GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Running a business comes with real-world risks — but getting protected shouldn’t feel overwhelming. At Wisco Insurance, we help Wisconsin businesses secure general liability coverage that protects against accidents, claims, and unexpected disruptions. Whether you operate a storefront, provide services, or work on job sites, we make it easier to understand your options and choose coverage that supports your business today and as it grows.
What General Liability Insurance Can Cover
Bodily Injury to Others
Helps cover medical expenses, legal costs, and damages if someone is injured at your business location or as a result of your operations. From a customer slipping in a Janesville office to an on-site incident at a Kenosha job location, this coverage helps protect your business from costly claims.
Property Damage
Pays for repairs or replacement if your business accidentally damages someone else’s property. This can include damage caused during service visits, installation work, or everyday business activities performed off-site.
Personal and Advertising Injury
Provides protection against certain reputation-related claims, such as libel, slander, or allegations tied to advertising content. As businesses maintain a growing online presence, this coverage helps address risks tied to marketing and communications.
Legal Defense Costs
Helps cover attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses if your business is sued — even if the claim lacks merit. Legal costs can escalate quickly, and liability coverage helps prevent these expenses from becoming a major financial setback.
Products and Completed Operations Coverage
Protects your business if a product you sell or a service you’ve completed later causes injury or property damage. This coverage is especially important for contractors, manufacturers, and service providers across Wisconsin.
Why Wisconsin Businesses Need Liability Protection
It’s Often Required by Law or Contract
Many commercial leases, vendor agreements, and professional licenses in Wisconsin require proof of general liability insurance before work can begin or space can be occupied.
Slip-and-Fall Claims Are Common
Slip-and-fall incidents, accidental damage, or customer injuries can happen even when businesses follow best practices. Liability coverage helps protect against these everyday risks.
It Protects Your Reputation and Assets
A single lawsuit can result in significant legal costs and settlements. General liability insurance helps shield your finances, reputation, and long-term operations from unexpected disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every business in Wisconsin need general liability insurance?
While Wisconsin law doesn’t require general liability insurance for every business, most companies still need it to operate smoothly. Many landlords, clients, vendors, and municipalities require proof of liability coverage before signing leases, approving contracts, or allowing work to begin. Businesses in Janesville, Kenosha, Brodhead, and throughout the state often find that general liability insurance is essential for protecting against everyday risks — even for small operations or home-based businesses.
What is typically covered under a general liability policy?
General liability insurance typically covers bodily injury to others, property damage caused by your business, certain personal or advertising injury claims, and legal defense costs related to covered claims. For example, if a customer slips and falls at your business location or your work accidentally damages a client’s property, the policy can help cover medical bills, repairs, and legal expenses. This type of coverage forms the foundation of protection for many Wisconsin businesses.
What types of claims are NOT covered by general liability insurance?
General liability insurance does not cover damage to your own property, injuries to employees, or professional mistakes related to advice or specialized services. It also typically excludes intentional acts, auto-related accidents, and cyber incidents. Wisconsin businesses often pair general liability with other policies — such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, commercial auto, or cyber coverage — to address these gaps and create more complete protection.
How much general liability coverage does a small business typically need?
Coverage needs vary based on the type of business, customer interaction, contract requirements, and overall risk exposure. Many Wisconsin small businesses start with standard limits, but some industries — such as contractors, manufacturers, or customer-facing operations — may need higher limits to meet contractual obligations or protect against larger claims. Reviewing your operations, location, and future plans helps determine coverage levels that balance protection and cost.
Can general liability insurance help cover defense costs if I’m sued?
Yes, general liability insurance typically includes coverage for legal defense costs related to covered claims, even if the lawsuit is ultimately found to be without merit. Attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses can add up quickly, making defense coverage one of the most valuable aspects of a general liability policy. For Wisconsin businesses, this support helps prevent legal disputes from becoming major financial setbacks.