Michigan General Liability Insurance

If you're running a business in Michigan, you understand the importance of being properly and adequately insured to protect yourself—and your business—from any unexpected financial losses or damages. General liability insurance is often a key coverage for many companies, and knowing what it covers can be pivotal when deciding which type of plan is right for your needs.

Oakland Insurance Agency is a proud provider of general liability insurance in Michigan, and we understand the importance of having this coverage. We strive to keep our clients well-informed on the benefits and requirements of getting a policy that suits their unique situation.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our policies and general liability insurance in Michigan. Our online insurance calculator is also a great tool to see how much you could save on your premiums.

General liability insurance is a type of commercial business insurance that protects businesses from financial losses resulting from third-party claims such as bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury (including libel and slander), and medical payments. It is one of the most common types of insurance for businesses of all sizes, as it helps protect them from the high costs associated with litigation or other types of claims.

Bodily injury: Includes claims for physical harm, such as a customer or visitor who trips and falls on your premises.

Property damage: Commonly covers damage to a third party’s property caused by the business.

Personal and advertising injury: Covers claims such as libel, slander, copyright infringement, and false advertising.

Medical payments: Reimburses medical expenses to a third party hurt on your premises.

Legal defense costs: Covers legal fees and other related expenses in the event of a lawsuit.

To be successful in protecting a business from financial losses, it's important to understand the purpose of general liability insurance. The primary purpose is to provide coverage for expenses related to third-party lawsuits or claims, including court costs and damages awarded to the plaintiff. It also provides coverage for legal defense costs, should your business be sued. Additionally, it can help protect your business from financial losses due to errors, omissions, or negligence in the services you provide.

It’s important to note that general liability insurance does not cover every potential claim a business may face. That’s why many businesses—particularly those in the professional services industry—opt also to have professional liability insurance, which provides coverage for claims related to negligence or errors and omissions in your professional services. Professional liability insurance is also known as errors and omissions (E&O) coverage, and it provides protection against claims made against a company for the services it provided.

At Oakland Insurance Agency, we understand the complexities of both types of coverage and can help you determine which type of policy is right for you.

While the state of Michigan doesn't legally require businesses to have general liability insurance, there are certain types of businesses that should consider obtaining a policy. Generally, any business that potentially has exposure to third-party claims should consider getting a policy. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Restaurants
• Retail stores
• Professional services such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and lawn care providers
• Daycare centers
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Landscaping companies
• Home health care providers
• Auto repair shops
• Manufacturers and distributors
• Beauty salons and barbershops
• Property owners or landlords
• Nonprofit organizations
• Commercial real estate developers
• Event and wedding planners
• Photographers and videographers

Other types of businesses may also need general liability insurance, depending on the type and level of risk associated with their operations.

Purchasing general liability insurance in Michigan is fairly easy and straightforward. In seven simple steps, you can have the protection your business needs:

1. Research: Take some time to research the different types of policies available and compare coverage, deductibles, and premiums between providers.
2. Establish Needs: Identify the specific risks and exposures associated with your business, so you can select the right coverage that meets those needs.
3. Get Quotes: Request multiple quotes from reputable insurance providers in your area.
4. Review Your Options: Compare the policies side by side to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your business.
5. Make a Decision: Choose the policy that provides the most coverage for the best price.
6. Purchase: Once you’ve made your decision, sign the paperwork and pay for your policy.
7. Review and Adjust: Constantly review your coverage to make sure it's still adequate, and adjust as needed.
8. Understand Your Policy: Make sure you understand your policy, so that you know what is covered and when to use it.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for general liability insurance in Michigan is to do your research and compare policies before making a decision. Doing so can help you make sure that you are getting the best coverage for your business at a price you can afford. Oakland Insurance can help you navigate through the various liability policies to best cover your insurance needs

The cost of general liability insurance in Michigan varies based on a number of factors, including the type and size of your business, the scope of coverage you need, the limits of liability you select, and any additional endorsements or riders you add. Other factors that impact the cost include the industry and region in which your business operates, as well as the claims history of the business.



On average, businesses in Michigan can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per year for a general liability insurance policy. However, the actual cost will depend on the factors mentioned above.

When you file a claim, the insurance company will investigate to determine whether they owe you the benefits outlined in your policy. During this process, they may ask you to provide documentation such as medical records, repair estimates, and proof of ownership.

It’s important to remember that the claims process can take some time, so it’s important to be patient. If you feel that your claim is being unfairly denied or delayed, you can contact the insurance company and ask for a review. Oakland Insurance works with your best interest as our focus throughout the claim process.

At Oakland Insurance Agency, we understand that each business has its own unique needs. That’s why we offer a variety of general liability policies tailored to meet your specific needs. We work with multiple carriers to ensure that you get the best possible rate on your policy.



If you’re looking for general liability insurance in Michigan, contact us today for a free quote. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents are here to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you!