP) often packages liability with business property. We’ll help you see which structure fits.
General Liability Insurance near you
Our office is on Six Forks Road in North Raleigh, and we help households and businesses across the Triangle and nationwide.
Guides about general liability insurance
- General Liability Insurance for Raleigh Small Businesses: What It Covers and What It Doesn'tA plain-English guide to general liability insurance for Raleigh, NC small businesses: what it covers, common gaps, limits, certificates of insurance and when you need more.
- Contractors Insurance in Raleigh, NC: What Builders and Trades NeedContractors insurance in Raleigh, NC: general liability, workers' comp, sub certificates, tools, trucks, builder's risk, bonds and what GCs ask for.
- Running a Business From Home? Your Homeowners Policy May Not Cover ItHomeowners policies often limit or exclude business property and liability. What Raleigh home-based business owners should know and which coverage to ask about.
- Business Owner's Policy (BOP) in Raleigh, NC: What It Covers and Who QualifiesHow a business owner's policy works for Raleigh small businesses: what a BOP bundles, common add-ons, what it leaves out, and who qualifies.