General Liability Insurance for Texas Contractors

This is the one coverage almost every contractor needs. General liability protects your business when someone else gets hurt or their property gets damaged because of your work. We see this all the time — a GC won't let you on site without it, a property manager needs a COI before you start, or a client wants proof you're insured before signing the contract. It's the foundation everything else is built on.

What It Covers

✓Third-party bodily injury — someone gets hurt on your job site or because of your work
✓Third-party property damage — you damage a client's property or a neighboring structure
✓Personal and advertising injury — libel, slander, copyright infringement claims
✓Medical payments — minor injury costs regardless of fault
✓Products and completed operations — claims that come in after the job is done
✓Legal defense costs — attorney fees, court costs, settlements (this is where the real money is)

Who Needs This Coverage

→Any contractor working on residential or commercial projects
→Subcontractors required to show proof of insurance to a GC
→Contractors bidding on jobs that require a COI
→New contractors setting up their first policy
→Self-employed tradespeople working on client property

Common Claims We See

⚠A painter accidentally damages a client's hardwood floor with a paint spill — the homeowner wants $8,000 for refinishing

⚠A plumber's work causes a water leak that ruins drywall and flooring in a finished home

⚠A visitor trips over tools left on a job site and breaks their wrist — now there's a lawsuit

⚠An electrician's completed work causes a short that fries a client's appliances two months later

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does general liability cost for contractors in Texas?

For most small contractors, general liability starts around $500–$1,500 per year. The actual cost depends on your trade, revenue, claims history, and coverage limits. Higher-risk trades like roofing or concrete typically pay more than lower-risk trades like painting. We shop multiple carriers to find you the best rate.

What limits do I need?

Most contracts require $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Some commercial jobs or GCs may require higher limits — that's where umbrella/excess coverage comes in. We'll help you figure out what you actually need.

Does general liability cover my employees?

No — and this is where things go wrong for a lot of contractors. General liability covers third-party claims — injuries to people who are NOT your employees. For employee injuries, you need workers' compensation insurance.

Can I get a COI the same day?

Once your policy is bound, yes — we can typically issue a certificate of insurance the same day. We know you can't wait three days to start a job.

Ready to get covered?

Get your free quote from multiple carriers.