General Liability Insurance

Protecting your business starts with the basics—and general liability insurance is the foundation many Chattanooga companies rely on every day.

General liability insurance is one of the most essential policies for businesses in Tennessee and throughout the region. From retail storefronts in Hixson to independent contractors working job sites in Cleveland and Dalton, liability risks are everywhere. At Patriot Insurance Solutions, we help local businesses get the right general liability protection—coverage that helps pay for third-party injuries, property damage, and legal defense costs. Whether you're required to carry coverage for a lease, a license, or simply want to protect your assets, general liability is a smart first step.

Why Every Local Business Needs General Liability Insurance

A white car is parked on the side of the road in front of a house.

What Is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance (GL) is the foundation of most business insurance programs. It protects you against claims from people outside your business—like customers or vendors—if they’re injured or suffer property damage due to your operations. It also pays for legal fees if you’re sued for covered incidents. GL coverage is often required to sign leases, obtain licenses, or bid on contracts in Tennessee.

Who Needs It? (Hint: Almost Everyone)

From plumbers and electricians to yoga studios and retail shops, nearly every business in the Chattanooga area faces liability risks. If you interact with the public, advertise your services, or enter client spaces, general liability insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. We work with:

  • Contractors and construction crews
  • Restaurants, cafés, and food trucks
  • Retail stores and salons
  • Cleaning services and landscapers
  • Home-based and mobile businesses

What Does It Cover?

A standard GL policy protects your business from:

  • Bodily injury – Like if a customer slips in your store or a falling object injures someone at your worksite
  • Property damage – If you accidentally damage a client’s home, furniture, or equipment
  • Personal & advertising injury – Including libel, slander, or copyright infringement
  • Medical payments – Small claims coverage that may help avoid lawsuits
  • Legal defense & court costs – Even if you're not at fault

What’s Not Covered?

GL doesn’t cover everything. You’ll need:

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

Most Tennessee businesses start with a $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate policy. Higher-risk industries may need more. Patriot can help you customize coverage limits to meet vendor contracts, franchise requirements, or landlord requests.

Local Knowledge. Personal Guidance. Tailored Protection.

At Patriot Insurance Solutions, we don’t just sell policies—we help Chattanooga businesses understand and manage risk. We know the requirements for contractors bidding on city projects, the insurance certificates retailers need for local markets, and what restaurant owners must show their landlords. Whether you’re a solo LLC or scaling fast, we’ll help you find liability protection that fits your operation and your budget.

Common Questions About General Liability Insurance

  • Is general liability insurance required in Tennessee?

    No state law mandates it for all businesses, but it’s commonly required by landlords, clients, and project owners. Even without a legal requirement, it’s one of the most important policies you can have.

  • What’s the difference between general liability and professional liability?

    General liability covers bodily injury or property damage claims. Professional liability covers mistakes or negligence related to your services—like if you give faulty advice or miss a deadline. Many businesses carry both.

  • Can I bundle general liability with other coverages?

    Yes. A Business Owners Policy (BOP) combines GL with commercial property insurance, often at a discount. It’s a great fit for small businesses like shops or restaurants.

  • How much does general liability insurance cost?

    Premiums vary based on your industry, number of employees, and coverage limits. Most small businesses in Chattanooga pay between $400–$1,500 per year. Contractors or higher-risk businesses may pay more.

  • What if someone sues me even if I didn’t do anything wrong?

    Legal defense is included in most GL policies—even if a claim turns out to be groundless. This is one of the most valuable parts of having coverage.