General Liability Coverage

The foundation of your business protection

If you own or operate a business in Montana, general liability insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re running a storefront in Missoula or working job sites across Western Montana, this coverage protects you from claims that could otherwise shut you down. We’ll help you understand what it covers, what it doesn’t, and how to make sure your policy fits your business.

What It Can Cover

Real risks, real protection

General liability insurance helps cover the everyday risks that come with running a business. Here’s what it typically includes:

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Bodily Injury

 If someone is hurt on your property or job site—like a customer slipping on a wet floor—you’re covered for medical bills, legal costs, or damages.

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Property Damage

Covers damage you accidentally cause to someone else’s property while working, whether at your shop, a client’s home, or on the road.

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Legal Defense Costs

If you’re sued over something your policy covers, this helps pay for attorney fees, court costs, and settlements—even if the lawsuit has no merit.

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Medical Payments

Helps cover small medical bills without a lawsuit if someone is hurt around your business and needs quick care.

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Advertising Injury

Protects you if you’re accused of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or false advertising—common in today’s online world.

General Liability FAQ

The basics, explained simply

  • Is general liability insurance required in Montana?

    It’s not legally required for all businesses, but many landlords, clients, and licensing boards do require proof of general liability coverage. Even if it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended. One injury claim or property damage lawsuit can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. This policy helps you stay in business if something goes wrong.

  • What types of businesses need general liability insurance?

    Any business that interacts with the public—like restaurants, contractors, retail shops, and service providers—should have this coverage. It’s also important for mobile businesses and home-based operations that visit client locations. If there’s a chance someone could get hurt or accuse you of causing damage, general liability is a smart move. We can tailor it to your size, industry, and risk level.

  • What does a general liability policy cover?

    It typically covers bodily injury to others, property damage, medical payments, and legal defense costs. Some policies also include coverage for things like libel, slander, or advertising injury. If a client trips and falls in your office or you accidentally damage someone’s property on the job, this policy helps pay for the damages. We’ll walk you through the specifics of what’s included.

  • What’s not included in general liability insurance?

    It doesn’t cover your employees (that’s workers’ comp), business-owned vehicles (that’s commercial auto), or intentional harm. It also won’t cover damage to your own tools, gear, or building—you’d need property insurance or inland marine for that. That’s why general liability is often just one part of a complete plan. We help you build a package that fills in the gaps.

  • How much does general liability insurance cost in Montana?

    It depends on your business type, location, number of employees, and history of claims. A small office-based business may pay a few hundred dollars a year, while a contractor with more exposure might pay more. We work with multiple carriers so we can shop around and find a good price for the coverage you actually need.