General liability vs. a BOP
General Liability
Can help with covered third-party injury, property damage and personal or advertising injury claims.
Business Owner’s Policy
Combines general liability with selected commercial property and business income coverage.
A certificate request may involve several coverage types. Send us the actual requirements so we can review the requested policies, limits and endorsements.
Who we cover
Contractors
Service trades, operations, contract requirements and requested endorsements.
Cleaning
Janitorial businesses — liability needs for work at client properties.
Landscapers
Outdoor services — property damage and jobsite exposures.
Retail & Salons
Customer-facing operations and eligible business property.
Food Service
Restaurants, cafes and food trucks — liability and equipment reviews.
Professional
Offices and specialized premises; professional liability analysis.
Coverage options to review
General liability typically includes:
Third-party bodily injury
A customer or visitor hurt because of your business operations.
Third-party property damage
Property you damage while doing your work, including at client sites.
Products & Ops
Claims arising after your work is done or your product is sold.
An eligible BOP may include:
Commercial property
Your equipment, tools, inventory, furniture, and improvements to your space.
Business interruption
Lost income and ongoing expenses if a covered event shuts you down.
Optional add-ons
Equipment breakdown, hired and non-owned auto, cyber, and more.
Contracts and certificates
Bring us the insurance requirements before work begins. We review required limits and requested endorsements, including additional insured status where available. Certificates describe the coverage issued; they do not expand it. Special wording and endorsements may require carrier review.
How to get covered
We review your operations and contract, compare available options, and confirm binding in writing. Timing depends on complete information and carrier approval.
01
Share details
Share your operations, property details and contract requirements. Timing is key; get us the info early.
02
Review options
Review coverage options, limits, exclusions and pricing. Carrier approval timing varies.
03
Confirm binding
Approve your selected coverage; we confirm binding in writing and arrange certificates. Special endorsements may require carrier review.
Frequently asked questions
Licensed California Insurance Broker - License #0L87147.
Is general liability required by law in California?
Requirements depend on your business structure, license and contracts. Many clients, landlords and general contractors require general liability. A certificate may also need to show other policies, such as workers’ compensation or commercial auto. We review the requirements with you.
What limits do I need?
Start with the limits and endorsements specified in your contracts, then consider the risks of your work. We can review available limits and umbrella options; the right choice depends on your operations.
What is the difference between general liability and workers comp?
General liability covers injuries and damage to people outside your business - customers, clients, and their property. Workers comp covers your own employees when they are hurt on the job. Most small businesses with staff need both, and we can write them together.
Can I get a certificate of insurance today?
Certificates are issued once coverage is bound. Additional insured endorsements, special wording or changes to coverage may require carrier approval, so send us the requirements early.
Does a BOP cover my tools and equipment?
A BOP typically covers eligible business property at insured locations. For tools that travel to jobsites or are kept in vehicles, we recommend reviewing specialized coverage options to ensure your essential gear is protected during transport and on-site.