General Liability Insurance Dallas TX

General Liability Business Insurance, dallas TX

Protect Your Business with Confidence

General liability insurance helps to protect your business from lawsuits, accidents, and contract requirements with coverage built around your day-to-day risks.

At the Thumann Agency in Dallas, we can compare policies from 80+ top-rated insurance companies to find general liability coverage that fits your risks and your budget. We believe general liability insurance should be simple, supportive, and stress-free from quote to claim.

Request a liability quote | Call us 972.991.9100

A lady outside her shop with GL insurance

What Is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance, also called business liability or commercial general liability (CGL), helps protect your business from common third-party claims. It’s a core policy for Texas business owners because it wraps broad protection into a single policy.

This coverage helps safeguard your business from financial losses resulting from:

  • Bodily injury to customers or visitors

  • Property damage to someone else’s belongings

  • Personal or advertising injury such as libel, slander, or copyright issues

Without this protection, you’d be responsible for these potentially significant costs out of pocket.

General liability insurance is especially important if you:

  • Work on client property

  • Have customers visiting your premises

  • Advertise your services online or in print

  • Sign leases, contracts, or subcontracts that require proof of coverage

Think of it as a foundation for your business protection plan.

 


How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost?

For small businesses in Dallas and throughout Texas, typical general liability insurance premiums are roughly:

  • Most very small, low-risk businesses:
    about $40–$80 per month ($480–$960 per year)

  • Average small business range:
    about $70–$150 per month ($850–$1,800 per year)

  • Higher-risk industries (contractors, construction trades, etc.):
    often $100–$250+ per month (and more if limits are higher or there are claims)

What drives the price up or down:

  • Type of business and risk level (contractor vs. consultant)

  • Annual revenue / payroll

  • Location and claims history

  • Coverage limits (e.g., $1M / $2M vs higher limits)

  • Whether it’s standalone GL or part of a BOP

See a deeper breakdown in our guide to average general liability insurance costs in Texas and Dallas. 

Tip: Many Dallas businesses save money by bundling coverage in a Business Owners Policy (BOP) when eligible. Maintaining the right insurance is crucial for your business finances and provides financial protection against unexpected losses. Learn more ways to save on business insurance costs without sacrificing coverage.

 

 


Still Confused About What General Liability Coverage You Actually Need?

Insurance shouldn’t feel like a guessing game – it should feel like peace of mind.

We’ll help you cut through the noise and put the right protection in place. Safeguard your Dallas business from costly lawsuits, accidents, and everyday risks with tailored General Liability Insurance.

Why businesses trust the Thumann Agency

More Options, Better Fit
Access to 80+ top-rated insurance companies Dallas businesses know and trust – including Travelers, Chubb, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide & more – so your general liability policy is built around your risks, not a one-size-fits-all form.

Fast, Same-Day Certificates
Quick turnarounds on quotes and certificates of insurance (COIs) so you can sign leases, start jobs, or meet contract requirements without delays.

Customized Liability Protection
Coverage tailored around your industry, contracts, job sites, locations, and employees, including additional insureds and contract wording when you need it.

Texas Risk Specialists, Based in Dallas
Local advisors who understand North Texas weather, lawsuit trends, and local business regulations, and how they affect your general liability needs.

Trusted Since 1996
Thousands of Texas businesses rely on us for ongoing guidance, renewals, and coverage reviews year after year – not just a quote once and done.

Start your quote | Talk to an agent

 


Who Needs General Liability Insurance?

Nearly every type of business that interacts with clients, customers, or third-party property can benefit from general liability insurance. While it isn’t legally required for all businesses in Texas, it is commonly required by:

  • Landlords and property managers

  • General contractors

  • Lenders and project owners

  • Licensing authorities and professional boards

Common Dallas Businesses That Rely on General Liability:

  • Construction & Contractors: General contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, painters

  • Professional Services: Consultants, architects, engineers, designers

  • Retail & E-Commerce: Storefronts, boutiques, online retailers with product exposure

  • Hospitality & Food: Restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks, catering services

  • Personal Services: Salons, barbers, trainers, cleaners, pet services

  • Creative & Media: Photographers, videographers, marketers, content creators

If a client, visitor, or vendor could claim that your business caused them injury or damage, you likely need this coverage.

