If you own a small business in Houston, chances are you've been asked for a certificate of insurance at least once — and just as often, you weren't sure whether the policy you had actually covered what was being asked for. Two of the most commonly confused policies are general liability and commercial property insurance.
What general liability covers
General liability (GL) covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. If a customer slips in your lobby, if your contractor damages a client's kitchen while installing a countertop, or if a defective product you sold injures a buyer — general liability is the policy that responds.
What commercial property covers
Commercial property covers your business's own physical assets — the building you own or lease, inventory, equipment, furniture, and improvements. If a fire damages your storefront or a burglar takes $30,000 in tools, commercial property is what pays to rebuild and replace.
Why business owners need both
Most Texas businesses need both, and most bundle them together in a Business Owner's Policy (BOP). A BOP combines GL and commercial property into a single policy at a lower rate than buying them separately — usually starting around $65/month for a small office-based business.
Common gaps
Two coverages often missing from BOPs but critical in 2026: cyber liability (data breaches, ransomware) and employment practices liability (wrongful termination, harassment claims). Both are excluded from standard GL and should be considered.
If you're not sure what your current policy covers, we'll review it for free and flag any gaps. There's no obligation — most owners walk away with a clearer picture of their coverage even if they don't switch.
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