Not sure if you need general liability insurance? Our Dallas agents can review your operations and contracts and tell you exactly where you might be exposed.

 


What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?

General liability insurance is designed to protect your business from everyday legal and financial risks arising from normal operations, including many of the common claims businesses face, such as slip-and-fall injuries, property damage, and personal injury lawsuits.

Key Coverages Include:

  • Bodily Injury
    Covers medical and legal expenses if a non-employee is injured at your location or because of your business activities, including medical bills and personal injury claims.
    Example: A customer trips over a loose mat in your office and breaks their wrist, or a client injures themselves while getting up from a massage table at your spa.

  • Property Damage
    Pays for accidental damage you cause to someone else’s property.
    Example: Your employee accidentally breaks an expensive fixture while working in a client’s building.

  • Medical Payments
    Offers limited, immediate coverage for medical expenses without needing a lawsuit or proving fault.

  • Personal and Advertising Injury
    Protects against claims such as libel, slander, copyright infringement, or misleading advertising.

  • Legal Defense Costs
    Covers attorney fees, legal fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments, even if the claim is groundless.

  • Damage to Rented Premises
    Helps pay for accidental fire or other covered damage to a property you rent for your business.

What’s Typically Not Covered:

  • Employee injuries (usually covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance – [link to your Workers’ Comp page])

  • Professional errors or bad advice (covered by Professional Liability / E&O Insurance – [link to your E&O page])

  • Damage to your own business property (covered by Commercial Property Insurance – [link to your property page])

  • Auto accidents involving business vehicles (auto accident coverage is excluded and handled by Commercial Auto Insurance – [link to your commercial auto page])

Our team will walk you through what’s included, what isn’t, and what additional policies you may need so there are no surprises at claim time.

insurance comparison chart

 

General Liability Insurance for Contractors

General liability insurance is crucial for contractors who face daily risks that could result in costly claims or lawsuits. It’s often a requirement for obtaining licenses or winning contracts, making it not only a smart investment but also a necessary one in today’s competitive market.

Contractors frequently work on client properties, where the chances of accidental injury or property damage are high. Insurance helps cover these incidents, protecting both the business and its reputation.

Liability insurance also includes legal defense coverage, handling attorney fees and potential settlements if a lawsuit arises from a job site injury or damage.

With options like blanket additional insured endorsements, contractors can meet standard insurance requirements and confidently move forward with projects.

For more information Contractors can dive deeper in our guide to liability insurance for Texas contractors.

**For a full package including GL, tools, commercial auto, and more, visit our contractors insurance in Dallas, TX page.

 


Legal Requirements and Fees for Dallas Businesses

Running a business in Dallas isn’t just about opening the doors – you also have to stay on top of local rules, fees, and insurance requirements so nothing comes back to bite you later.

Licenses and Permits

Most Dallas businesses will need some mix of registrations and permits, for example:

  • Registering with the Texas Secretary of State – often the first step when you form an LLC or corporation.

  • Sales tax permit – currently free in Texas but required if you sell taxable goods or services.

  • Industry-specific licenses – such as food establishment permits, professional licenses, or contractor registrations.

  • Alcohol service permits – for bars, restaurants, and venues (usually with application and renewal fees).

Skipping the right license or permit can lead to fines, delays, or even being shut down, so it’s worth checking what applies to your specific industry.

Typical Fees to Plan For

Beyond insurance, you may also see costs for:

  • Local or county registrations

  • Health and safety inspections

  • Specialized industry approvals or certifications

These fees vary depending on what you do and where you’re located in the Dallas area, but planning for them upfront helps avoid surprise bills later.

Where General Liability Fits In

General liability insurance isn’t a license, but it does play a big part in staying compliant and credible:

  • Many landlords, general contractors, and clients in Dallas require proof of general liability before they’ll sign a lease or contract.

  • It helps protect you from third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims – common risks for most businesses.

  • Carrying liability insurance shows clients, partners, and lenders that you’re serious about meeting standards and protecting your business financially.

If you’re not sure what your leases, contracts, or trade requirements expect you to carry, our team can review them with you and help you line up the right general liability coverage and limits.

 

 


Protect More, Pay Less with a BOP

A Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles key coverages into one package - typically at a lower cost than buying separate policies. It usually includes:

  • General liability insurance

  • Commercial property insurance

  • Business interruption coverage

A BOP can help protect:

  • Your building (if you own it)

  • Your office or shop contents

  • Tools, equipment, and inventory

  • Lost income if you have to temporarily close due to a covered event

Example: If a fire damages your Dallas office, a BOP may help pay for repairs, replace business contents, and cover lost income while you’re unable to operate.

You can also add other coverages, depending on your needs, such as:

  • Professional Liability / E&O

  • Cyber Liability

  • Commercial Auto

  • Workers’ Compensation

We’ll help you decide whether a BOP or a standalone general liability policy makes more sense for your business, based on your industry, contracts, and budget.

 


What Dallas Business Owners Say About the Thumann Agency 

100+ Google reviews - Dallas business owners trust us with their general liability coverage for clear advice, fast certificates, and support when it counts. 

We moved our account to this agency to have an agent closer to home. We found them very professional and easy to work with. The agent who took our account was Roshondra Norman; she was terrific. She was very knowledgeable and she went the extra mile for us. Our thanks to her and the agency.

Nida did an outstanding job finding an underwriter to insure my small LLC consulting business. Quick, thorough and professional. Highly recommended! 

Desni Cox went above and beyond to constantly update my insurance to help get me the lowest costs! Highly recommend this company, very quick responses and kind people.

Read our Google reviews

 


FAQ's about General Liability Insurance in Dallas, TX

How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost?

Many small businesses in Texas pay somewhere between $40 and $150 per month for general liability insurance, with higher-risk industries paying more. Your exact price depends on your industry, size, claims history, and coverage limits.

Is general liability insurance required by law?

General liability insurance is not legally required in Texas for all businesses. However, many landlords, clients, or contracts do require proof of liability insurance before doing business with you. It's a smart way to protect your Dallas business from costly lawsuits or property damage claims.

How can I manage my liability insurance policy?

You can manage your business liability insurance easily by working with a local expert like Thumann Agency. We help Dallas businesses adjust coverage, update policy details, add certificates of insurance (COIs), and handle renewals with ease.

Is general liability insurance tax deductible?

Yes, in most cases, general liability insurance premiums are considered a tax-deductible business expense. Check with your tax advisor to confirm how deductions apply to your business in Dallas, TX.

Does general liability insurance cover theft?

No, general liability insurance does not cover theft of your business property. Theft is usually covered under a commercial property insurance policy or a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). For full protection, ask Thumann Agency about bundled coverage options in Dallas.

Does general liability cover professional mistakes?

No. General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage, not professional errors or negligence. For that, you'll need Professional Liability Insurance, also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance.

Can high-risk businesses get general liability insurance?

Yes! Even high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, or contracting can qualify for general liability insurance for business in Dallas, Texas. Thumann Agency specializes in finding coverage options tailored for businesses with elevated risk profiles.

Does your company need a different type of liability insurance coverage?

Yes, depending on your business type, you may need more than just general liability insurance. For example, service-based businesses might need professional liability, while retailers may need product liability. An insurance advisor can help you choose the right coverage for your specific risks.

What is the difference between General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability coverage?

General Liability Insurance protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. In contrast, Professional Liability Insurance covers claims related to errors, omissions, or negligence in the services you provide. Many Dallas businesses need both policies for full protection.

 


Last Updated: 12.08.2025

Author: Steve Thumann, Licensed Texas Insurance Broker.
**Sources: Texas Department of Insurance, **National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Coverage details vary by provider. Contact us for a personalized quote.